Guilty pet shop owner banned for five years

A 37 year old man has been banned from running a pet shop after pleading guilty to selling animals without having the proper licences to do so.

Damien Winkle, pleaded guilty to the offence under the Pets Animals Act 1951 at Grimsby Magistrates’ Court after selling animals from two shops in Freeman Street, reports the Grimsby Telegraph.

He admitted selling reptiles from both DnK’s Reptiles and Reptiles To Go.

Winkle will face a £320 fine, as well as being disqualified from having a pet shop for five years. He was also ordered to pay £120 in cost and a £32 victim surcharge.

Councillor Hazel Chase said: “Anyone who sells pets as a business must have a licence in place to trade.
“This helps us make sure the animals are kept in the correct conditions, they are cared for properly and steps are taken to prevent the spread of disease.”