CONVICTED | Backyard breeder Georgina Bodle, 32, of Tamworth, Staffordshire (B77), has been found guilty of horrific animal neglect after keeping 32 dogs, including 12 puppies, in filthy cages without access to water while running an illegal breeding operation.
Operating from a rented three-bedroom home on Portleys Lane, Drayton Bassett, Bodle ran a dog boarding and whelping service without a licence.
When Lichfield District Council’s environmental health officers executed a warrant in March 2023, they were met with scenes of appalling cruelty: dogs cramped in tiny cages, floors soaked in urine and covered in faeces, and not a water bowl in sight.
While the animals suffered, Bodle—a mother-of-one—was enjoying a birthday meal with a friend. Some of the neglected dogs were not even hers, but had been left in her care by unsuspecting members of the public.
In January 2025, Bodle pleaded guilty to five charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Her punishment? A 12-month community service order, a £2,235 fine, and a 5-year ban on dealing in animals. That’s it.
A council spokesperson stated:
“This was a dreadful case where a significant number of dogs were found being kept in atrocious conditions… Motivated by greed, Bodle was caught neglecting animals while illegally operating a business.”
And there’s more: Bodle co-owns a “puppy yoga” business in Birmingham, heavily promoted in local media just months before the raid. The Express & Star even quoted her claiming to have “over 40 dogs at home” and “a decade of breeding experience.”
She was never licensed. She was never responsible. She was never held properly accountable.
