A businesswoman who ran a dog boarding and dog day care business received a fine after an investigation by the council.

Leonie Smethurst, 45, ran Dudley Waggins Limited without a licence for more than five years from Rivington Pike Cottage.

Smethurst, of Georges Lane, said it was a dog grooming and dog walking business, which are not licensable activities, but the investigation said it was a dog boarding and dog day care business, which are licensable activities. The investigation was the result of reports from members of the public.

She admitted an offence under the Animal Welfare Act at Bolton Magistrates' Court for which she received a fine of £1,000.

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Garry Parker, Bolton Council's assistant director of regulatory services, said: "This case sends a strong message to anyone operating an animal boarding business or day care without the appropriate licence to run it that we will prosecute them. All animal boarding businesses and day cares must be approved to ensure they are an appropriate environment that meets the required standards. 

"Owners put their trust in these places and dog boarding and dog day care businesses must adhere to the requirements."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.