Crime Solicitors

Sheffield City Council’s Environmental Protection Service has taken action against a Sheffield man for selling puppies illegally imported from abroad.

The city’s environmental protection team investigated after receiving a complaint about the condition of a dog seen at the premises by a person who had seen the puppies advertised.

Officers from the Council and RSPCA visited the premises where six puppies were found – two English Bulldogs and four pugs.

In a formal interview, Istvan Kiss admitted that all the puppies had been brought into the UK for sale, but was unable to show the correct notifications or documents.

Officials had previously advised Mr Kiss in February 2016 about the need to ensure puppies were only brought into the country with the correct documentation. Investigations showed that Mr Kiss had been given the same advice when he imported puppies in Peterborough, where he lived previously.

At Sheffield Magistrates’ Court, Istvan Kiss, 46, of Burngreave Road in Sheffield pleaded guilty to bringing dogs into the UK without the correct health certificate – and without notifying the appropriate government department that they were being imported.

He was fined £3,000 with costs of £350 and a victim surcharge of £120.

After the hearing, Cabinet Member for Environment at Sheffield City Council, Councillor Bryan Lodge, said:

“Individuals importing pets in this way are trying to avoid the strict import controls that have helped keep Britain’s pets and wildlife protected from the most serious of diseases for many years.

“We are pleased that the magistrates have supported our action, as the damage that such an outbreak might cause is immeasurable.

“We need to encourage importers to observe the correct controls to keep our country disease free.”

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving environmental offences, including illegally importing animals or livestock, fly-tipping, littering, failing to manage hazardous waste, waste carrier offences, misuse of permitted land, fisheries offences, and water, air or land pollution.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales – and more than 20 offices across London and the southeast.

A Duncan Lewis criminal solicitor can advise both companies and individuals at the start of an investigation and before environmental charges are brought, as well as attending court.

For expert legal advice on charges relating to environmental offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 0333 772 0409.