PUPPY BREEDING: Carmarthenshire still Wales’ biggest hot spot — but investigations fall as RSPCA urges new law review

Carmarthenshire remains the biggest hot spot in Wales for dog breeding investigations, new figures show — even as the county’s own numbers fell.

The data, gathered by RSPCA Cymru through Freedom of Information requests, shows councils across Wales carried out 210 breeding-related investigations in 2025, up from 144 the year before.

That is a 46% rise across the nation in a single year.

Carmarthenshire recorded 46 of those investigations — more than any other Welsh council.

But the county’s figure was down from 59 in 2024, and its prosecutions fell from 12 to just three.

Councils are responsible for licensing dog breeding businesses and checking they meet welfare conditions, as well as for tackling illegal breeding.

An investigation does not necessarily mean wrongdoing, as councils look into complaints from the public that may not be upheld.

The charity has long described Carmarthenshire as one of the UK’s hot spots for dog breeding activity.

Neighbouring councils on patch also reported activity, with Neath Port Talbot’s investigations more than doubling from eight to 18, and Swansea recording 25.

Ceredigion matched Carmarthenshire’s wider profile with 39 investigations, level with the previous year.

Across Wales, prosecutions actually fell despite the rise in investigations — down from 19 in 2024 to seven last year.

Billie-Jade Thomas, senior public affairs manager for RSPCA Cymru, said it was encouraging to see councils investigating complaints from the public.

She said the drop in prosecutions could point to improvement, as many councils now take an advice-led approach and some 2025 cases would still be working through the courts.

“However, we always fear there are many underground sellers undertaking irresponsible breeding practices and providing poor care behind closed doors,” she said.

The figures follow a major review of dog breeding licensing in Carmarthenshire, which the council’s Cabinet backed last year.

That review recommended working more closely with local vets, improving public awareness, and exploring a compulsory scoring system for licensed breeders.

It also made recommendations at a national level, including a review of the current law, a centralised microchipping database and a national scoring system for breeders.

The RSPCA is now urging the new Welsh Government to act on those national recommendations and commit to reviewing the country’s dog breeding laws.

Current rules, introduced in 2015, require anyone keeping three or more breeding bitches or breeding three or more litters a year and selling them to hold a council licence.

The charity argues the scale of breeding in Wales, and the age of the legislation, mean the rules now need revisiting.

In its election manifesto, Plaid Cymru — now leading the Welsh Government — pledged to promote responsible pet ownership and breeding and to publish a new Animal Health and Welfare Plan.

Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, Carmarthenshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for Trading Standards, said the council remained committed to tackling illegal dog breeding.

He said the authority worked with local vets, licensed breeders and the public to raise awareness, “always placing animal welfare at the forefront of our actions.”

He added that the council was “open and willing to engage with any national review of dog breeding regulations should the Welsh Government decide to advance that recommendation.”

Anyone concerned about a breach of licensing rules can contact their local council, while dog welfare concerns can be reported to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

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County at the centre of Wales’ dog breeding trade

Carmarthenshire has long been regarded as a hot spot for large‑scale dog breeding – and in recent years the county has seen some of the most serious cases brought before the courts.

• Earlier this year, an unlicensed breeder was ordered to pay back £100,000 in three months or face jail after selling puppies illegally.
• Another case saw more than 200 dogs rescued from appalling conditions at an unlicensed premises.
• In one of the most disturbing prosecutions, a breeder was jailed for mutilating puppies’ ears to increase their sale value.
• Other convictions have included confiscations of tens of thousands of pounds in illegal profits, and even a Kennel Club show judge prosecuted for unlicensed breeding.

These cases, many led by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Welfare Team, have highlighted both the scale of the trade and the challenges of enforcing existing laws.

Council review pushes for reform

In response, the council commissioned a Task and Finish Group to review how dog breeding is licensed locally. Its recommendations, now endorsed by Cabinet, include:

• A full review of licensing fees to ensure enforcement costs are covered.
• Stronger engagement with local vets and the public to raise awareness of licensing rules.
• Exploring a compulsory scoring system for breeders to improve consistency.
• Boosting resources for the Animal Health Team.

At a national level, councillors want Welsh Government to revisit the legislation, consider a centralised microchip database, and introduce tougher enforcement tools such as Fixed Penalty Notices.

Cllr Kevin Madge, who chaired the review, said the work was shaped by site visits and public consultation: “This assistance was valuable in helping us to shape the recommendations laid out within the report, which we hope will now be carried forward to improve the dog breeding licensing function within Carmarthenshire.”

