An illegal dog breeder in Carmarthenshire has been ordered to pay £13,500 for continuing to breed and sell puppies despite being refused a licence by the local authority.

Sylvia Griffiths, the owner of Glenview Kennels in Llandyfaelog, was prosecuted by Carmarthenshire County Council after animal health officers found she had ignored warnings that she could no longer breed dogs because her premises did not meet licence conditions.

Griffiths has held a breeding licence for Glenview since 1998, originally granted for up to 23 adult dogs.

However, when she applied to renew her licence in July 2016, animal health officers visited and found 74 adult dogs on the premises in overcrowded conditions with no free access to exercise areas.

Griffiths was given time to address conditions and warned that her failure to do so would result in her application being refused.

Officers made an unannounced return visit in December 2016 and found conditions had not been satisfactorily improved.

As a result, her licence renewal was refused, and she was told she could no longer breed and sell dogs.

However, after a concerned customer contacted the council in May 2017 it was discovered she was still breeding puppies and advertising them for sale on Gumtree.

Griffiths was invited for interview by animal health officers where, in a prepared statement, she stated that her dogs were well looked after and was committed to engaging with the authority in respect of the regulatory issues.

However, the council proceeded with a prosecution to prevent further illegal breeding.

The case was heard at Llanelli Magistrates Court. Griffiths was sentenced in her absence due to ill health, but was fined £3,500, ordered to pay costs of £10,000 and a victim surcharge of £120.

Cllr Philip Hughes, executive board member for enforcement, said: “We were pleased with the outcome of this case which demonstrates how seriously we take illegal breeding.

“We were not satisfied with conditions at Glenview Kennels and refused the licence renewal, however the owner ignored this and continued to trade.

“Taking a case to court is always a last resort, as we would prefer that breeders heeded our advice and acted within the law.”

Anyone who breeds or supplies dogs, including at home, requires a licence.

Anyone who is concerned that someone is breeding dogs illegally should contact the council on 01267 234567.

Tagged Carmarthenshire Council, dog breeding, fined, illegal dog breeder, Llandyfaelog, Llanelli Magistrates Court