PAULO ESTEVES, WISBECH DOG BREEDER, SENTENCED FOR NEGLECT AND ILLEGAL PUPPY SALES

Paulo Edson Esteves, born on April 29, 1962, and previously residing on Elm High Road in Wisbech, has been convicted in 2024 of serious offenses related to unlicensed dog breeding and the neglect of German Shepherds under his care. Esteves, who described himself as a hobby breeder, was found to be operating without the necessary licensing, despite repeated warnings from local authorities.

The case came to light after the licensing team from King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council received a series of reports indicating that Esteves had sold an adult dog in poor health. The reports suggested that Esteves had previously been advised to obtain a license but had failed to do so, raising concerns about the welfare of his animals and the legality of his breeding activities.

In August 2023, authorities executed a search warrant at Esteves’s residence in Wisbech. During the search, investigators uncovered two German Shepherd puppies suffering from ear problems, indicative of neglect or poor health management. Additionally, they found a dog that was still nursing her pups, highlighting the ongoing breeding operation. Further inquiries revealed that Esteves had made approximately £17,500 over the course of 2022 and 2023 by selling litters of puppies to members of the public, a clear indication of a commercial enterprise operating without proper licensing.

Throughout the investigation, Esteves was reported to have obstructed the authorities. Jim Moriarty, the cabinet member responsible for licensing, stated that during the execution of the search warrant, Esteves attempted to conceal one of the seven mobile phones seized by hiding it in his microwave. Moriarty emphasized that Esteves had ignored multiple warnings about the necessity of obtaining a license and the importance of ensuring the well-being of his dogs.

In court, Esteves pleaded guilty to the charges. His sentencing included a penalty of 300 hours of unpaid community work and a fine of £4,000 to cover investigation costs. Furthermore, he was banned from keeping any animals for a period of three years, a restriction that will remain in effect until October 2027. The case has drawn attention to the ongoing issues of illegal dog breeding and animal neglect in the Wisbech area, highlighting the importance of enforcement and regulation to protect animal welfare.