RSPCA backs nationwide review

RSPCA Cymru has welcomed the council’s stance, warning that Wales’ 2015 dog breeding laws are now outdated.

Billie‑Jade Thomas, Senior Public Affairs Manager for Wales, said:

“Carmarthenshire has long been a hot spot for dog breeding – so it’s really welcome the council is looking at how to ensure consistent standards are enforced to protect welfare.

“But some of the national recommendations are really important too – and we hope the next Welsh Government will take these on board, and commit to a nationwide review of dog breeding regulations.”

The charity says the scale of breeding in Wales demands regular review, and is urging the public to consider adopting rescue dogs through its Adoptober campaign.

What it means for dog owners

For residents, the changes could mean clearer information when buying a puppy, greater confidence that breeders are being properly monitored, and stronger action against those who flout the law.

But with Carmarthenshire’s recent prosecutions showing the profits at stake in the illegal trade, campaigners say only a national overhaul will prevent more animals suffering.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Illegal dog breeder ordered to repay £100,000 or face jail
A Pencader man was told to hand back six‑figure profits from illegal puppy sales or serve 12 months behind bars.

More than 200 dogs rescued from Carmarthenshire breeder
Council officers and the RSPCA removed over 200 animals from an unlicensed site in one of Wales’ largest rescues.

Breeder jailed for mutilating puppies’ ears
An unlicensed Carmarthenshire breeder was jailed after cropping puppies’ ears to inflate their sale price.

£80,000 confiscated from unlicensed breeders
Three breeders were stripped of tens of thousands of pounds in profits from illegal puppy sales.

Kennel Club show judge prosecuted for unlicensed breeding
A high‑profile figure in the dog world was brought before the courts by Carmarthenshire Council.

Adoptober shines a light on rescue dogs

The RSPCA says that while it is vital for anyone buying a puppy to choose a reputable, licensed breeder, the best way to support animal welfare is by adopting a rescue.

Billie‑Jade Thomas, Senior Public Affairs Manager for Wales, added:

“While we want those considering getting a puppy to choose reputable breeders, and know how to identify those, the best way people looking to add a pet to the family can help animal welfare is by choosing rescue.

This Adoptober, we’re shining a light on the countless rescue dogs in the RSPCA’s care – including across Wales – and hope people keen to add a dog to their family check out our Find a Pet website, and consider adopting an animal.”

At the top of this article is Cheeks, a two‑year‑old Cane Corso Mastiff currently being cared for at the RSPCA’s Llys Nini Animal Centre in Swansea. Full of energy and affection, Cheeks is looking for an experienced owner who can continue his training and give him the exercise and love he needs.

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Illegal dog breeder ordered to pay £100,000 in three months or face 12 months jail

Marc Jones from Golwg yr Ogof in Pencader was found to have engaged in unlicensed dog breeding activity, in breach of animal welfare and licensing laws at a case brought by Carmarthenshire Council at Swansea Crown Court.

The council said that its investigation into Marc Jones began in December 2021, when he was first contacted by the council with a formal letter outlining the legal requirements surrounding dog breeding, including the need for a proper licence. Despite further action, including the provision of an application form and an information pack sent on 10 May 2023, Mr Jones failed to submit any application to regularise his activities.

Evidence gathered from multiple online advertising platforms, including Pets4homes and Gumtree, showed that Mr Jones had bred more than three litters of puppies within a 12-month period – clearly exceeding the legal threshold requiring a licence. Investigators also found that breeding and sales continued despite the advice and interventions from council officers.

As a result of the investigation, and under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the court determined that Mr Jones financially benefited from the criminal activity, assessing an amount of £100,000. Mr Jones has been ordered to repay this amount within three months or face a 12-month default sentence.

In addition, the court imposed a 12-month conditional discharge in lieu of a separate financial penalty. Mr Jones was also ordered to pay the statutory victim surcharge.

Carmarthenshire Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability – Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen said: “This case demonstrates the council’s commitment to upholding animal welfare standards and ensuring that dog breeding is conducted responsibly and legally. Despite repeated attempts to advise Mr Jones and encourage compliance, he chose to ignore the law and profit without regard for regulation or animal welfare.”

#Carmarthenshire #CarmarthenshireCouncil #dogBreeding #Dogs #IllegalPuppyTrade #Pencader

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