Dog breeder banned over animal welfare offences

A labradoodle breeder from Nottinghamshire has been banned from operating after being convicted on animal welfare offences.

Tracy Hovell made more than £140,000 breeding dogs while operating her "Briemdoodles" business from her home in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

An investigation by Ashfield District Council found the 62-year-old had committed multiple offences, including over breeding, failing to keep puppies with their mothers and not offering constant access to fresh drinking water.

She was sentenced on Monday following a trial at Nottingham Magistrates' Court.

Hovel, who now lives in Queen Street, Worksop, was found guilty of six offences under the Animal Welfare Regulations 2018.

She also failed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and parasites and failed to provide the local authority with documentation requested about the dogs she used for breeding and the puppies born and sold.

Hovell has been disqualified from owning animals, participating in the keeping of animals, dealing animals and transporting animals.

The court ruled she was allowed to keep one of her dogs as a pet.

Hovell, formerly of Parkway, Sutton-in-Ashfield, was also fined £800, ordered to pay costs of £3,000 and a victim surcharge of £360.

Tom Hollis, deputy leader at Ashfield District Council, said: "It is important animals are protected against unscrupulous breeders.

"Where people do breed in Ashfield, the council will ensure regulations are adhered to, to ensure the health, wellbeing and welfare of the animals are protected."

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