CONVICTED (2024) | illegal dog breeder Edith Nishanthy Nixon of Monkton Close, Stanhope, Ashford TN23 5ET – neglected multiple puppies in her care, leading to many dying through malnourishment.
Nixon was prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 for illegally breeding dogs. The case was brought by Ashford Borough Council.
She was responsible for breeding at least 10 litters of Pomeranian pups between 2020 and 2022 without holding an animal activity licence for dog breeding.
She advertised her dogs through social media and also placed adverts on classified site Freeads.
After receiving a complaint from a buyer of one of the dogs, the council carried out an investigation.
Nixon admitted that a number of puppies had died due to a lack of milk, and demonstrated a lack of basic care or knowledge which could have prevented the suffering and deaths of the pups.
She failed to act promptly when the pups were first noted to be subdued and lethargic, with a lack of understanding of how to tell if pups were dehydrated.
There was also no process in place to monitor the pups’ healthy growth and food intake through regular weighing.
On 13 March 2024, Nixon pleaded guilty to the offences at Folkestone Magistrates Court.
Cllr Liz Wright, Cabinet Member for Communities and Health, said: “This case sends out a clear message that the council will not tolerate the flouting of licensing laws that regulate this sector.
“The checks, inspections, and monitoring associated with licensing help to ensure that premises are suitable for dog breeding, that the licensee is competent, and that the welfare of the dogs and pups is not compromised through the breeding activity.
“It also acts to give buyers confidence that the pets they purchase come from a reputable breeder, who is subject to routine and unannounced inspection.”
Speaking after the court case, RSPCA Kent Chief Inspector Nick Wheelhouse said: “Puppies have become a valuable commodity and, unfortunately, that has attracted people who want to exploit them in order to make profit.
“Sadly, some breeders do not prioritise the health and welfare of their dogs, and unsuspecting members of the public unknowingly buy puppies who are sick.
“We’d urge anyone who is thinking of getting a dog to consider taking on a rescue instead of buying a puppy. Anyone who is looking for a puppy can use The Puppy Contract to help them buy a happy, healthy dog.”
Sentencing | 100 hours of unpaid work; costs of £2,701.50 and victim surcharge of £114. No mention of a ban.
