Risca Woman’s £60k Illegal Dog Boarding Business Busted

A Risca woman has been handed a suspended prison sentence after operating an unlicensed dog boarding business that earned her over £60,000

Deborah Edwards, 64, and her daughter Lydia Perkins, 34, were found to be running an illegal dog boarding establishment in Caerphilly. Edwards had previously held a licence, but it expired in December 2022 and was never renewed.

When authorities executed a warrant at two premises in Risca last October, they discovered 28 dogs being kept in overcrowded conditions, though there were no other welfare concerns.

The court heard that Edwards boarded 88 dogs between January and October 2023, with £119,203 transferred into her bank accounts during this period. The amount directly attributed to her offending was £60,359.

Evidence showed attempts to conceal the illegal business, including ripped pages from a booking notebook and text conversations between the defendants discussing boarding dates.

In mitigation, Sophie Keegan told the court Edwards’ business was initially legitimate but she “forgot” to renew her licence. Her “flaw” was an inability to “say no” to customers.

At Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Shomon Khan told Edwards: “You have to recognise a £60,000 valued fraud is very serious.”

Edwards pleaded guilty to keeping an animal boarding establishment without a licence, participating in fraudulent business carried on by sole trader, and misleading commercial practices charges. She received a one-year prison sentence suspended for 18 months, plus a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and £1,000 in costs.

Her daughter Perkins, who pleaded guilty to the same offences, was ordered to pay a £200 fine and £2,000 costs at Newport Magistrates’ Court last month.

Councillor Philippa Leonard, cabinet member for public protection at Caerphilly council, said: “Animal boarding businesses, be it commercial kennels, home boarding or day care, must be inspected and approved by the local authority to ensure they provide a safe and appropriate environment that meets the required standards.

“Animal welfare is a priority in Caerphilly. It is vitally important that businesses are licensed to protect members of the public and their pets, and that the public ensure that the person they are leaving their dog with is suitably licensed.

“Unlicensed boarding establishments are not regulated and ultimately take away from legitimately licensed premises. There are no guarantees that the business is able to meet the needs of our pets or have the required knowledge and training in relation to the animals they look after. They often prioritise profit over the safety, health, and welfare of our pets.

“It is hoped that this case will serve as a strong deterrent to anyone operating an animal boarding business without the appropriate licence and sends a strong message that we will not hesitate to seek out and take action against anyone who flouts the law.”