A Swindon woman has been sentenced to eight weeks in prison after she sold illegally imported puppies from puppy farms in Southern Ireland.
Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police and the RSPCA the woman was sentenced to imprisonment for fraud by false representation.
Helen Kay Moorey, aged 55, of Idstone Road, Swindon, was found guilty at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 11 October, of five counts of fraud by false representation under sections 1 and 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.
Moorey was sentenced to 8 weeks’ imprisonment at the same court on Wednesday following a two day trial there.
Her conviction is in connection with a 14 month investigation by Thames Valley Police and the RSPCA in regard to the illegal importation of border collie puppies from puppy farms in Southern Ireland. Moorey was advertising and selling puppies claiming that they were home bred from her own two adult border collies.
She also claimed that they were vet checked, deflead and wormed. Members of the public who purchased the puppies were left with animals who were often extremely ill, not vet checked and required urgent medical care.
Investigating officer, Sergeant Alan Hawkett of Hungerford Downlands neighbourhood team, based at Newbury police station, said: “Moorey who also sold animals through the name of Helen Costello, preyed on honest, animal loving, members of the public for her own financial gain.
“She had no regard for the safety and wellbeing of the animals in her care or the impact emotionally and financially on those that purchased the puppies.”
“We would advise anyone who wishes to purchase a dog, you research the seller and only purchase from an established breeder.
“For advice on how to purchase a puppy safely please go to the Kennel Club website.”
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