Stapleford man sentenced after operating unlicensed kennels

A successful prosecution has been brought against a man operating an unlicensed boarding kennels in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire.

Craig Halls pleaded guilty to two offences of causing unnecessary suffering to dogs and to operating boarding kennels without a licence between March and August 2023.

Nottinghamshire Police were made aware of a potential problem at Stapleford Luxury Boarding Kennels over the August Bank Holiday weekend in 2023 when it was reported that owners could not contact Halls and could not collect their dogs.

They attended site and found dogs being boarded in appalling conditions; they were locked into their kennels without food or water and hadn’t been checked on for days. Many of the dogs were in a poor state of health with matted fur and weight loss and were sitting in their own urine and faeces.

With the help of the RSPCA, Beeston Police reunited the dogs with their owners. The RSPCA also removed Halls’ own dogs due to neglect.

A joint investigation was undertaken under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which resulted in Broxtowe Borough Council prosecuting Halls for operating without a licence, and the RSPCA prosecuting for animal neglect.

Halls had previously held a licence for Stapleford Luxury Boarding Kennels, but this expired 30 June 2021. Since that time he had not applied to renew the licence, despite reminders being sent.

Halls was given a 26-week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, and an indefinite disqualification order preventing him from owning, keeping, dealing and transporting any animals.

He was also ordered to pay £500 costs to the RSPCA and a £1,000 contribution to the council’s costs.

Councillor Milan Radulovic, Leader of the Council, said: “We are continuously working to prevent illegal traders from boarding, selling and breeding dogs and other animals and urge people to be vigilant and report concerns.”