A PUPPY  breeder has been ordered to repay almost £50,000.

Alastair Chambers, aged 43, of Manor Farm Way, Quedgeley, sold puppies without a licence.

He has now been ordered to pay £49,823 to Gloucester City Council within six months or risk a prison sentence of up to three years.

A confiscation order, under the Proceeds of Crime act 2002 was made at Gloucester Crown Court by His Honour Judge Lawrie on Wednesday, June 12.

Chambers had previously pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act of breeding dogs without a licence and selling pets without a licence between June 2020 and May 2021.

On December 20, last year, Chambers was sentenced to an 18 Month Community Order with 150 hours unpaid work to be undertaken within 12 months and ten days rehabilitation activity.

He was also disqualified from dealing with animals including transporting them for 10 years.

A spokesperson for Gloucester City Council said: “As the licensing authority it is our responsibility to ensure that anyone who breeds dogs complies with all of the regulations, which are there to ensure the welfare of these animals.

"We hope that this case will serve as a deterrent to anyone who is thinking of breeding animals without the proper facilities and paperwork in place.

"Anyone who is not following these rules risks investigation and ultimately prosecution.”