An unlicensed kennels and cattery in Welham Green has been hit with a £64,000 following a lengthy investigation.
Glendee Kennel and Cattery and company owner, Georgina Armstrong, were found guilty of running a cat and dog boarding business without a licence, being hit with the costly fine at St Albans Magistrates Court on February 28.
Both the company, based in Dixons Hill Close, and Armstrong were also given a four-year disqualification from owning or participating in the keeping of cats and dogs.
The council first began investigating Glendee Kennel and Cattery when the premises failed to renew its licence in March 2021.
Despite receiving several warnings and instructions on how to comply with the law, the owners of the premises failed to apply for a new licence to provide boarding and day care for animals.
READ MORE: Kennels fined £10k after operating illegally since 2021
In May 2022 and March 2023, council enforcement officers visited the premises and confirmed that they were operating illegally, and warrants were executed.
Legal action was taken, with both the company and Armstrong prosecuted on June 21, 2023, for trading without a licence under The Animal Welfare Act 2006.
"One of our key priorities is to run an effective council and I would like to thank the officers involved in achieving a second successful prosecution," said Councillor James Broach, executive member for governance.
"Having a licence in place ensures that animal boarding facilities meet the necessary animal welfare standards and we urge residents to ask to see a valid animal boarding or breeding licence before using a kennels or purchasing a puppy."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here