Banbury woman sentenced for illegal dog breeding and animal cruelty
17/03/2026
She had bred from animals with genetic ailments and failed to act when animals needed a vet
A Banbury woman has been fined and given a community order for animal cruelty offences and illegal dog breeding.
Gemma Blackman of Ferriston came to the attention of Cherwell District Council’s licensing team following a complaint from a person who had purchased a puppy from her.
Officers noted Blackman’s appearance in a national newspaper article in 2022 on her pet chihuahua, Olaf, which she claimed might have been the smallest dog in Britain.
The team went on to discover that Blackman had been using Olaf as a stud in an illegal breeding operation, which netted her up to an estimated £12,000 in puppy sales over a three-year period.
They also uncovered evidence that Blackman had bred from animals with genetic ailments that could have been passed to their offspring – a practice prohibited in licensed commercial breeding.
In addition officers found proof of animal cruelty where Blackman had failed to act when dogs under her care needed help from a vet, causing unnecessary suffering and the death of the animals involved.
Blackman pleaded guilty to the breeding and selling of dogs without a licence and animal cruelty charges.
Appearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court last Friday (March 13) she was ordered to pay £2,114 in costs and a victim surcharge. She was given a 24-month community order with a requirement for rehabilitative activity and preventing her from breeding dogs.
Councillor Rob Pattenden, Portfolio Holder for Healthy and Safe Communities, said: “This was a shocking case of illegal breeding and animal cruelty, where tragically, innocent animals’ wellbeing was disregarded in favour of financial gain for the offender. Our team identified a consistent pattern of offending, and I am pleased that the magistrate found in our favour and issued an appropriate sentence.
“Dogs bring so much joy to their owners, but my message to anyone looking to get a pet is to only use a licensed breeder or a reputable animal rescue centre.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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