Dogsden Day Care Ltd fined for misleading advertising
- Categories : Press Release
- 13 May 2024
Dogsden Day Care Ltd and its Director Julian Bones fined for misleading advertising at Merthyr Magistrates Court following a Trading Standards Investigation.
Julian Bones, the Director of Dogsden Day Care Ltd, appeared at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court for a hearing on 8th May 2024 where charges were laid against both the company and Mr Bones.
A Merthyr Tydfil CBC Trading Standards investigation centred on the advertising of dog day care services offered by Dogsden Day Care Ltd. Using social media and a website claims were made which gave the impression that the company was licensed to carry out its activities by the local authority when this was not the case during the period of the investigation last year.
Both Bones and Dogsden Day Care Ltd pleaded guilty to 8 offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
The company received a financial penalty totalling £2378 which included fines, costs and a surcharge. Mr Bones received a total financial penalty of £1210.
The District Judge who presided over the hearing concluded that it was not a deliberate or intentional offence but came about through the defendant’s circumstances and difficulties and not dealing with matters as they should.
Craig Rushton, Trading Standards Team Leader said: “This prosecution sends a clear message that business must be careful on how they advertise not to mislead the public. If circumstances change then it is extremely important that any promotion of commercial activities are updated accordingly so not to be misleading otherwise it may lead to prosecution.”
Cllr. Michelle Symonds, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Housing and Public Protection said “Residents rely on information they read about goods and services they purchase. These days this may be on social media, a website or on printed material. The information must be accurate, truthful and not misleading. Where this is not the case our Trading Standards Service will investigate and businesses may find themselves in front of the court where any claims are found to be misleading”.