A tenant has been prosecuted by Lichfield District Council after they received complaints that she was advertising a number of services from her home in Portleys Lane, Drayton Bassett.

Environmental health officers found 32 dogs, including 12 puppies, inside Georgina Bodle’s rented home in Drayton Bassett after obtaining a warrant to enter the property in March 2023.

Some of the floors of the three-bedroom semi-detached property were covered in faeces and there was a strong smell of urine. Bodle, who did not have a licence, had failed to cooperate with environmental health officers.

Cllr Alex Farrell, Lichfield District Council Cabinet Member, said: “This was a dreadful case where a significant number of dogs were found being kept in atrocious conditions in a small, rented property. 

“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 failing to meet the needs of the dogs and the court will now determine what sentence is appropriate. 

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

Bodle, who no longer lives at the property, appeared at Cannock Magistrates Court on 20 January 2025 and pleaded guilty to five offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. 

She was bailed to return there for sentencing on 27 March 2025.  In the meantime, the district judge ordered a pre-sentence report from the Probation Service.  The maximum penalty for these offences under the Animal Welfare Act is 51 weeks imprisonment and an unlimited fine.