Parent and child receive sentences for unauthorized animal breeding

A father and daughter have received court sentences after being found to have illegally bred and sold animals. According to Dorset Council’s animal welfare team, Michael Membury and Ebony Membury generated over £34,000 through their unauthorized operations. The team reported that a couple, responding to puppy advertisements, visited the premises and observed the animals in “very cramped conditions,” noting “howling and barking” dogs confined within a cupboard located beneath the stairs. Gill Taylor, who oversees health and housing, stated that the “scale and organisation” of the enterprise indicated it was “deliberate, pre-planned, and motivated by financial gain.” Both defendants admitted guilt to charges brought under the Animal Welfare Act at Weymouth Magistrates Court. They acquired puppies for resale at a profit and subsequently engaged in breeding them at their family residence in Dorchester, also obtaining kittens from a farm belonging to a relative. Ebony Membury attempted unsuccessfully to obtain a license from the council but proceeded with breeding, advertising, and selling pets regardless. The council stated that it subsequently received contact from an “upset” couple who departed the property without purchasing an animal, having witnessed the conditions in which the pets were housed. This report prompted Dorset Police to execute a search warrant. During the search, authorities discovered two litters of cockapoos and dachshunds, along with ten additional dogs kept in a “very small, confined space” beneath the stairs, and one dog with a neck injury caused by an anti-bark vibrating collar. The council reported that the garden was “littered with dog excrement,” and significant amounts of cash were found on the premises. It was later revealed that the puppies were being sold for individual prices reaching up to £2,000. Both defendants received a five-year disqualification from engaging in dog dealing activities and were mandated to pay cumulative court costs totaling £8,898, in addition to a victim surcharge of £114 per individual. Michael Membury, aged 58, was given a community order involving electronic monitoring for a duration of four months, and was fined £120 for money laundering, alongside a forfeiture of £2,330 plus accrued interest. Ebony Membury received a sentence of 150 hours of community service.