A woman has been prosecuted for running an illegal boarding kennels after a dog was seriously injured while in her care.

Sinez Reyhan pleaded guilty to running an unlicensed dog boarding service at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court.

She had been previously warned by Stevenage Borough Council officers that a licence was required for her home-based business, Angels from Devils.

The authority prosecuted her when a boarding dog was attacked by one of her own dogs last December.

The animal suffered serious injuries, needing a leg amputation.

Ms Reyhan of Wheatlands, Stevenage, was fined �250 and ordered to pay �100 in court costs plus a �15 victim surcharge.

Richard Henry, executive member for safer and stronger communities, said: “This sad case is a good example of why it’s so important to have proper controls and a licence in place for dog boarding services.

“It’s fortunate the dog in this case survived and we hope this prosecution will highlight the need for licensing and encourage other business owners to be responsible and practice safely for the benefit everyone.”