Woman, 32, sentenced to community service for animal neglect after more than 30 dogs found in rented Lichfield property

Georgina Bodle appeared at Cannock Magistrates Court on Thursday, March 27, after pleading guilty to five offences of animal neglect.

The 32-year-old was prosecuted after environmental health officers launched an investigation that Bodle was advertising a dog boarding and Whelping service. 

Bodle failed to cooperate with the environmental health officers, leading them to obtain a warrant to force entry into her home on Portleys Lane, Drayton Bassett in March 2023. 

Inside the three-bedroom semi-detached property officers found 32 dogs, including 12 puppies. 

Some of the floors of the property were covered in feaces and urine, with the dogs being found in small cages without room to easily move and no access to water.

Bodle, who gave her current address as Branbridge, Tamworth, was sentenced to a 12 month community order, and ordered to pay a fine, victim surcharge and costs totalling £2234.

She was also disqualified from dealing with animals for five years. 

A spokesperson for Lichfield District Council said: "This was a dreadful case where a significant number of dogs were found being kept in atrocious conditions in a small, rented property.

“The environmental health officers entered Bodle’s property on her 30th birthday. Instead of finding her providing water for the dogs, clearing up the faeces and the urine, or exercising the dogs, Bodle was found having a birthday meal with a friend.

“Some of the dogs were not owned by Bodle but were entrusted into her care by unsuspecting members of the public. Motivated by greed, Bodle was caught neglecting the dogs and operating this as a business without a licence.

“I hope this sends a message that our environmental health officers will take robust action against anyone neglecting animals in Lichfield district.”