Bedfordshire kennel loses licence for animal welfare breaches

Woburn Forest Kennels, in Bedfordshire, has lost its licence and been fined after receiving complaints regarding animal welfare.

In April 2022, an unannounced inspection by Central Bedfordshire Council’s animal welfare licensing team uncovered violations of licence regulations and animal welfare issues, after a complaint from a member of the public.

Following the investigation in May 2022, Stephenie Staples, the licensee and proprietor of Woburn Forest Kennels, Fordfield Road, Millbrook, had her home boarding licence for dogs revoked.

A subsequent enquiry by the animal welfare licensing team revealed that, despite the licence revocation, Staples continued to operate Woburn Forest Kennels. She was found to be boarding dogs in unlicensed kennels, providing day care and overnight kennelling. This action constitutes a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, as she operated an animal boarding establishment without a licence, an offense triable in court.

Staples pleaded guilty to this offense at Luton Magistrates court and was convicted. As a result, she received a fine of £1,854 and is now prohibited from operating any animal boarding establishment in the future, as well as any other animal activity regulated under The Animal Welfare Regulations.

Councillor Rebecca Hares, Central Bedfordshire Council’s Executive Member responsible for Health and Community Liaison, said: “We’re pleased with the outcome of this court case, and we want to keep urging our residents to report any concerns they may have to us. This helps us uphold our high standards for animal welfare.

“Additionally, we strongly encourage pet owners to refer to our regularly updated list of licensed businesses. This promotes a safe, regulated environment for their beloved pets.”