ILLEGAL PUPPY TRAFFICKERS SENTENCED IN DARLINGTON
Mother and daughter Claire and Sophie Hume, along with Sophie’s partner Kealan Hutchinson, operated an illegal puppy selling business, trafficking puppies from various sources including Irish farms and other UK locations.They boasted that selling puppies was easier than selling drugs and sold breeds such as Cavapoos for between £1,500 and £3,000.
Durham County Council investigation began in 2020 after a complaint about false advertising, revealing that around £100,000 was passed through their illegal operation between May 2020 and April 2021.
Claire Hume admitted to acquiring £42,851 illegally, Sophie Hume over £54,000, and Hutchinson £26,100.
They operated without a license, breaching animal welfare laws, and set up false accounts on platforms like Gumtree and Pets4Home.
They sourced puppies from all over the UK and Ireland, falsely claiming they were home-bred.
Sophie Hume was involved in chipping the puppies herself.
Although no evidence of mistreatment was presented, their operation was substantial and driven by profit, with all three involved in a large-scale, unlicensed commercial business.
During sentencing, Judge Christopher Knox highlighted their involvement, stating, “Claire, you are the mother figure.
You and your daughter and her cohabitee were involved in a racket.
This was something everybody knew was illegal.
These little puppies need to be tested for their welfare; and you need a licence.
This was a big business.” The court heard that Claire Hume got into debt during lockdown and saw this illegal activity as a way out of her financial difficulties.
Sophie Hume has recently moved back in with her mother with her young child.
Kealan Hutchinson’s defense included that he cannot read or write and has ADHD, and he now recognizes he has done wrong.
Sentencing was as follows: Sophie Hume received four months in custody, suspended for two years, with 20 days of rehabilitation and 80 hours of unpaid work; Claire Hume received ten months in custody, suspended for two years, with 25 days of rehabilitation and 120 hours of unpaid work; and Kealan Hutchinson received a six-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, with 20 days of rehabilitation and 200 hours of unpaid work.
Authorities emphasize that selling puppies without a license is a criminal offense under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and they will take action against such illegal activities.
