A BARROW couple are disappointed after an illegal puppy dealer receives a short prison sentence.

Tommy and Shirley Cosh were sad to hear that Leigh Hancock was only sentenced to nine months in prison and a £1800 fine at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday (30 November) for money laundering and for the misleading sale of puppies.

The couple experienced a very testing ordeal when they first bought their much-loved golden retriever, Cody, from Mr Hancock back in June 2016.

As soon as they got Cody home to Barrow he immediately became unwell and after following up various concerns they later realised that everything they were being told was a pack of lies.

After supporting Trading Standards in an investigation, Hancock, of Rodley Road, Lydney pleaded guilty to nine offences including not declaring he was a breeder in advertisements and making misleading statements to buyers.

Magistrates heard officers found around 20 adult golden retrievers and Labradors kennelled at the rear of Hancock’s property. There were also litters of puppies in the back garden in an adapted shed.

After hearing of Hancock's sentencing, Mr Cosh said: "I am disappointed to hear that he is only getting nine months after everything that we've been through with Cody.

"It really does seem too short and it will probably be halved after being released on good behaviour and various other things.

"It seems like a bit of a joke really and the £1800 fine also seems too low.

"It's important to remember that he has sold many puppies, each one costing at least £675, so I am not sure why he is only being charged this amount."

Mr Cosh would also like to warn people that such experiences can happen to anybody and for anyone who wishes to buy a puppy they should always conduct thorough research into the breeder.

Mrs Cosh was equally disappointed with the sentencing, she said: "After knowing everything that has gone on I can't see why he hasn't been sentenced more.

"I am just glad we never had to see the conditions that he was keeping the puppies in and I really hope this will prevent him from doing anything similar in the future.

"Things like this shouldn't be allowed and I am gobsmacked about it all."