South

Perhaps it’s not incredible that John Lowe is breeding and selling puppies without a licence in pretty shabby conditions.

Nor is it a huge surprise that many puppies purchased from his puppy farm are ill – some have even died from Parvo virus.

But it does seem remarkable that Inside Out has been here before...

Action has been taken, John Lowe has been taken to court, he lost his license, was fined hundreds of pounds and yet… he’s still going strong.

Yes, there are still regular adverts in local newspapers for Alsatian and Beagle puppies giving his name and phone number.

Continuing puppy problems

So how does he get away with it?

Well, for one he’s had to work harder on a cover story.

Chocolate Labrador dog - died after purchase.

You need a licence to breed more than five litters a year so Mr Lowe claims he’s just selling them on behalf of 'the girls' who breed them.

One of them, a lady called 'Sue', seems particularly prolific.

Every puppy is apparently sold on her behalf. Sadly when I visited I couldn’t meet this esteemed breeder as she was taking a break in Spain.

And guess what? 

Everyone else I’ve spoken to who’s visited John Lowe’s farm has been told that the mythical Sue is "still in Spain".

Well hats off to her.

Yeah, I reckon she’s cracked it.

Who is 'Puppy Sue'?

Just imagine - you get to relax by the pool under the hot Spanish sun while back in cold, grey Surrey, several of your Alsatians and Beagles are busy getting frisky in the name of your retirement fund.

And there’s more!

As you sip on your midday sangria and contemplate turning over on the sun lounger, back in blighty the ever generous John Lowe is busy playing doggy midwife while advertising your furry offspring in the local press.

He's busy meeting and greeting potential buyers; writing out and signing receipts in your name; and, no doubt, squirrelling away all that cash for you to collect later.

Sick puppy bought from John Lowe.

Is it just me or does that not stack up?

I’m sorry to doubt you, Sue. If you’re out there - please step forward and prove me wrong.

Because if that is how it works then forget all these 'get rich quick schemes' or dodgy seminars that promise to make you a property millionaire overnight.

'Puppy Sue', as I affectionately think of her, should start her own series of seminars teaching mugs like me and you how to earn this kind of money without lifting a finger.

All she needs is a little marketing.

Sadly Richard Branson’s already named his biography "Losing my Virginity: How I've survived, had fun, and made a fortune doing business my way".

But there’s still some room for manoeuvre.

Might I suggest "How to breed friends and influence people" or maybe "Puppy farms for dummies"?

Story update...

Inside Out has been in regular contact with the RSPCA and Waverley Borough Council over the last four years about John Lowe.

In fact after our first programme back in 2004 we presented them with our evidence against him.

RSPCA - keeping a watchful eye.

After this, the council refused to renew his licence to breed dogs, and he was eventually taken to court.

We understand that the RSPCA and the Council visited Lowe's premises again in summer 2008.

The RSPCA asked John Lowe to improve the conditions for animals kept at the premises which they say he complied with.

It is our understanding that they are not planning to take any further action at this stage.

However the Council is still investigating and we expect them to announce what action they are taking sometime soon.