Powys dog breeder fined for operating without a licence
Between February 2020 and March 2021, Janet Jones – an experienced dog breeder who had moved to Powys from Devon – operated her business illegally in rural Radnorshire.
Jones had operated a dog breeding business in Devon, where she possesses a licence, and knew she needed one to operate in Powys. Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday, December 8, how she had enquired with local authorities in Mid Wales to try and obtain a licence but had carried on with her business despite not being legally allowed to do so.
The court was told a number of various breeds of dogs were discovered when animal welfare officers visited her home, at Lower Bettws, Rhydspence, near Clyro.
A total of 26 dogs were found – including 11 puppies and 15 adult dogs – ranging from a bullmastiff, two female collies, two female spaniels, eight female dogs in a shed including two King Charles spaniels, two bichon frise and four cocker spaniels, two further bichon frise females, one with a litter of five puppies and one with a litter of three puppies; there were also three more puppies, including two corgis and one cavapoo.
Jones admitted one count of carrying on an activity without the authority of a licence, in contravention of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, at the hearing.
Robert Brown, prosecuting the case on behalf of Powys County Council, said Jones had been unable to provide a valid reason for not having a licence.
“Despite receiving advice on licencing, she operated a dog-breeding business for the sale of puppies, there were more than three litters of puppies produced within 12 months,” said Mr Brown.
“Despite making enquiries to obtain a licence she maintained her business without one. She also placed ads on various dog breeding portals but said she had no idea how they had appeared, adding that she’d been hacked.”
Aled Owen, acting for Jones, said his client was of previous clean character, and had moved to Powys following family turmoil in Devon.
“There had been no criminality before this,” said Mr Owen.
“When she came here some dogs were already mated, some were heavily in pup and some were not in pup."
Mr Owen said that no great profit was made from the breeding and that, in fact, only a couple of puppies were sold, for around £300 each.
“She did try to contact the relevant officers and authorities, perhaps she didn’t do it as soon as she should have,” he added.
Mr Owen said Jones was not intending to stay in Powys. “It’s been a difficult time for her,” he added.
Magistrates fined Jones £200 fine and ordered her to pay £1,800 costs, as well as a £34 surcharge. She agreed to pay the amount off at £25 per week.
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