Illegal dog breeder from Cambridgeshire sentenced

A 38-year-old woman's been told she'll never own dogs again.

The woman from Wardy Hill in East Cambridgeshire illegally bred designer dogs in squalid conditions to profit from inflated prices during the Covid lockdowns.

She's also been banned from owning, keeping or controlling animals for 10 years.

Cambridge Magistrates' Court heard how Jackie Draper who now lives in March, had failed to meet the basic care needs of 44 dogs and puppies crammed into her rented semi-detached house. 

None had access to water, and there were faeces and urine scattered throughout the property and broken glass and faeces in the garden.

The court also heard that Ms Draper had bred 23 litters of puppies over the Covid period – many of which were underweight and required veterinary care – some with price tags as high as £5,000.

Ms Draper pleaded guilty to a number of charges.

A spokesperson for East Cambridgeshire District Council confirmed all the rescued dogs had since been re-homed including Ronnie and Daisy who are now cared for by two council officers.

"At East Cambridgeshire District Council we take concerns over animal welfare very seriously and we're committed to ensuring a level playing field for licensed dog breeders.

It is important that we take action against cruel and unscrupulous individuals who operate illegally, with no regard for the law or the welfare of the animals they are making money from.

This case has been a great example of how council officers and agencies such as the RSPCA can work together to achieve a positive outcome.

A huge thank you also goes to all of the vets, dog groomers, rehoming organisations and individuals involved in the care and rehoming of these dogs who made a very difficult situation much easier to deal with".