SARAH BLISS FROM DAGLINGWORTH CAUSES DOG'S DEATH AT ILLEGAL CIRENCESTER BOARDING KENNELS

Sarah Bliss, a resident of Upper Rectory Farm in Daglingworth near Cirencester, has been found guilty of serious animal welfare violations related to her unlicensed dog boarding operation. The incident, which resulted in the tragic death of a dog named Fig, has brought to light concerns over unregulated pet care practices in the area.

Bliss, who is also known for her involvement with the Cotswold Hunt, operated a boarding kennel at her home address without the necessary licensing. This illegal activity came under scrutiny after authorities discovered that she was caring for dogs without proper authorization, despite previously holding a valid license that had lapsed. The court was informed that Bliss had taken on new bookings after her license expired, neglecting the legal requirement to renew it.

The case centered around an incident in August 2022, when Fig was left in Bliss’s care at her boarding kennels. The court heard that during a period of intense heat, Bliss failed to monitor the dogs adequately. Over a span of six hours, she did not provide sufficient oversight or take measures to protect the animals from the extreme temperatures. This neglect led to the dog suffering from heatstroke, a condition that ultimately proved fatal.

Despite the severity of the situation, Bliss did not take appropriate action to prevent the suffering of Fig. The dog was taken to a veterinary practice later that day, but unfortunately, the heatstroke had caused irreparable harm, leading to its death. The authorities emphasized that Bliss’s failure to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals in her care was a clear breach of animal welfare laws.

In court, Bliss pleaded guilty to two charges: operating an unlicensed boarding kennel and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. She admitted to neglecting her responsibilities and failing to safeguard the health of the dogs under her care. Following her conviction, Bliss closed down her kennels, ceasing all related activities.

As part of her sentencing, she was ordered to pay a fine of £2,000 and a victim surcharge of £400. The case has sparked discussions about the importance of licensing and regulation in pet care services, highlighting the risks posed by unlicensed operators. The incident serves as a stark reminder to pet owners to verify the credentials of boarding facilities and to authorities to enforce animal welfare laws strictly.

For more updates, Sarah Bliss’s Instagram account can be viewed here.