A woman who adapted her house to breed dogs illegally has been prosecuted.

Elzbieta Tarnowska was found guilty of breeding three or more litters of puppies within a year, and advertising a business selling dogs - Kayadinowska German Shepherds - without the appropriate licences.

An investigation was sparked in 2022 after Swale council received noise complaints about dogs barking uncontrollably.

Neighbours and other concerned members of the public also made allegations of unlicensed breeding.

An inspection of the home in Diligent Drive, Milton Regis, which she has since left, found seven adult German shepherds living there.

The property had been adapted to house a large number of dogs and puppies.

In 2019, Swale council refused Tarnowska’s request for a licence to breed dogs.

This was in part due to the large number she was housing, which was considered unreasonable for the property at the time.

Tarnowska, now of Newdigate, Dorking, denied the charges at the trial at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on August 7.

However, the council presented evidence from several sources – including online dog advertisements, witness statements and other relevant material – and the judge found her guilty.

Following her conviction for offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 she will face sentencing on September 30.

Cllr Rich Lehmann, chairman of the council’s Environment and Climate Change Committee, said: “This successful prosecution is testament to the hard work and investigation our officers do to make sure animal welfare in our borough is well looked after.

“People who illegally breed and sell dogs often cut corners and keep their dogs in unsafe conditions resulting in the animals suffering...”

“Having a licence means that dog breeders understand what is expected of them, and allows us to make sure the animals in their care are being correctly looked after.

“People who illegally breed and sell dogs often cut corners and keep their dogs in unsafe conditions resulting in the animals suffering.

“Some breeders require a licence so if in doubt please check with your local authority – we need to work together to keep the dogs in our borough safe.”

You need an animal licence if you sell animals, board cats or dogs, breed dogs, hire horses or train or exhibit animals.

Applicants will receive an inspection from a council officer and an independent vet who will assess the level of risk at the premises.