GARETH LAWLER'S SHAME: MONMOUTH DOG BREEDER AND JUDGE CAUGHT IN ILLEGAL PUPPY FARMING SCANDAL

Gareth Lawler, a well-known figure in the dog show community and a judge at Crufts for over three decades, has been exposed for operating an illegal puppy breeding operation based in Monmouth. Originally from Hendy, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Lawler’s activities have now come under serious scrutiny following investigations into the conditions in which his dogs were kept.

Lawler, born around 1965, amassed a significant income of approximately £153,000 from his puppy farming enterprise. Over a span of just four years, he bred a total of 27 litters, with each litter producing puppies that were sold at prices ranging from £500 to as much as £2,000. The breeds involved in his breeding program included highly sought-after types such as English Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Tibetan Terriers, Hungarian Vizslas, longhaired Dachshunds, Shih Tzu crosses, and Cockerpoos.

The Carmarthenshire Council initiated a search of Lawler’s residence due to concerns over the poor conditions in which his dogs were being kept. Authorities faced resistance when attempting to access certain areas of his property, which led to further investigations. A council spokesperson explained that their officers uncovered evidence of large-scale unlicensed dog breeding, with dogs and puppies being kept in deplorable conditions. The search revealed that Lawler had bred 27 litters between July 24, 2016, and July 22, 2020, with 11 of those litters produced in the last year alone, despite repeated advisories about current dog breeding regulations.

Local councillor Aled Vaughan Owen praised the efforts of the animal welfare team, emphasizing the importance of licensing in protecting the welfare of dogs. He highlighted Lawler’s prominence in the dog show circuit, where he judged breeds such as English Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, and Welsh Springer Spaniels at Kennel Club events. Owen stressed that this case underscores the necessity of proper licensing for dog breeders and boarders, as these regulations are designed to ensure the humane treatment of animals.

Legal proceedings have resulted in Lawler being ordered to repay £78,000 within three months under the Proceeds of Crime Act, or face a jail sentence of 12 months. Additionally, he received a £500 fine for operating without a license for breeding dogs, with a six-month window to settle this penalty. Failure to pay the fine will activate a further 14-day prison sentence. Social media posts attributed to Lawler indicate his active involvement in the dog community, including membership in the English Springer Spaniel Club of Wales and frequent sharing of updates related to dog competitions and judging activities.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regulation and oversight in the dog breeding industry, especially for individuals with high profiles within the community. The authorities’ actions aim to prevent further exploitation and ensure that all dogs are kept in conditions that meet legal and ethical standards.