Rugeley man jailed for running illegal pet shop from home
A man has been jailed for more than two years after admitting running an illegal pet shop from his home in Rugeley.
Robert Gillan appeared at Stafford Crown Court today (February 13) and was handed a 32-month sentence, and banned from trading animals for 10 years, after admitting participating in a fraudulent business as a sole trader, failing to ensure the welfare of animals, and offering endangered species for sale without valid certification.
The 40-year-old, of Upper Cross Street, Rugeley, had a number of neglected birds and exotic animals at his local authority-owned property when it was raided by Staffordshire Police in 2022.
They were surrendered to Cannock Chase District Council’s environmental health team and have since been rehomed.
PC Darren Wilkes, of the Staffordshire Police rural and wildlife crime team based in Cannock, who were involved in the search warrant and investigation with Cannock Chase District Council, said: “I am pleased Gillan has been handed a custodial sentence for his offending and hope it sends a message to others who put financial gain before the welfare of animals.
“The case demonstrates how important it is for people handling exotic animals to be properly trained and certified, to prevent harm to the animals, and to protect individuals from prosecution.
“Animal welfare and proper documentation should be a top priority for anyone involved in the sale of animals, especially to protect rare and endangered species.
“I hope this sentence acts as a deterrent to anyone involved in the illegal trade of exotic species in Staffordshire and shows how we will continue to speak for those without a voice.”
