A WOMAN has pleaded guilty to a series of animal welfare offences.
It comes after Lichfield District Council’s environmental health officers found 32 dogs, including 12 puppies, inside Georgina Bodle’s rented home in Drayton Bassett in March 2023.
Some of the floors of the three-bedroom semi-detached property were covered in faeces and there was a strong smell of urine.
A number of the dogs were found in cages unable to move, while others had no access to water.
The investigation began after the council received complaints that Bodle was advertising a number of services from her home in Portleys Lane, including breeding dogs, dog boarding and a whelping service.
The 31-year-old, who did not have a licence, failed to cooperate with environmental health officers, leading to them obtaining a warrant to enter her home.
Bodle, who no longer lives at the property, appeared at Cannock Magistrates Court on 20th January and pleaded guilty to five offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
She was bailed to return there for sentencing on 27th March.
Lichfield District Council cabinet member Cllr Alex Farrell said:
“This was a dreadful case where a significant number of dogs were found being kept in atrocious conditions in a small, rented property.
“Some of the dogs were not owned by Bodle but were entrusted into her care by unsuspecting members of the public.
“Motivated by greed, Bodle was caught failing to meet the needs of the dogs and the court will now determine what sentence is appropriate.
“I hope this sends a message that our environmental health officers will take robust action against anyone neglecting animals in Lichfield District.”