Yahoo News Dog boarding business owner ordered to pay over £2,000 for operating without a licence
The owner of a dog home boarding business in Bolton has been slammed by the council and ordered to pay £2,000.
It comes after Leonie Smethurst, the sole director of Dudley Waggins Ltd and Dudley’s Luxury Home Boarding & Dog Walking Services, was found to be operating without a licence. Ms Smethurst claimed that she was running a dog walking and dog grooming business only, which are not licensable activities.
But after complaints from members of the public, an investigation was started by the council’s licencing team.
Ms Smethurst had previously submitted three applications over three years to the council to provide day care and overnight boarding for dogs. But, all three applications fell through as she failed to provide council officers with the required documentation and completed works to the premises to enable her to be issued with a licence.
The investigation showed it didn't meet the required standards, and Ms Smethurst pleaded guilty to the offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 at Bolton Magistrates Court on Monday 24 June. When questioned by council officers Leonie said she did not board dogs, they were only being walked and groomed.
She went onto later admit that she had been keeping the dogs for hours between their 'walks'. With that Leonie was ordered to pay £1,000 fine, and costs of £1,209.
Garry Parker, Bolton Council’s Assistant Director of Environment and Regulatory Services, said: “This case sends a strong message to anyone operating an animal boarding business or day care without the appropriate licence to run it that we will prosecute them."
He continued: “Pet owners put their complete trust in these places and dog boarding and day care businesses must adhere to the legal requirements. Animal boarding businesses and day care must be inspected and approved to ensure they provide a safe and appropriate environment that meets the required standards."
Manchester Evening News has approached Leonie Smethurst for a comment.
