A Staffordshire man has been sentenced to prison after operating an illegal pet business from his council-owned home, where dozens of exotic animals were kept in poor conditions.
Robert Gillan, 40, of Rugeley, was jailed for two years and eight months at Stafford Crown Court. He had previously admitted participating in a fraudulent business, failing to ensure animal welfare and offering endangered species for sale without the required certification.
In addition to his prison sentence, Gillan received a 10-year ban on trading or keeping animals.
Raids Uncover Poor Conditions
Officers from Cannock Chase District Council, working alongside police and the RSPCA, carried out warrants at Gillan’s property in May 2022 and again in December 2023.
During the first raid, officials found 162 animals on the premises. A veterinary surgeon later confirmed that 27 of them were suffering — or likely to suffer — without intervention.
Animals discovered at the property included:
- Four budgerigars
- Four rosellas
- One galah
- Four conures
- Thirteen sugar glider possums
Among the conditions described in court were mouldy aviaries, dirty water, cages without food, lack of heating, birds unable to stretch their wings and even a decomposing guinea pig.
When officers returned in late 2023, they found fewer animals — but the conditions were still described as unhygienic.
Six Years of Illegal Trading
Prosecutors told the court that Gillan had been operating unlawfully since 2016 under the name “Staffordshire Pets.” He never held a valid licence to trade animals.
Investigators found approximately 290 online adverts for dogs, birds and reptiles. Although the exact profit remains unclear, conservative estimates placed his turnover at around £300,000 over six years.
Judge Avik Mukherjee described the operation as fraudulent from the outset.
“This was a long-term fraud,” the judge said. “You showed no concern for animals you kept or sold. You were concerned with maximising your income and your profit.”
He called the enterprise a “cynical exploitation of animals.”
Long-Term Ban on Animal Ownership
Under the 10-year disqualification order, Gillan and his family may keep their four dogs and one chinchilla. However, they are not permitted to keep the 11 birds currently in their possession.
Authorities emphasized that illegal pet trading not only harms animals but also misleads customers who believe they are purchasing from responsible breeders or licensed sellers.
The case highlights the importance of proper licensing, welfare standards and enforcement to protect both animals and the public.