CONVICTED (2024) | Paulo Edson Esteves, born 29 April 1962, previously of Elm High Road, Wisbech – for unlicensed dog breeding and neglect of German Shepherds in his care. So-called hobby breeder Paulo Esteves was found with dogs in poor health. Brazilian national Paulo Esteves pleaded guilty to breeding dogs without a licence following an investigation by King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council. The initial tip-off came after the council’s licensing team received reports that an unhealthy adult dog had been purchased from Esteves after he had previously ignored advice about getting a licence. A search warrant was then carried out at his home in August 2023 leading to the discovery of two German Shepherd puppies suffering from ear problems and a dog that needed to be with her pups. Enquiries revealed Esteves had made £17,500 between 2022 and 2023 by selling litters of puppies to members of the public. Cabinet member for licensing Jim Moriarty said Esteves had obstructed investigators during the search. “When the warrant was executed he attempted to hide one of the seven mobile phones seized in his microwave,” Mr Moriarty said. “He ignored earlier warnings that he required a license to carry out his business and needed to look after the wellbeing of his dogs.” Sentencing | 300 hours of unpaid work; £4,000 in costs. Banned from keeping animals for three years (expires October 2027) . Wisbech Standard BBC News Eastern Daily Press