ELZBIETA TARNOWSKA'S ILLEGAL GERMAN SHEPHERD BREEDING OPERATION IN NEWDIGATE REVEALED

Elzbieta Tarnowska, also known by her previous alias Teresa Bartlett, has been found guilty of operating an illegal dog breeding enterprise in the United Kingdom. Originally from Poland, Tarnowska previously resided at Diligent Drive in Milton Regis, Sittingbourne, Kent, but has since relocated to Burnt Oak Farm on Burnt Oak Lane in Newdigate, Dorking, with the postal code RH5 5BJ.

Her conviction stems from her involvement in breeding German Shepherd puppies without the necessary licensing, a violation of animal welfare laws. Tarnowska was specifically found guilty of breeding three or more litters of puppies within a single year and advertising her business, Kayadinowska German Shepherds, which sold dogs without holding the appropriate permits. This illegal activity was uncovered following an investigation initiated in 2022, triggered by noise complaints from residents about incessant barking from her property.

Concerned neighbors and members of the public raised allegations that Tarnowska was engaging in unlicensed breeding practices. Authorities responded by conducting a thorough inspection of her former residence in Diligent Drive, Milton Regis, which she had since vacated. During this inspection, authorities discovered seven adult German Shepherds living in the property, which had been extensively modified to accommodate a large number of dogs and puppies. The property’s adaptation indicated a significant operation that went beyond typical pet ownership.

In 2019, the Swale Borough Council explicitly refused Tarnowska’s application for a dog breeding license. The refusal was primarily due to the excessive number of dogs kept at her residence, which was deemed unreasonable and unsuitable for the size and facilities of the property at that time. Despite her denial of the charges, Tarnowska faced a trial at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court in August 2024. The prosecution presented substantial evidence, including online advertisements for her dogs, witness testimonies, and other relevant documentation, which led the court to find her guilty of the offences.

Following her conviction under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, Tarnowska was scheduled for sentencing on September 30, 2024. While specific details of her punishment have not been publicly disclosed, reports indicate that the court considered her poor physical health and financial struggles during sentencing. As a result, she was subjected to a curfew, with no additional penalties imposed at that time.

Since relocating to Newdigate in Surrey, Tarnowska has taken steps to legitimize her activities by applying for a dog breeding license from her local authority. Additionally, she has established a business called Surrey Studs, which appears to be an attempt to operate within legal boundaries. Despite her efforts to formalize her breeding activities, her past illegal operations have brought significant attention to her case, highlighting ongoing concerns about animal welfare and unregulated breeding practices in the region.