An Eltham pet shop has lost its licence after inspectors raised concerns for the health and wellbeing of its animals – but its owner insists they are all well-loved and looked after.
The Pet Lodge on Court Road had its licence renewal rejected in December following a welfare visit regarding an underweight gecko, and a full inspection which was carried out in September 2023.
An inspector said: “From these two visits, I have concerns around the licence holder’s ability to identify and suitably manage animal welfare issues in relation to poor health and injury.
“This seemed to particularly apply to amphibia and reptiles from my observations, with the additional disregard to meeting the husbandry needs of these animals.”
Owner Kenneth Lodge, 69, challenged the decision saying he has put his heart and soul into the business and would do nothing to harm the animals.
But his appeal was rejected on Monday (June 24) when Tribunal Judge Chris Hughes OBE said: “The evidence of persistent failure to comply with obligations as to the welfare of a wide range of animals is such as to require me to dismiss this appeal.”
Kenneth told the News Shopper that during his two decades in business he has always loved and taken good care of the animals he sells.
The business started as The Fish Lodge in 2001, before rebranding as The Pet Lodge in 2011 after it expanded into reptiles, birds and small animals.
Kenneth said he now has a big decision to make about the shop’s future.
“I’ve been here 21 years and I've had 42 inspections during that time. Every time they’ve tried to say this or that is wrong. It’s an old shop but the animals are all happy and the fish are swimming,” he said.
“If I was that bad then I would have been closed many years ago. If the animals were in a terrible state we’d get complaints from customers and we’d be shut down within months. But that’s not the case. I’ve had generations of people coming in here on recommendations.”
They said: “Despite considerable support over many years there is a consistent pattern of non-compliance with obligations as to record keeping, conditions in which animals are kept, seeking veterinary assistance for sick animals and ensuring appropriate skills in those engaged with the animals.
“Mr Lodge has shown little interest in improving the conditions for animals he has responsibility for and little regard for his obligations.”
New animal welfare legislation came into force in 2018, introducing a licensing scheme for pet shops.
Kenneth said many shops are closing down due to inspections which put owners “through the ringer”.
“At this point I’m thinking is it worth it? Even if I get the licence back I have to be open to a grilling every time there’s an inspection,” Kenneth said.
“In the long term it will force the trade underground, then you’ll hear stories about animals being mistreated.”
Kenneth first had his licence renewal refused in May 2021, but on that occasion he successfully appealed the decision.
He’s yet to make a decision, but if this is the end of the shop Kenneth said he has fond memories of his two decades in business.
“I’m quite proud of what I've done over the years, I’ve helped so many people with their animals,” Kenneth said.
“The council has a duty to ensure that animals and pets are given the best care possible.
"We expect licence holders to comply with the relevant requirements which are designed to ensure animals have the highest possible standard of safeguarding."
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