Illegal dog breeders admit animal cruelty charges

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An unlicensed dog breeder who, along with his wife, admitted a string of animal cruelty charges has been jailed for four months.

Colin and Ruth Williams, of Glanddu Road, Fleur de Lis, were also ordered to pay almost £12,000 in costs to Caerphilly County Borough Council, which prosecuted the couple.

Ruth Williams, 51, was sentenced at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, April 18, to eight weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. She was not allowed to own, keep or transport animals for ten years, while her husband imposed an indefinite ban.

The prosecutor followed an investigation by the council’s trading standards department.

Together with officers from Gwent Police, a vet and officials from neighboring councils, a warrant was served at Williams’ home address in June 2023. It was suspected that the property was being used to breed dogs without a permit.

Three French bulldogs, two British bulldogs and two Cavalier King Charles spaniels were found severely confined in pens in one room with no access to water.

One of the cages, where two other dogs lived, was located in an alcove under the stairs. According to Caerphilly Council, the conditions did not provide sufficient space as the animals received no stimulation and could not exhibit normal behaviour.

All nine dogs had conditions that caused them unnecessary suffering. The dogs appeared to suffer from skin, eye, ear and respiratory diseases.

The dogs were seized after examination by the vet and placed in the care of Hope Rescue. They have since been relocated.

In total, Colin Williams, who previously ran a company trading as Valley Ultrasound and Microchipping, admitted 17 charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and one charge under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, for had not stated that he was a breeder when he advertised. dog sales. He also admitted a charge under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Wales) Order 2007 of the Animal Health Act 1981 of illegally taking two pregnant dogs to Heathrow Airport.

Ruth Williams admitted 15 charges of cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and one charge under the Consumer Protection Act.

Lyndsey Smith, rescue and adoption manager at Hope Rescue Centre, said: “Many of the dogs arrived with health problems so we were shocked to hear they were still being bred.

“Among the group of dogs was a very nervous duo of arrogant bitches. They moved into a foster home together and developed such a beautiful relationship – we just had to find them a home where they could stay together.”

Cllr Philippa Leonard, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Unlicensed dog breeding is a serious matter and it is hoped that the outcome of this case will act as a strong deterrent to those who operate in this way.

“Unlicensed dog breeding and high animal welfare standards are a priority for the authority. Anyone who breeds dogs without a permit and causes them unnecessary suffering risks investigation and ultimately prosecution.”

CCBC