(Image: Torfaen County Borough Council)
Last Updated: 3 minutes ago
A woman who admitted running an unlicensed dog breeding operation from her Pontypool home has been given a suspended prison sentence after 41 dogs and two litters of puppies were found living in unsuitable conditions at the property.
Lynda Cooper, of Lower Race, Pontypool, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, June 19, where she pleaded guilty to 11 animal welfare offences as well as breeding dogs without a licence. The charges related to causing unnecessary suffering to animals and failing to meet their welfare needs.
She was handed a 12-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, and disqualified from keeping dogs for 10 years. Cooper was also ordered to pay £10,000 towards council costs along with a victim surcharge of £187.
What officers found
A multi-agency team consisting of Torfaen Council licensing and trading standards officers, Animal Licensing Wales representatives, and a veterinarian attended Cooper’s property in August 2024 after obtaining a warrant from the Magistrates’ Court.
Officers discovered 41 dogs and two litters of puppies at the address. Veterinary assessments established that the puppies were suffering from malnutrition, while a number of the dogs were affected by other medical conditions. The animals were being kept in unsuitable living conditions that further compromised their welfare.
All of the dogs and puppies were removed from the property and provided with medical treatment and care.
How concerns were raised
The investigation was prompted in July 2024 when the council’s Licensing Team received a complaint regarding the welfare of dogs at Cooper’s home, along with concerns that illegal breeding was taking place. The matter was referred to the RSPCA.
However, when RSPCA officers attended the address, they were denied entry and were unable to fully investigate the allegations – prompting further concerns about the welfare of the animals inside.
The court heard that Cooper had previously held a valid dog breeding licence between 2022 and 2023 but had failed to renew it after it expired.
Rehoming
Following a hearing at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court in October 2024, the council was granted permission to take possession of the animals. Every dog and puppy has since been rehomed through Hope Rescue.
Reaction
Daniel Morelli, Head of Public Protection and Environment, said the case demonstrated the importance of dog breeding licensing and the role local authority public protection services play in safeguarding animal welfare.
“Miss Cooper failed to meet the standards required by law, resulting in significant and unnecessary suffering to a considerable number of animals,” Mr Morelli said.
“We will not hesitate to take action in cases where animal welfare is neglected, and we would like to thank our partner agencies and Hope Rescue for the important role they played in the investigation and the subsequent care and protection of the affected dogs and puppies.”
Zoe Phillips, Animal Licensing Wales, added: “Torfaen Council authorised ALW officers to assist with the investigation due to the scale and complexity of the concerns identified in this case, and the outcome clearly shows the value of partnership working.
“Local authorities can be faced with complex and resource‑intensive animal welfare cases, and the ALW ensures they are not dealing with these situations in isolation.
“Although the conditions encountered by the officers attending were extremely difficult, the focus throughout was on protecting the welfare of the animals and ensuring a safe, lawful and proportionate response.
“We are also grateful to Hope Rescue for providing immediate care, ongoing support and responsible rehoming for all of the dogs.”
Sara Rosser, Head of Operations at Hope Rescue, described it as one of the most “challenging” and “distressing” cases the experienced team have been involved in.
“Not only from the sheer number of dogs but also their condition,” she stated. “On arrival with us the dogs were in a devastating state – severely underweight, many suffering from advanced dental disease and chronic ear infections.
“Older dogs had lost muscle mass and mobility, and were so physically depleted they were unable to reach food before the younger dogs. Many, especially the younger dogs, were very nervous and lacking in life experience so required additional support and rehabilitation.”
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to contact [email protected].
