Kettering man fined after probe into fishy business activities

Iain Isgar, of Avenue Terrace, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Pet Animals Act 1951 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on March 1.

Following a complaint from a member of the public in August 2015, Kettering Council officers investigated business activities at Isgar’s home address.

Isgar’s pet shop licence had expired in 2013 but he had continued in business since then, trading as I-Koi Limited online on Ebay and Facebook.

He received a £300 fine and was ordered to pay £200 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Shirley Plenderleith, head of public services at Kettering Council, said: “The authority is becoming increasingly concerned by the large number of animals, including fish, being sold by private individuals in quantities which indicate that this may be a business falling within pet animal legislation.

“This case has demonstrated that the use of evidence from internet and social medial sites can be used to support successful prosecutions and we will be monitoring these sites for any evidence of illegal sales.

“Whilst our primary responsibility in enforcing the legislation is the welfare of the animals we also have a responsibility as a local authority to ensure that we support those individuals and businesses that are operating within the law.

“If anyone suspects that someone is selling animals on a commercial basis within the borough of Kettering then we will investigate any information received.”