Steven Robson bred Labradors without a license, ignoring warnings and selling puppies for high prices. Court imposed probation and curfew.
Robson’s home was in Eldwick, on Southway. He made good money selling the pups; some sold for as much as £2,000 each. Bradford Council warned him many times, but Robson never applied for a license.
Robson went to Bradford Crown Court on Monday, February 24. He admitted to breeding dogs illegally and got probation for 18 months, plus a six-month nighttime curfew.
Judge Judy Dawson said he dodged jail and criticized his behavior, stating, “He was above the law.” Bradford Council learned about illegal dog breeding happening at his Southway home.
A dog warden visited in May 2021. Robson wasn’t there, so the warden left a note asking Robson to call them back soon. Robson called and said they bred dogs, claiming they didn’t know about licenses.
The warden told him to stop right away and sent over the license paperwork. Later, the Council got more complaints and saw online ads linking Robson to puppy sales on Facebook and Kennel Club pages.
Robson had puppy ads in October 2021, and more appeared in May and October 2022. The Council sent more letters in January 2023, urging him to apply for a license to breed dogs; Robson said he would but never did.
The Council wanted to meet with Robson, but he said no to an in-person meeting. He asked for the questions by email and promised to answer them. The Council sent the questions, but he didn’t reply.
The court then learned that twenty-one female dogs were registered at his address. His lawyer, Abdul Latif Shakoor, spoke for him.
Shakoor said Robson never faced court before and knows he did wrong. He said this is a harsh lesson, noting he wasn’t charged with mistreating dogs.
Judge Dawson stated, “He knew he needed a license,” but two years later, he kept going, thinking ignoring it would make it disappear. Shakoor said banning animals would hurt Robson.
Judge Dawson replied, “He lacks a license anyhow, so… it’s barely a punishment and is equal to other people.” Shakoor stressed getting a license would solve this, adding there was no proof he’d be refused one.
Judge Dawson responded, “We’ll never know, will we?” When sentencing, she spoke directly to Robson, saying he disrespected the Council, the dog warden, and the law.
“Evidence exists showing a big commercial business,” Dawson said. “You earned significant money from that practice,” noting pup sales at high prices, stating, “One Labrador cost £2,000 in a particular instance.” Dawson called this a serious factor.
She added, “You were too lazy or above the law…that is not the case at all.” The 18-month probation needs supervision. Judge Dawson said they must teach him he is not above any law.
Robson will wear an ankle monitor, enforcing a curfew each night. He must stay home from 8 PM to 8 AM for six months. The judge banned him from owning animals.
Judge Dawson sternly said, “This is because of your refusal. You wouldn’t cooperate with the Council. They tried hard to help you out. You barely realize how serious this is. Jail was possible right now.”
He will move to Nab Wood Grove and serve his curfew there. Later, there will be a hearing to look at his illegal profits.