SINGAPORE - An illegal pet shop operator who kept dogs in cages in his store and sold seven dogs despite not having a pet shop licence was on Wednesday (May 23) fined $6,600 in court.

Desmond Phua Ju Liang, 44, had operated a pet shop without a licence, kept unlicensed dogs and exceeded the maximum number of dogs allowed on premises that were neither a pet shop nor a farm, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said on Wednesday.

AVA had received feedback on the illegal sale of dogs and alleged welfare issues at grooming and boarding service provider My Pet Store.

It investigated in May last year and found 12 dogs caged at the rear of the shop. While there were no animal welfare issues, eight of the dogs were found to be unlicensed.

Of the four remaining dogs, one belonged to a customer who was using Phua's boarding services.

In addition, despite not having a pet shop licence, Phua had sold seven dogs.

A pet shop licence is required to display an animal for sale. Anyone found guilty of operating an unlicensed pet shop can be fined up to $5,000.

Anyone convicted of keeping a dog that is more than three months old without a licence, or keeping more than three dogs in any premises that are not dog farms, face the same penalties.

AVA said the public can report cases of illegal pet shops or animal cruelty to AVA via its website or its 24-hour hotline on 1800-476-1600.