A woman today claimed a "misunderstanding" led to her prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

Now Pamela Brown, of Ullswater Road, Benfleet, is urging others to check they fully know the rules to avoid the same pitfalls.

Mrs Brown was given a two-year conditional discharge at Southend Magistrates' Court and ordered to pay £150 towards costs after she admitted breeding dogs without a licence.

It was the first time Castle Point Council had brought a prosecution for dog breeding offences. Mrs Brown was distressed by the hearing. She said all her dogs were in good, healthy condition.

She said: "They were all under the care of my vet. This was just a misunderstanding on my part. I thought you were allowed, under Kennel Club rules, to breed four litters. I did explain this to the court. I'm very sorry for what I have done."

Under the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973, if there are what are classified as two breeding bitches, a premises must be licensed.

Mrs Brown said she had previously been licensed by Castle Point Council as a dog breeder specialising in Rottweilers and German shepherds, but had given up her licence two years ago after the sudden death of her husband.

Published Friday July 2, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo