Woman sentenced after animal cruelty case brought by Great Yarmouth Borough Council

Anthea Hewitt, 50, of Lawns Lane in Rollesby, admitted five charges of causing unnecessary suffering under section four of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and 15 charges of failing to ensure the welfare of a protected animal under section nine of the same Act.

Hewitt had originally denied the charges at a hearing last year, but earlier this year changed her plea and, on Wednesday, appeared at Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court for sentencing.

The council brought the prosecution after being alerted to potential unlicensed breeding and selling of dogs at Hewitt's address. There were also concerns about animals being kept in a poor condition at the property.

Following an inspection where animals - including 24 dogs, a number of cats, peacocks, ducks and chickens - were seen, it was decided unlicensed breeding was taking place in unacceptable conditions.

Hewitt agreed to hand over some of the animals and, at a further visit, eight huskies and three spaniel husky crosses were surrendered to the Siberian Husky Welfare Association (SHWAUK). The dogs were all in a poor condition and their care and treatment cost more than £10,000, all of which was paid for by SHWAUK.

Further visits to Hewitt's home were made by the council and the RSPCA and there was continuing evidence of puppies being sold from the property. The council then sought a warrant and attended the site in March 2024 with police, a vet and the RSPCA.

17 dogs, 18 peacocks, a goat and a rabbit were seized on welfare grounds after the conditions were deemed to be filthy. The dogs all had fleas and worms and were underweight. A further dog had to be euthanised at the property because it was so aggressive.

At Wednesday's hearing, Hewitt was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, reduced to 10 weeks due to her guilty plea. The sentence was suspended for one year.

She was also disqualified from keeping all animals for ten years and was ordered to pay £1,000 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council was previously awarded £18,000 towards the costs of bringing the prosecution, which the council is now in the process of recovering from Hewitt.

Councillor Paul Wells, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's portfolio holder for Environment and Sustainability, Licensing and Waste, said: ''This was one of the most shocking animal welfare cases our team of officers has had to deal with.

''But thanks to the diligence of our team we have been able to bring an end to the suffering of these animals. I would like to thank the police and RSPCA for their assistance and, particularly, SHWAUK, which has provided incredible support during this distressing episode.

''This matter was partly brought to our attention by vigilant and caring members of the public and we would always urge anyone to alert the council when they suspect illegal breeding and selling of animals.

''We also need to stress to people that it is vital to go through the proper processes when buying pets so we can all work together to bring an end to this cruel trade which stains our community.''