Freedom of information response
Unlicensed home dog boarding
On Thursday, 26 November, Thurrock Council successfully prosecuted XX, for operating an unlicensed home dog boarding business, known as Max's Home Boarding, on Chadwell Road in Grays between Friday, 11 January 2019 and Friday, 5 July 2019.
Cllr Rob Gledhill, Leader of Thurrock Council and Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Anti-Social Behaviour, said: "This case sends a strong message that we will not tolerate anyone who operates an animal boarding business without the appropriate licence to run one. Our residents want to know that their much-loved pets are being properly cared for.
On Thursday 3 May 2018, in the Council Elections for the Little Thurrock Rectory ward, XX was a rival political candidate standing against Robert Gledhill for his seat. XX came third but with a sizeable chunk of the vote.
Can Thurrock Council disclose how and why XX was discovered to be operating without a license and the date the investigation started against him?
Did Council Leader Gledhill declare that he had a conflict of interest in the prosecution of XX?
XX was fined by the court £3920.00. How much of the fine was received by Thurrock Council?
This matter was brough following customer complaints received relating to the unlicensed business.
The decision to prosecute would be an officer decision on consideration of the test for prosecution (evidence/ public interest test). It would have not been a decision that the former Leader had any involvement in or have been required to declare an interest in. The quote was post prosecution and was made as the Portfolio Holder that incorporated that service at that time.
Any fine imposed by the court would have been payable to the court and not Thurrock Council.