A COUPLE from Caerphilly have been fined for dog breeding, without the authority of a licence issued by Caerphilly County Borough Council, under the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014, contrary to Section 13(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Callum Pine and Megan Arundel of 5 Kingsley Place, Senghenydd, Caerphilly, received their Band D penalties at Newport Magistrates Court on January 13, 2022.

Pine was fined £615, ordered to pay a surcharge of £61 and £1,000 toward prosecution costs (total £1,676). Arundel was fined £200, and ordered to pay a surcharge of £34 and £1,000 toward prosecution costs (total £1,234).

The pair have been breeding and selling puppies periodically over the years but the quantity dramatically increased during the pandemic. Evidence shows that between 30 March 2020 and 30 March 2021, Pine and Arundel owned 8 breeding bitches, breeding 7 litters from 6 of the bitches.

The couple then advertised the puppies via online selling platforms and social media platforms, primarily on Facebook and Instagram.

The scale of the breeding activity that the couple carried out was extremely high for such a short period of time however, the full extent of the couple’s earnings is not known; the total asking price from the adverts of the puppies advertised between Jan 2020 and April 2021 is estimated at approximately £50K.

Cllr Nigel George, Cabinet Member for Public Protection commented:

“Reports of unlicensed dog breeders has increased dramatically over the last two years within the borough. We are pleased with the outcome of the fines for both defendants and we hope that it will serve as a warning to other criminals who are looking to take advantage of animals for financial profit.

“If anyone has any information on potential unlicensed breeders please contact our Trading Standards or Licensing teams.”