A WOMAN from Woolsery has been found guilty of the illegal breeding of dogs after an investigation by Torridge District Council.

Tara Coshall of Woolsery (Woolfardisworthy), Devon was found guilty of breeding dogs without an animal activity licence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Torridge District Council has welcomed the successful conclusion of an animal welfare prosecution.

In October 2025, Torridge District Council received complaints from buyers of Golden Retriever puppies. After collecting their puppies, the new owners subsequently found the puppies were suffering from biting lice infestations. Puppies had sores, scabs and were scratching. The puppies required veterinary treatment, and one puppy developed profuse diarrhoea.

Officers from Torridge District Council attended Coshall’s site, shortly after receiving the initial complaint. The conditions the dogs were found to be living in were poor. This was described by officers as dirty, smelly, some cramped in a ‘storage’ cupboard, and some had no or little water.

A spokesperson for Torridge District Council said: “The outside run was covered with carpet pieces which may have contributed to the biting lice infestation. One bitch who had puppies was over eight years old.

“As a blatant tact to deceive buyers, Coshall had set up a puppy viewing/play pen where conditions were much better, for potential buyers to view and meet the puppies. Sales from two litters of puppies amounted to £21,000.

“Coshall had a working knowledge and awareness of the Animal Licensing Regulations having previously held a license which she cancelled in 2023, stating that she was no longer breeding dogs.

“Officers also noted that Coshall transported all 15 puppies to the vet in the back of a small van, without being restrained/contained in any way. In the event of a road traffic accident, it would have been highly likely that the puppies would have been injured inside of the van.”

Councillor Philip Hackett, lead member for public health and community safety at Torridge District Council, said he welcomed the guilty verdict.

He added: "This case highlights how important it is to buy animals from businesses who hold an appropriate animal activity licence with their local authority. Such businesses meet stringent welfare criteria, under a licensing regime that sits under The Animal Welfare Act 2006.

"Unlicensed breeders will often find underhand ways of showing their puppies to prospective buyers, portraying a living environment which is often drastically different behind the scenes. This was a deeply concerning case, with animals found living in appalling conditions and suffering as a result. I would like to thank the TDC officers and all those involved in bringing this case to a successful prosecution."

Torridge District Council added that it advises anyone of thinking of buying a puppy or looking to employ the services of a home boarder or dog daycare, to check that the business is licenced.

Businesses that are licenced can be found on the Torridge District Council public register at www.torridge.gov.uk/article/19968/Public-registers

Pet sitters do not require a licence as they tend to animals in someone’s own home.