DOG BREEDER GUILTY OF WELFARE OFFENCES AND ILLEGAL DOG BREEDING
A woman from Pontypool has been found guilty of offences related to animal welfare and illegal dog breeding.At Cardiff Crown Court, Lynda Cooper received a sentence of 12 months in prison, suspended for two years with certain conditions.
She admitted to 11 charges involving animal welfare violations and breeding dogs without the necessary license.
The charges included causing unnecessary suffering and failing to provide proper care for the animals.
She was also ordered to contribute £10,000 towards local authority costs, pay an additional surcharge of £187, and was banned from keeping dogs for a period of 10 years.
The court was told that Cooper had held a breeding license from 2022 to 2023 but did not renew it.
In July 2024, a complaint to the council’s Licensing Team raised concerns over the welfare of dogs and possible illegal breeding activity at her residence, leading to a referral to the RSPCA.
RSPCA inspectors visited the property but were refused entry, preventing a complete investigation.
This increased worries about the animals' wellbeing.
Subsequently, in August 2024, officers from the council’s Licensing and Trading Standards departments, alongside the Animal Licensing Wales team and a veterinarian, obtained a warrant and visited the premises.
During this operation, they discovered 41 dogs and two litters of puppies.
The veterinary assessment revealed that the puppies were suffering from malnutrition, with some dogs experiencing additional health issues.
The animals were found living in conditions harmful to their welfare.
The dogs and puppies were rescued and provided with necessary medical treatment.
In October 2024, after a hearing at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court, the council secured the legal rights to take possession of the animals.
They were subsequently rehomed through Hope Rescue.
