JOANNE GODDARD FROM BURTON-ON-TRENT BUSTED FOR ILLEGAL PUPPY FARM DEALING

Joanne Marie Goddard, a resident of 112 Cumberland Road in the Stapenhill area of Burton-on-Trent, was found guilty in connection with illegal puppy trading activities. The case was brought forward by the charity organization Animal Protection Services, which specializes in safeguarding animal welfare and enforcing related laws.

Goddard, born around 1988, faced charges under two significant pieces of legislation: the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2018. During the court proceedings, she admitted to engaging in the business of selling puppies without possessing the necessary licensing required under the Animal Welfare Act. Her illegal activities took place over a span of a few weeks, specifically from June 15 to July 4, 2020.

Furthermore, she confessed to being involved in a commercial practice that involved selling animals as pets without the proper authorization. This unlicensed operation was conducted during the same period, highlighting a deliberate breach of animal welfare and consumer protection laws. Despite her claims that she did not personally profit from these transactions, her involvement in the illegal puppy trade was clear and substantiated by the charges.

In sentencing, the court imposed a fine of £400 on Goddard. Additionally, she was ordered to pay court costs amounting to £5,890.32 and a victim surcharge of £40. Her activities also resulted in a two-year ban from dealing with dogs, which is set to expire in July 2023. This case underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities and animal welfare organizations to clamp down on illegal puppy farms and protect vulnerable animals from exploitation and neglect in Burton-on-Trent and surrounding areas.