Trio given suspended jail sentences for selling puppies without a licence
THREE people have been given suspended prison sentences after selling puppies without a licence while boasting that it was easier than selling drugs.
Legal action was taken by Durham County Council against Claire Hume, 42, and Sophie Hume, 22, of Tees Drive in Darlington, and Kealan Hutchinson, 22, of Brankin Road in Darlington, after they earned between £37,000 and £60,000 from the sales. The trio started the business without a formal licence from the council and carried out the sales from May 2020 to April 2021.
Contact between the defendants showed they were acting together to sell a variety of puppies. In some instances, they were breeding dogs to sell, and there was evidence that they were even collecting puppies to then trade. Teesside Crown Court heard that further messages between the trio claimed that the business was easier than selling drugs, suggesting they were aware they were operating illegally.
Setting up false accounts on Gumtree and Pets4Home, the defendants used the platforms to advertise and sell a variety of different breeds from their home addresses. They told potential buyers that they were simply selling a domestic litter.
Evidence was presented in court that showed Sophie Hume was obtaining and carrying out chipping of the puppies herself, with data suggesting that some of the animals were originally from Northern Ireland. Although there was no evidence of any ill-treatment or neglect of the puppies, all three defendants were operating a substantial commercial business without a licence and without the usual checks and regulation that a licensed seller would need.
Sophie Hume was sentenced to four months, suspended for two years with 20 days of rehabilitation and 80 hours of unpaid work. Meanwhile, Claire Hume was sentenced to ten months, suspended for two years with 25 days of rehabilitation and 120 hours of unpaid work. Kealan Hutchinson was sentenced to six months, suspended for two years with 20 days of rehabilitation and 200 hours of unpaid work.
Owen Cleugh, acting head of community protection services for Durham County Council, said: “Selling puppies without a licence is a criminal offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and we will not hesitate to take action against anyone engaging in this illegal behaviour. The licencing laws are in place to protect both the customer and the animals.
“We encourage anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeders to contact the team and urge buyers to make sure they use a licensed breeder, who should show you their licence when asked. “You can contact the team at or on 03000 261 016 or visit: www.durham.gov.uk/DogBreeding.”
