Unlicensed pet business owner banned for welfare offences
A woman who ran a dog walking and boarding business in St John’s Wood, North London, has been banned from owning or being involved with dogs for 10 years for mistreating dogs in her care.
Ms Charlotte Ford was prosecuted for three animal welfare offences, including operating a day care and boarding business without the required licence, after an investigation led by the RSPCA and involving Westminster City Council’s animal welfare team and local police.
Videos received by the RSPCA, along with complaints by neighbours, showed Ms Ford walking numerous dogs in communal areas. This raised suspicions that Ms Ford was running an unlicensed business goody4paws, a walk and care service for local dogs, from her flat in St John’s Wood.
It had also been confirmed that the Metropolitan Police were looking into reports that a lady walking dogs in Regents Park not under her control, was believed to be Ms Ford.
Upon further investigation, the RSPCA received more videos showing the business owner mistreating animals in her care which included grabbing a small white-haired dog by the collar off the ground while she was trying to keep open the door to the communal entrance of the building.
Another video showed a similar situation where she grabbed a larger dark-haired dog by the collar and proceeded to drag it outside the green space outside the apartments with a reported further 10 videos received of a similar nature.
Ms Ford attended City Of Westminster Magistrates Court and was disqualified from owning and keeping dogs for 10 years. She was also sentenced to a 16-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and 100 hours of unpaid work.
She was also ordered to pay £200 costs and the dogs in her care were safely returned to their owners following a health check from a vet. The two dogs that she owned called ‘Ghosty’ and ‘Rebel’ were removed from her care and safely rehomed.
Cllr Regan Hook, Animal Welfare Champion, said: “The distressing nature of this case no doubt resonates with anyone who cares about animals — myself included. I want to thank the perseverance of our Animal Welfare team and their continued hard work with the RSPCA and Metropolitan Police.”
“People who entrust their pets with day care and walking services should have peace of mind that their pets are being looked after with the utmost care. The council’s zero tolerance should send a message that only responsible business owners are welcome in Westminster.”
