A man from the Black Country has been found guilty of operating an illegal pet trading business from his council house, where neglected birds and exotic animals were discovered.
Raid Uncovers Neglected Animals
Staffordshire Police executed a warrant at the Rugeley home of Robert Gillan, 40, in May 2022. Inside, officers found a collection of animals in a neglected state. The creatures, which Gillan was illegally selling, included four budgerigars, four rosellas, one galah, four conures, and 13 sugar glider possums.
Following the raid, Gillan voluntarily surrendered all the animals to the environmental health team at Cannock Chase District Council. A veterinarian examined each creature before they were successfully rehomed. Authorities have confirmed that all animals are now thriving in their new environments.
Court Hearing and Charges
On 12 December, Gillan appeared at Stafford Crown Court where he entered a guilty plea to multiple offences. The charges included participating in a fraudulent business as a sole trader, failing to ensure animal welfare, and offering endangered species for sale without the valid certification required by law.
The prosecution was brought by Cannock Chase District Council in partnership with Staffordshire Police’s dedicated rural and wildlife crime team. Gillan has been placed on conditional bail and is scheduled to return to the same court for a further hearing on 13 February 2026.
A Warning to Prospective Buyers
PC Darren Wilkes, of the rural and wildlife crime team, highlighted the case as a successful example of multi-agency collaboration under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. He issued a clear warning to the public regarding the purchase of exotic pets.
"If you are considering buying an exotic animal, then you should ensure that the animal comes with all the correct documentation," stated PC Wilkes. "This is to ensure that our rare and endangered species are properly protected."
Councillor John Preece, portfolio leader for environment and climate change at Cannock Chase District Council, reinforced the council's stance. "This conviction sends a clear message that the illegal sale of animals and poor treatment of them will not be tolerated," he said, thanking the officers for their thorough work in securing the conviction.
