The saga started in Dairy Flat but operations have since moved to Kume\u016b.<\/p>\n
A Pets & Pats van parked outside the old Dairy Flat base of the doggy daycare run by Angela Beer. Photo \/ NZME <\/p>\n
In a reserved decision released on Wednesday, Judge Sheena Tepania said the offending showed a \u201cblatant disregard for the laws and rules that apply to them\u201d. <\/p>\n
Judge Tepania said Beer had made \u201ca deliberate and calculated commercial decision not to comply\u201d with clear court-imposed orders.<\/p>\n
Beer and her company, Teddy and Friends, were each fined $51,562.50 after pleading guilty to three charges under the RMA, including two counts of breaching enforcement orders and one of using land in contravention of the Auckland Unitary Plan.<\/p>\n
Charges laid related to the continued operation of the Pets & Pats dog daycare and boarding facility. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
The charges related to the continued operation of the daycare in Dairy Flat between June 2023 and April 2024 despite earlier court orders and convictions.<\/p>\n
Tepania said it was highly careless for Beer to take a \u201chands-off\u201d role and that the offending had caused \u201ctangible adverse impacts on the amenity values and wellbeing of the local community\u201d. <\/p>\n
The court noted that while awaiting sentencing for earlier offences, the defendants \u201calmost immediately\u201d breached the enforcement orders, continuing to offend on 36 occasions over a 10-month period.<\/p>\n
\u201cPets & Pats was a commercial operation, more dogs meant more money,\u201d Tepania said.<\/p>\n
Angela Beer and pals on Pt Chevalier Beach. Photo \/ Dean Purcell <\/p>\n
Repeat offending <\/p>\n
The latest ruling follows earlier convictions in May 2024.<\/p>\n
The defendants were fined $77,750 for ongoing breaches of their resource consent between September 2021 and August 2022.<\/p>\n
Those charges were for unauthorised, large-scale dog daycare and boarding activities that exceeded approved limits for dog numbers, operating hours, fencing standards and exercise areas.<\/p>\n
Complaints made by 17 different neighbours prompted multiple enforcement steps by Auckland Council, including abatement notices and a May 2023 enforcement order intended to limit impacts while allowing time for the business to comply or relocate.<\/p>\n
Despite this, the daycare continued operating in breach of those orders.<\/p>\n
Some 17 different neighbours made complaints to Auckland Council about the Pets & Pats dog daycare and boarding facility. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Deliberate flouting of the law, council says <\/p>\n
Auckland Council\u2019s team leader for prosecutions Paul Cowling said the decision sends a clear message.<\/p>\n
\u201cIgnoring court orders and breaching the RMA is not okay. Auckland Council will pursue individuals and businesses that deliberately flout the rules and disregard their legal obligations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese laws exist to protect communities, and when they\u2019re ignored, there are consequences,\u201d Cowling said. <\/p>\n
Pets & Pats owner Angela Beer leaves the Auckland District Court in May. Photo \/ Sylvie Whinray <\/p>\n
Cowling said the council had exhausted all other compliance options before returning to court.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe rules around dog boarding and daycare activities in rural zones are clear, resource consent is required, whether a business is large or small. <\/p>\n
\u201cEnforcement is always the last resort, but where there\u2019s deliberate defiance, prosecution is inevitable to protect the public from nuisance and harm,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Timeline<\/p>\n
September 2020: Council first received complaints about non-compliance at 165 Bawden Rd, Dairy Flat.<\/p>\n
May 2023: The Environment Court issued enforcement orders requiring compliance with resource consent conditions.<\/p>\n
May 2024: Beer and Teddy and Friends were convicted and fined $77,750 for RMA breaches between 2021 and 2022.<\/p>\n
June 2023-April 2024: Despite these orders, the business continued to operate unlawfully, breaching enforcement orders on 36 occasions.<\/p>\n
November 2025: New convictions and fines totalling $103,125 imposed for continued offending.<\/p>\n