CONVICTED (2021) | puppy farmer George William Miller, born July 1991, previously of Woodlands Drive, Heysham, but as of May 2024 of of Loupsfell Drive, Morecambe LA4 4SB – for the illegal sale of dogs.
Miller, a traveller, was charged with two offences relating to the illegal sale of dogs.
The proceedings were brought by Animal Protection Services, and follows the charity’s investigation into the unlicensed sale of puppies in the North West.
Miller pleaded guilty to the crime of the unlicensed sale of animals as pets under the animal welfare act as well as the unlawful sale of pets in regards to consumer protection laws.
Miller made more than £15,000 from sales of Miniature Dachshunds, Cockapoos and French Bulldogs.
Animal Protection Services representative, Jacob Lloyd told LancsLive that Cockapoos, a crossbreed of Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, are the most commonly farmed dog seen by the charity.
He said: “We see Cockapoos all the time, they are the most popularly farmed breed that we’ve come to see.
“There are just the breed of choice at the moment, there is a huge demand for this sort of working cross breed.
“We are also seeing a huge increase in organised crime taking advantage of this demand, it is something that is fuelling the increase in dog thefts throughout the country.”
Animal Protection Services investigated Miller after he sold several dogs through the Pets4Home website.
Jacob says the investigation was difficult but ultimately worth the efforts of the charity as Miller pleaded guilty to both animal offences and was slapped with a hefty fine.
He added: “Trading of puppies without a licence is not acceptable. The undermining of the statutory licensing regime is a risk to animal welfare and consumer protection.
“The illegal puppy trade has become a low risk, high reward trade and we are determined to ensure that opportunists and organised criminals are brought before the courts to face justice.”
Sentencing | ordered to pay £1,173 in fines and a £900 contribution to prosecution costs. He was disqualified from dealing in dogs (both selling and breeding) for three years (expired March 2024).
Update | May 2024
Miller was convicted alongside Bolton man Lewis Sheridan of hare coursing offences in Lincolnshire. They received a 10-year Criminal Behaviour Order and around £4,500 in fines.
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