EditorKIDWELLY: Puppy farm family ordered to pay £129k after illegal breeding crackdown
Four people living at the same address in Mynyddygarreg, near Kidwelly, admitted running an unlicensed dog breeding business spanning several years — with dozens of animals kept at the property.
At Swansea Crown Court, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas were hit with confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Each defendant was also fined £2,000 and ordered to contribute to £8,000 in costs.
The case followed a lengthy probe by Carmarthenshire County Council, which uncovered a large-scale breeding operation despite the group never securing a licence.
Investigators found up to 25 dogs at the property — most of them female — alongside a steady stream of puppy adverts posted online over several years.
Listings on sites including Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being sold between 2020 and 2025.
The investigation actually began back in 2021 when one of the defendants contacted the council about getting a licence — but despite receiving full guidance and submitting a partial application, the process was later abandoned.
Concerns were reignited in 2024 when complaints emerged about puppies being sold without proper authorisation, triggering a deeper investigation.
Officers say the scale of the operation was “entirely unacceptable”.
Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.
“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are properly overseen.”
Residents are being urged to report any suspected illegal breeding, as enforcement teams warn they will continue to take action against those flouting the law.
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