Conservative councillor ran illegal puppy farm in Gloucester
Date of alert:
Wednesday, 29 June 2022
Crime Ref:
Force:
Gloucestershire Constabulary
A Conservative councillor ran an illegal puppy breeding farm in Gloucester and allegedly passed off a deaf cross-breed dog as a healthy American XL Bully pup, a court heard.
Alastair Chambers, 41, bred and sold dogs from his farm, and when police raided his home officers found more than 25 dogs in tunnels and kennels.
Gloucestershire Magistrates’ Court heard Chambers, who is a Gloucester City Council and Gloucestershire County Council councillor, has admitted two Animal Welfare Act offences of breeding and selling dogs without a licence.
Mark Jackson, prosecuting, told the court that in July 2020 Gloucester City Council received a report from a member of the public alleging unlicensed dog breeding and puppy sales.
The council wrote to Chambers and the police executed a search warrant finding 25 to 30 dogs inside three “poly tunnel” style structures.
Chambers was later warned by the council he must not operate as a dog breeder until he had a licence, the court heard.
