A man from Kings Cliffe in Northamptonshire has been ordered to pay more than £53,000 after being found guilty of breeding and selling dogs without a proper licence. Edward Howard, of Stamford Road, was sentenced on February 13, 2026, following an investigation into his business involving Doberman and Whippet puppies.
The case was brought forward by North Northamptonshire Council after they became aware of the unlicensed breeding activities in June 2023. Following a two-day trial in September 2025, Mr Howard was found guilty of running a dog-related business without the required permission from the local authority.
The court handed down a total financial penalty of over £62,000. This includes the main fine of £53,130, along with £7,346 in council costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge.
As part of the sentence, Mr Howard is now banned from buying, selling, or breeding dogs for any business purpose for the next five years. This ban is effective immediately and prevents him from taking part in any dog-related activities that would require a council licence until 2031.
Council officials explained that the prosecution aims to protect animal welfare and ensure that all pet sellers follow the same rules. They advise anyone looking for a new pet to ensure they are buying from a licensed breeder and to always see the puppy with its mother at the place where it was bred.
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