A rogue tenant has been prosecuted for running an illegal dog breeding service inside her filthy rented property.

Lichfield District Council was tipped off that Georgina Bodle, 31, was advertising several services from her rural home in Portleys Lane, Drayton Bassett. She failed to cooperate with environmental health officers, forcing them to obtain a warrant in March 2023.

They discovered she had 32 breeding dogs including 12 puppies and was operating a dog boarding service and whelping service without a licence.

Some of the animals were found in cages unable to move, while others had no access to water. Floors of the three-bedroom semi-detached property were covered in faeces and there was a strong smell of urine.

Five offences

Bodle, who no longer lives at the property, appeared at Cannock Magistrates Court and admitted five offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. She was bailed to return there for sentencing on 27th March. The maximum penalty for these offences is 51 weeks imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Lichfield District councillor Alex Farrell says this was a dreadful case where a significant number of dogs were found being kept in atrocious conditions in a small, rented property.

“Some of the dogs were not owned by Bodle but were entrusted into her care by unsuspecting members of the public,” he adds. “Motivated by greed, Bodle was caught failing to meet the needs of the dogs and the court will now determine what sentence is appropriate.

“I hope this sends a message that our environmental health officers will take robust action against anyone neglecting animals in Lichfield District.”

Picture credit: Lichfield District Council