CONVICTED (2022) | unlawful puppy breeder Nathalie Bakker, born 10 July 1977, of Cheltenham Road, Pitchcombe, Stroud GL6 6LH – bred 19 French bulldogs in three litters without a licence.
Bakker, who also offers microchipping and pet-sitting services, had already lost her licence to breed puppies after a dog in her care was killed by her own dogs. But she ignored Stroud District Council’s Animal Welfare Team’s clear instruction not to breed or sell dogs without a licence, and that resulted in a court appearance and a hefty fine and costs.
Dutch national Bakker pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful breeding and selling of puppies.
She had previously held an Animal Activities Licence for both the breeding and boarding of dogs at her home address. However, in March 2021 the Council’s Animal Welfare Team revoked her licence following the investigation of an incident in which a dog in Bakker’s care at the property was attacked and killed by her own dogs.
At that time, it was made clear to Bakker that the revocation of her licence prohibited her from operating a business of boarding, breeding and selling dogs. She ignored this instruction, however, and went on to breed three litters of French bulldog puppies (18 puppies in total) and subsequently selling 15 of those puppies – all without the licence to do so.
Sentencing | ordered to pay a total financial penalty of £3,255, comprising a fine of £1,500, full costs of £1,605 and a victim surcharge of £150.