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A mum has been taken to court after she was found to be operating an illegal dog boarding service from her home. Emma Guy offered home boarding for pets under the name Perfect Pets Home From Home, advertising across multiple online websites. On one dog-sitting page, Guy claimed to be trained in dealing with puppies and also shared photographs of her own American bully dog around small children. Despite being contacted by Liverpool Council and informed of the legal requirements for home boarding, Guy failed to respond and continued to promote her services online, the ECHO reports. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE A subsequent inspection of these advertisements raised serious concerns, including images showing dogs being fed potentially harmful human food and kept in close proximity to infants. Guy, 40, of Maytree Close, Belle Vale, has been slapped with a fine by magistrates after failing to attend two court hearings earlier this month. With no further communication from Guy, Liverpool Council escalated the matter to the courts. She failed to attend two hearings and was found guilty in her absence on Thursday, October 23. She has now been ordered to pay £1,444 within 28 days. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, individuals providing home boarding for dogs as a business must hold a valid licence. This is put in place to protect the wellbeing of animals and ensure that all pet care businesses operate responsibly. On social media, Guy had posted just weeks before the court hearing advertising her business on the dog-minder locator website Rover via Facebook. She wrote: "Check out my page if your (sic) looking for anyone to look after your fur babies." Reviews for her service, in which she charged £27 a night to keep people's pets, were left six days before her scheduled appearance before magistrates. On her PetBacker profile, Guy said she knew what makes dogs happy and would not leave pets alone for long periods of time. It said: "Pets will be treated like our own pet whilst here so to make the transition whilst mum and dad are away easier for them. We will tend to any need instructed by owners if there are any specific requirements." She wrote how her American bully, named Hunter, is "great with kids" and "a huge part of my family". The profile added: "We enjoy hiding treats around the garden and testing the dogs sense of smell out trying to find them too. My son especially enjoys this game. "I enjoy meeting other animals and letting owners have piece (sic) of mind that their pet is being taken care of in a loving family environment and not locked in a kennel. They are treated as if they were our own." Cllr Harry Doyle, Liverpool Council cabinet member for health, wellbeing and culture, said: "Licensing ensures that animals are cared for in safe, clean, and properly supervised environments. "Our pets are part of the family, and these regulations are in place to protect them while they're away from home, giving owners peace of mind. "This case serves as a reminder that unlicensed operators put pets at risk and undermine responsible businesses."
