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The BBC reported that a Gloucester councillor ran an illegal puppy breeding farm and allegedly passed off a deaf cross-breed dog as a healthy pup.
According to the BBC, Cllr Alastair Chambers, 41, bred and sold dogs from his farm in Gloucester, and when police raided his home officers found more than 25 dogs.
He admitted two Animal Welfare Act offences of breeding and selling dogs without a licence. He allegedly sold the animal for £2,450, after placing an online advert to sell an American Bully XL puppy.
He denies three fraud offences relating to a puppy sale.
The buyer, Shrece Share, later discovered the puppy was deaf and DNA tests showed it was in fact 75% Staffordshire Bull Terrier, 12.5% Akita and 12.5% Alaskan Malamute.
Prosecutor Mark Jackson said: "The prosecution say that representations made to Shrece Share were untrue, they were misleading, and the defendant was acting dishonestly."
After learning the dog was deaf, Ms Share's mother spoke with Mr Chambers and he offered a full refund for return of the animal.
Gloucester Magistrates' Court heard police had previously executed a search warrant in July 2020 after a report alleged unlicensed dog breeding and puppy sales.
Mark Jackson, prosecuting, said 25 to 30 dogs were discovered inside three "polytunnel" style structures.
Gloucester City Council later warned Chambers he must not operate as a dog breeder until he had a licence, the court heard.
At the conclusion of the evidence, the judge said he would give his verdict on the three charges on June 30.
Mr Chambers sits as an independent on both Gloucester City Council and Gloucestershire County Councils, having previously been a Conservative.