Cardiff Couple Illegally Breeding Dogs and Making Hundreds of Thousands of Pounds

CARDIFF COUPLE ILLEGALLY BREEDING DOGS AND MAKING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF POUNDS

Three people from Cardiff illegally overbred dogs without a licence over several years to maximise the number of litters they had and increase their profits.

Dogs, mainly bulldogs and dachshunds, were overbred by over four times the legal annual limit while procedures which should only legally be performed by vets were carried out to generate extra profit.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how Paul and Samantha Xuereb, of Llanrumney, Cardiff, had 63 litters and 259 puppies over a period of five years from June 2017 to September 2022 - more than four times the permitted amount as legally a dog should not have more than three litters a year.

Records show they sold dogs for between £1,000 and £6,000 and made over £400,000 from it.

Paul Xuereb was sentenced to 23 months in prison suspended for two years and was ordered to attend 10 rehabilitation requirement days and complete 180 hours of unpaid work.

The offending involved illegal medical procedures, altering records, and sale of puppies with genetic defects and health issues.

The court highlighted the scale and seriousness of the offences, emphasizing the risks to animals and public trust.

The police found eight adult dogs, 11 puppies from two litters, some kept in the house and others in an outbuilding, as well as seven breeding-age female dogs during the search.

A search of Anderson's property uncovered prescription-only medication and evidence of illegal breeding activity.

Anderson, of Burnham Avenue, Llanrumney, was sentenced to 12 months in prison suspended for two years.

Judge Harrison noted that all three defendants were genuinely remorseful and had started as hobby breeders, with positive references provided.

A proceeds of crime hearing will take place on May 11, 2026.