Barnet Council action stops businesses playing chicken

The local authority took a chicken shop and a cattery to court in September for failing to hold the correct licences

One half, a tabby/white cat on raised structure in a cattery. The other half, the outside of a chicken shop. — The cattery and chicken shop that prompted council action – (Credit – Barnet Council)

The chickens have come home to roost for two rule breaking businesses after Barnet Council took legal action to enforce licensing regulations.

The owners of Chicken Hub in Finchley were amongst those whose cluck ran out after prosecutions in September.

The council says it had tried to engage with Finchley Chicken Hub Ltd, which trades as Chicken Hub in Finchley, and its director, Toryalai Jabarkhel, about an unlicensed A-board for over two years.

However, the local authority says that Jabarkhel falsely claimed he had applied for a licence, and the case was taken to Willesden Magistrates’ Court on 24th September.

Both defendants pleaded guilty and Jabarkhel was ordered to pay a total of £1,056, while the company was ordered to pay a total of £2,375.

Earlier in September, a Muswell Hill cattery also lost the last of its legal nine lives after failing to secure the required licence to operate, despite being aware that one was required.

Muswell Hill cattery owner, Linda Finch-Mason, pleaded guilty at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on 17^th September 2026 to carrying on a licensable cat-boarding activity without a valid licence.

She was fined £120 and ordered to pay a £48 victim surcharge and £1,200 towards the council’s prosecution costs. The court also made an order disqualifying her from dealing with all animals for a period of three years.

Responding to the court decisions, council leader Barry Rawlings, said: “Most businesses in Barnet do the right thing, and our officers are always on hand to help people understand what they need to operate legally.

“But these cases show that when someone repeatedly ignores that advice and continues to operate without the licences they need, we will take action.”

The council says that is you are unsure whether your business needs a licence, or want information about how to apply, you can visit the Barnet Council website: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/licences-permits-and-registrations

Local news needs your support

We are proud that we were at the forefront of reporting on the recent local elections. We can’t do this without the support of our readers.

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

ACT NOW!

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else. £84 annual supporters get a print copy by post and a digital copy of each month's before anyone else.