Sedgley man who hired out donkeys without a license slapped with £500 fine

A Sedgley has been handed a £500 fine after he admitted running an animal business with an appropriate license. Daniel Morgan ran a company called Love My Event Ltd, magistrates heard.

An investigation by Dudley Council found Morgan's company was out hiring donkeys without the correct license in place. That's despite the defendant knowing he needed one.

Morgan claimed he was going to apply for one or was no longer operating that part of the business. Without a licence in place, it meant the animals were not inspected by a vet and any public liability insurance would have been invalid.

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Morgan pleaded guilty to four offences brought against him and his company at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, June 26, contrary to sections 13(1) and 13(6) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The district judge fined Morgan £500 and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge of £200 and costs of £985.

Love My Event Ltd was fined £2,000, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £400 and costs of £985. The total amount of £5,070 was backed by a 28-day collection order.

Christopher King, head of environmental health and trading standards, said: "The licence cost associated with this type of business is only £225, a lot less than Morgan and his business will now have to pay in fines and costs. Licences are there to protect consumers and the welfare of animals and are a legal requirement when running a business of this nature.

"I’m pleased with the outcome in court and hope this is a warning to others that we will check that businesses have all their paperwork in order."