Dacorum dog grooming service found guilty of animal welfare offence

At St Albans Magistrates Court on Thursday, the owner of Pets at Their Best was found guilty of breaching the Animal Welfare Act.

The offence relates to Section 9 of the 2006 Act, which covers a person’s duty to ensure an animal’s welfare.

Dacorum Borough Council brought the case against the Kings Langley-based company. The council found that the business was operating without a licence, a charge the company owner, Rachel Leigh Wiseman, admitted to in court last year.

A spokesperson for the authority said: “All animals deserve to be cared for appropriately. We would like to thank the witnesses who came forward to support this investigation. I hope this gives others the confidence to report any suspicious or illegal activity in the knowledge that your report will be taken seriously and your concerns listened to.”

Ms Wiseman said she acknowledged the ruling in a statement. “I respect the legal process and the decision that has been made, but that doesn’t mean I agree with everything that has been said about me or my business,” she said following proceedings on Thursday evening.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 28. Dacorum Borough Council added: “This case demonstrates our commitment to protecting animals, supporting responsible ownership, and taking robust action when welfare standards fall short. If you have concerns about animal welfare or neglect you can contact the team by emailing our Animal Welfare Team.”