A MAN has been prosecuted after illegally breeding and selling puppies, while housing more than 50 dogs.

Ian Rosenberg, 59 and from Poole, earned £53,260 through his illegal activities, which he will have to repay.

An investigation led by BCP Council into Rosenberg’s operations ran between October 2019 and July 2022, and involved a raid of his Hamworthy property in July 2021.

During the raid by the council, Trading Standards, the RSPCA and Dorset Police, he was found to be housing 50 dogs and five litters of puppies.

At a hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court, Rosenberg was found guilty of breeding three or more litters of English Bulldog, French Bulldog and Cocker Spaniel puppies over a 12-month period.

He was also found guilty of selling the puppies without a licence.

Bournemouth Echo: Rosenborg had more than 50 dogs at his property.

Councillor Kieron Wilson, portfolio holder for housing and regulatory services at BCP Council, said: “This successful prosecution has been the culmination of lots of hard work from BCP Council and partner agencies over a lengthy period with the importance of animal welfare at its forefront, highlighting just how seriously we take this type of illegal activity.

“We’ll continue to investigate all reports of unlicensed dog breeding and come down hard on those who fail to adhere to the rules, treating these crimes in the same way as other fraudulent or acquisitive offences.

“We hope this sentencing acts as a deterrent to others and encourages everyone to follow the official protocols.”

Police constable Sebastian Haggett, of the Dorset Rural Crime Team, said: “The welfare of dogs and puppies should always be the priority for any buyer or breeder.

“Unlicensed breeders go unmonitored which can mean that welfare standards are not always maintained, much to the detriment of the animals involved.

“The result of this investigation is a good example of joint partnership working between BCP Council, the RSPCA, Trading Standards and Dorset Police, and I hope the sentence serves as a deterrent to those who illegally breed animals.”

The local authority said it is often ‘extremely challenging’ to prove unlicensed breeding.

Following initial complaints, the warrant was issued by the police, welfare checks were done by the RSPCA and the council’s Animal Welfare Officers were able to investigate at his premises.

Trading Standards carried out a financial investigation which led to the successful prosecution. Rosenberg was sentenced to two months in prison, suspended for 12 months.

He has been ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and must repay the money he benefitted from through his illegal activity, with £10,500 having to be settled within a three-month period governed by a court order.

If any of the payments default, Rosenberg will face a six-month imprisonment.

This was the first successful conviction by the council in bringing an unlicensed breeder to justice.