Owner of dog once claimed to be Britain’s smallest prosecuted for illegal breeding by Cherwell District Council

Officers subsequently established that Olaf had been used as a stud dog as part of an unlicensed breeding operation. The council estimated that Blackman had received up to £12,000 from puppy sales over three years.

Dogs with genetic conditions were bred

The council found evidence that Blackman had bred from dogs with genetic conditions that could potentially be passed to their puppies. Licensed commercial breeders must take reasonable steps to prevent dogs with harmful inheritable conditions from being used for breeding.

More serious animal welfare concerns were also uncovered. According to the council, Blackman failed to obtain veterinary help when dogs in her care required treatment. This resulted in unnecessary suffering and the death of animals.

Blackman pleaded guilty to breeding and selling dogs without the required licence and to one animal cruelty offence under the Animal Welfare Act.

Community order and breeding restriction

At Reading Magistrates’ Court on 13 March 2026, Blackman was given a 24 month community order that included rehabilitative activity.

She was also ordered to pay £2,114 in costs, together with a victim surcharge. The sentence included an order preventing her from breeding dogs.

Cherwell District Council described the case as one involving a pattern of illegal breeding and animal cruelty in which financial gain had been placed before the wellbeing of the animals.

What this case demonstrates

This prosecution began with information supplied by someone who had purchased a puppy. This demonstes that the public are becoming increasingly aware of the legalities of selling puppies.

The complaint allowed council officers to investigate the seller’s breeding activity, puppy sales and treatment of the dogs. The evidence gathered resulted in guilty pleas, a financial penalty, a community order and a restriction on further breeding.

It demonstrates why puppy buyers and other breeders should report suspected illegal commercial breeding. A single report may provide the information a council needs to begin a wider investigation.

How to check whether a breeder is licensed

Before paying a deposit or agreeing to purchase a puppy:

1. Ask the breeder whether they hold a dog breeding licence.
2. Request their licence number, the name of the issuing council and the licence expiry date.
3. Use the licence check on our breeder directory to look for the breeder.
4. Confirm the details through the issuing council’s public register or contact its licensing team directly.
5. Check that the breeder’s name, business name and address correspond with the licence.
6. Visit the premises where the puppy was bred and see the puppy interacting with its mother.
7. Ask to see relevant health testing results for both parents. Do not rely solely on photographs or copies sent through social media.
8. Report suspected unlicensed commercial breeding to the licensing team at the breeder’s local council.

A registration certificate is not a breeding licence

A Royal Kennel Club registration certificate is separate from a local authority dog breeding licence. Registration with the Royal Kennel Club, or with another pedigree registration service, does not by itself demonstrate that a breeder has been inspected, licensed or approved by a council.

A breeder who is not licensed is not automatically breaking the law. In England, licensing depends on the number of litters produced and whether the person is operating as a business. Someone breeding and selling dogs commercially can require a licence even if they produce fewer than three litters.

However, anyone claiming to be a licensed breeder should be able to provide licence details that can be independently verified.

Sources

1. Cherwell District Council: Cruel dog breeder sentenced, published 16 March 2026.
2. GOV.UK: Dog breeding licensing statutory guidance for local authorities.