DOG breeder and former vet Dr Helen Hein was in court again last week after she was prosecuted by her local authority for keeping breeding dogs without a licence.

The case was heard on November 5th at Guildford Magistrates’ Court where Hein was found guilty of keeping a breeding establishment for dogs, without a licence, contrary to the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973. The case was adjourned until December 6th for pre sentencing reports.

Hein had been banned from keeping dogs in 1998 after a prosecution was successfully brought against her by the RSPCA for neglecting a large number of German Shepherd Dogs.

Removed

Last year a further fifty dogs were removed from Hein’s home in Guildford in a joint operation between RSPCA and NCDL officials after she was once again found to be in breach of the original court order banning her from owning dogs.

Hein had been able to circumvent the order by moving in a “carer” for the dogs in the form of friend Rachel Stafford.

However, Ms Stafford left Hein’s Amberwells premises, meaning that the dogs were once again in Hein’s care thus breaching the court order.

The current action relates to approximately 40 dogs which are believed to still be on Hein’s premises.

Helen Hein was not available for comment. A spokesperson for Guildford Borough Council simply confirmed that the court hearing had taken place.