Two illegal puppy importers appeared before the courts last week in prosecutions brought by Anglesey Council animal health officers.

Christopher Sherlock, of Craven Arms, Shropshire, appeared at Llandudno Magistrates Court on Wednesday (1 December 2021), following his arrest.

Sherlock pleaded guilty to offences relating to the illegal importation of eight puppies that were intercepted at Holyhead Port by Border Force officers.

Sherlock was sentenced to a 10 week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, for transporting animals without authorisation. He was also ordered to pay costs of £500 and a £128 victim surcharge.

The risk that these puppies were carrying disease into the country was ignored by the defendant. The sentence passed reflects the seriousness of these matters.

During a separate hearing at Caernarfon Magistrates Court on the same day, Olga Osipova, of Lithuania, was found guilty and sentenced for offences in relation to importing puppies through Holyhead.

Osipova pleaded guilty to offences relating to trade in animals. She had been intercepted by Border Force officers at Holyhead Port with 22 puppies. Osipova was sentenced to a £392 fine and ordered to pay costs of £500 and a £39 victim surcharge.

Osipova disregarded the law in relation to trade in animals regulations, that ensure the health status of animals brought into the country.

Both cases were investigated and brought before the courts by Anglesey Council animal health officers.

Anglesey Licensing Manager, Sion Hughes, said, “Commercial transporters of animals must operate within the law and comply with importation regulations.”

“Disregarding animal health and welfare regulations for financial gain is not acceptable. These were both serious matters and we will continue to investigate breaches and bring offenders before the courts.

Ends 6 December 2021