THE OWNER of a dog boarding kennels was slapped with a fine after a pooch died and two escaped from his care.

Simon Herbert, 50, was ordered to appear before magistrates after a council investigation revealed a string of failings.

A probe into Simon's Pet Services in Cane End was launched following the death of a dog, the escape of two dogs from the site and complaints about the physical and emotional abuse of puppy.

He appeared at Oxford Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, May 1 and was fined £300.

A spokesman for South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) said: "The complaints related to the death of a dog, the escape of two dogs from the premises, and the physical and emotional care of a puppy.

"Investigation of the complaints subsequently identified several breaches of the licence conditions.

"Herbert applied to renew his animal boarding licence in early January 2017, but in the light of the concerns identified in 2016, the council was satisfied that it would not be appropriate to renew the licence.

"Herbert was informed of the grounds for refusal and told how he could appeal the decision at Magistrates’ Court, but he failed to do so."

Herbert continued to take dogs into his care despite not having a proper licence.

On the firm's official website, a post reads: "Established over 16 years ago, we have a great amount of experience when it comes to providing a professional and friendly service to your beloved pet."

However, SODC received further complaints about Herbert in September last year and the 50-year-old confessed to the authority that he had been looking after dogs overnight.

Cllr Caroline Newton, cabinet member for housing and environment, said: “Anybody looking after animals has a legal and moral duty to provide a decent level of care.

"I hope this case will act as a warning that we aren’t just here to process licence applications – we will prosecute anybody who doesn’t maintain the levels of care expected by the council and by the pets’ owners.”