An illegal dog seller has been prosecuted in the first case of its kind at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court for two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Cumberland Council has successfully prosecuted Virginia Nelson, from Hallbankgate, who pleaded guilty on November 15.

Nelson admitted the offences of failing to be licensed for the activity of selling animals as pets in the course of a business.

Nelson was fined £140, ordered to pay £2,500 costs and a £56 surcharge, and was disqualified from dealing in animals for three years.  

Investigations into Mrs Nelson started in August 2022, following a report of the sale of a six-year-old dog, which was advertised as a one-year-old.

The buyer also reported that the dog had ear and skin infections. A vet later concluded that the animal could have avoided unnecessary suffering with timely vet treatment.

A separate report was made after Mrs Nelson sold a 5-weeks-old puppy that was too young to be away from its mother and did not have the appropriate vaccinations.

This activity is a breach of Lucy’s Law, legislation which prohibits the sale of animals without a license. 

Cllr Bob Kelly, Executive Member for Policy and Regulatory Services, said: “This illicit activity puts animals and buyers at risk. Anyone selling animals should be fully licensed to do so and must take the utmost care of their animals.

“I’m pleased to see that there was a successful conviction in this case. It sets a precedent that Cumberland Council will not accept poor welfare standards.”

When purchasing an animal, such as a puppy, it’s vitally important to check that the seller is licensed. You can do this by looking on the Cumberland Council website or by emailing animallicensing@cumberland.gov.uk.

To report a seller who you believe is unlicensed, or mistreating animals, contact Environmental Health at animallicensing@cumberland.gov.uk