CONVICTED (2021) | illegal puppy trader and fraudster Angela Violet Smith (aka Violet Smith), born 4 November 1963, of 91 Wilton Avenue, Kidderminster DY11 5QF Smith was filmed on her doorstep with a litter of puppies she was not licensed to sell The proceedings against Smith, a traveller, were brought by Animal Protection Services, a registered charity that investigates and prosecutes organised animal cruelty. In a filmed covert operation, investigators from the charity visited Smith’s address to view French bulldog puppies. They were not allowed into the house and viewed the puppies on the doorstep. In mitigation, Smith told the court that she was on Universal Credit and that she “cannot remember how many litters she had in 2019”. District Judge Wilkinson remarked that Mrs Smith had defrauded the local authority, the taxpayer, and the benefits office. A spokesperson on behalf of Animal Protection Services said: “We are pleased with the outcome of the sentencing at court today. It is a testament to the brave work of our covert intelligence-led teams that risk their own safety to bring criminals to justice. “It is a great day for animal welfare, and we hope that the significant fine will serve as a warning to other criminals who are looking to take advantage of animals for financial profit”. Sentencing: ordered to pay a total of £5,411, including a contribution to investigation costs of £3,221. Disqualified from dealing in dogs and cats for just three years (expired April 2024). Birmingham Mail