Woman's three-year ban on operating pet shop - 07/02/07
A three-year ban on operating a pet shop has been imposed on a
Barry woman by Vale of Glamorgan magistrates.
Margaret Pring, who admitted two offences in July and August
last year of failing to provide suitable accommodation for pets at
her shop, "Kate's Pets," at Main Street, Cadoxton, was
conditionally discharged for a year.
Pring, of Charter Avenue, was also ordered to pay a contribution
to Vale Council costs of £300.
The court heard that the shop had ceased trading in August last
year.
Prosecuting for the Council, Richard Price said that, despite
advice and assistance from officers attached to the Council's
licensing division, Ms Pring had failed to comply with conditions
relating to a Pet Shop licence granted in January, 2006.
When the shop was visited in July last year animals were being
kept in unsuitable and dirty conditions in overcrowded cages which
were soiled with faeces and urine and in which water and food
containers were contaminated.
The lack of adequate hygiene posed a health risk to the animals,
staff and members of the public, added Mr Price.
Following the case, Cabinet Member for Legal and Regulatory
Services Cllr Chris Franks said: "I am extremely pleased with the
outcome of this case, and the disqualification imposed on Ms Pring
reflects the seriousness of the situation found by licensing
officers.
"It is important for members of the public to be aware that the
Council's licensing officers use prosecution only as a last resort,
preferring to work with businesses to achieve compliance.
"Unfortunately, on this occasion it was necessary for officers
to escalate their actions to protect the health, safety and welfare
of both the animals and the public."