The acts of an unlicensed puppy farm owner in north Norfolk have been branded 'shameful' by the authority which bought her to justice.

Eastern Daily Press: The pens the dogs were kept in. Picture: NNDCThe pens the dogs were kept in. Picture: NNDC (Image: NNDC)

Rosemary Fabb, 76, appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court on February 26 and admitted 17 counts of breaching animal welfare, and operating a breeding establishment without a licence.

Fabb, of Carr Lane, Roughton, was charged with keeping and breeding toy and standard poodles, as will as Chihuahuas in unsuitable accommodation, environment and substandard socialisation, causing them undue pain and suffering between January 2016 and January 2018.

Fabb was taken to court by North Norfolk District Council in November 2017, after it launched an investigation into her establishment when members of the public expressed concerns about the site.

Following her first court date in November 2017, a further 11 charges were brought against her after a warranted inspection found conditions had not improved.

Eastern Daily Press: Pictures capture the condition the dogs were found in. Picture: NNDCPictures capture the condition the dogs were found in. Picture: NNDC (Image: NNDC)

Fabb verbally abused the officer at the time, telling her: 'I know the Mafia; your daughter better watch out.'

Fabb signed over the 10 remaining dogs in her care following the visit, many of which were found with exposed tooth roots, severe matting and ear infections.

MORE: Dogs kept in cold, without food and water, at illegal Norfolk puppy farm

Councillor Richard Price, NNDC portfolio holder for licensing, said: 'Puppy farming and animal cruelty are shameful acts and NNDC are very grateful to the public who raised concerns. The custodial sentence confirms that the court agrees and only suspended the sentence because of the defendants age and infirmity.'

Eastern Daily Press: Pictures capture the condition the dogs were found in. Picture: NNDCPictures capture the condition the dogs were found in. Picture: NNDC (Image: NNDC)

The Waxham ward councillor continued: 'NNDC will not tolerate such treatment of animals and the officers are to be congratulated for their diligence in successfully prosecuting this case. The message is clear that NNDC will actively pursue offenders.'

The court heard how the dogs were kept outside without insulation in temperatures of 3C, without food or water, no toys and with limited bedding.

Fabb was sentenced to a total of 22 concurrent weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and was disqualified from running a breeding establishment, and keeping an animal.

She was fined a total of £12,731.03p, £10,000 of which is to be paid in the next 28 days.

Eastern Daily Press: Pictures capture the condition the dogs were found in. Picture: NNDCPictures capture the condition the dogs were found in. Picture: NNDC (Image: NNDC)

Eastern Daily Press: Rosemary Fabb leaving Norwich Magistrates Court. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYRosemary Fabb leaving Norwich Magistrates Court. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)