Blackwood Woman Guilty of Unlicensed Dog Breeding and Animal Welfare Offences

25/10/2024

Tammy Ann HART of Central Avenue, Cefn Fforest pleaded guilty on 25/06/2024 and was sentenced by HHJ R KEMBER at the Merthyr Crown Court on the 16 October 2024 for unlicensed dog breeding, Animal Welfare Act 2006 offences and failing to indicate in adverts that puppies were being advertised by a dog breeder contrary to The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Tammy Hart (aged 48) was given a 16 week custodial sentence suspended for 52 weeks for causing unnecessary suffering to one of the 29 dogs in her possession under section 4(1) of The Animal Welfare Act 2006, 3 counts of a banned practiced under The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 for not declaring selling puppies in course of business, 2 counts of unlicensed dog breeding under the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014 and 3 counts of failing to look after the needs of animals under care sec 9(1) of The Animal Welfare Act 2006.

HHJ R KEMBER sentenced Hart on the totality of offending, with causing the unnecessary suffering to one of the dogs in her possession being the most significant.

Hart was also disqualified from dealing in all animals for a period of 7 years under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. A Proceeds of Crime investigation will now commence with costs being postponed until the conclusion of those proceedings.

The sentencing follows an investigation by Caerphilly Council’s Trading Standards team who discovered Hart was continuing to advertise puppies for sale after her licence to breed dogs issued by Caerphilly County Borough Council expired in February 2020.

Trading Standards Officers, assisted by a Veterinary Surgeon and Heddlu Gwent Police Officers carried out a search of Harts property on 9th November 2022. They found 29 dogs who were dirty and unkempt living in an overcrowded, poorly lit outdoor kennelling area that was not afforded sufficient weather protection.

The environment was bland and offered no sensory stimulation to the dogs. It was uncomfortable due to the lack of soft bedding and the sleeping area was poorly ventilated risking a build-up of noxious ammonia gasses from the excrement.

The Veterinary Surgeon deemed the welfare needs of all 29 dogs not to be met in respect of their need for a suitable environment, to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns and to be housed with or apart from other animals contrary to Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The Veterinary Surgeon was also particularly concerned about a 9 week old male Shih Tzu puppy that was severely underweight with pale gums and a distended abdomen and was thereby caused unnecessary suffering contrary to Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

With the exception of 1 dog that was housed within the home, HART voluntarily signed over all 29 dogs into the possession of Caerphilly Council. The dogs were placed into the care of Hope Rescue who we wish to thank for taking care of them.

Enquiries revealed over a 16 month period between May 2021 and September 2022 Hart bred at least 26 litters of multiple breed types. Puppies were advertised for sale on online selling platforms, the adverts did not declare Hart was a breeder. A conservative estimate of the profit she made was calculated to be in excess of £86,000.

Sara Rosser, Head of Operations Hope Rescue said:

‘We were pleased once again to be able to support the excellent work of Caerphilly council on this case. Whilst it can be challenging to take in a large number of dogs with high care needs at one time, we are delighted to say that all the dogs have now been adopted and have gone on to live happy and fulfilled lives.’

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 serve as a strong deterrent to those who operate illegally. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of adherence with dog breeding regulation and the necessity to obtain the required licences, so that we as a council can monitor and safeguard animal welfare at dog breeding establishments. ‘’We encourage anyone who is thinking of dog breeding to contact our licensing team who will be able to advise on a case-by-case basis.’’

If anyone is concerned or suspicious of illegal dog breeding, please contact our Trading Standards or Licensing teams. Your information will help us tackle illegal puppy breeding in Caerphilly and will help stop animals being exploited by unscrupulous breeders”.

tradingstandards@caerphilly.gov.uk / licensing@caerphilly.gov.uk.

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