Tewkesbury Borough Council has successfully prosecuted two individuals for offences relating to the Animal Welfare Act 2006, Animal Licensing and Fraud Act offences.
Two Tewkesbury Borough residents, Eamon Bohan Snr and Eamon Bohan Jnr from Longford, were alleged to have been breeding and selling dogs from their home address. The dogs were advertised on various selling sites during 2019 and 2020.
Two witnesses described buying dogs from the pair in 2021. Unfortunately, one of the dogs died from leptospirosis shortly after purchase, and another dog was suffering from Giardia – both illnesses are linked to contaminated drinking water or a poor environment.
Appearing at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 21 September, both Mr Bohan Snr and Mr Bohan Jnr pleaded guilty to all offences. The case was adjourned until 5 December, when they were each sentenced to an 18-week custodial sentence suspended for one year. Bohan Snr also received 25 rehabilitation days and Bohan Jnr received 120 hours of unpaid work. Full prosecution costs were awarded to the council and a compensation order was awarded to the two victims.
Tewkesbury Borough Council’s lead member for clean and green environment, Councillor Jim Mason, said: “I am extremely gratified by the successful outcome of this prosecution. Animal cruelty is a reprehensible crime and the council will not hesitate to take action whenever we learn that such an offence is being committed.
“This verdict should act as a deterrent to anyone who neglects or ill-treats an animal in their care.”
The prosecution was undertaken by One Legal (a shared legal service) who worked on behalf of Tewkesbury Borough Council in collaboration with the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit (CFEU).
Should members of the public have any concerns regarding animal welfare, licensing or other allegations, they can contact licensing@tewkesbury.gov.uk or the CFEU at fraud.referrals@cotswold.gov.uk.
Notes:
One Legal is a legal service shared by Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council, Stroud District Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council.
A previous version of this article included an incorrect address for Eamon Bohan Snr and Eamon Bohan Jnr. This has now been amended.
