Man who trafficked puppies worth £70,000 into the UK banned from owning dogs Rachael Burford A man who trafficked puppies worth almost £70,000 into the UK and then advertised them for sale online has been banned from owning dogs. Simon Lawrence, from East Ham in Newham, illegally brought dozens of puppies into the country from Ireland, Stratford Magistrates’ court heard. Newham council began a months-long investigation into the ring after a potential buyer visited Lawrence’s home in Gresham Road and reported concerns about the welfare of the dogs. Lawrence had 17 different breeds in the house, the council said, including Chihuahuas, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Bichon Frise.