CONVICTED (2023) | puppy farmer Virginia Nelson aka Virginia Mahon, born 30 October 1978, a traveller from Hallbankgate, Brampton CA8* – for animal welfare and fraud offences relating to unlicensed breeding.
Nelson admitted failing to be licenced for the activity of selling animals as pets in the course of a business.
Investigations into Nelson started in August 2022, following a report of the sale of a six-year-old dog, who was advertised as a one-year-old.
The buyer also reported that the dog had ear and skin infections. A vet later concluded that the animal could have avoided unnecessary suffering with timely vet treatment.
A separate report was made after Nelson sold a five-week-old puppy that was too young to be away from her mother and did not have the appropriate vaccinations.
This activity is a breach of Lucy’s Law, legislation which prohibits the sale of animals without a licence.
Sentencing | fined £140, ordered to pay £2,500 costs and a £56 surcharge. Disqualified from dealing in animals for three years (expires November 2026).
*alternative address: 5 Gelt Rise, Brampton CA8 1PN.