Crime

Illegal dog breeding ring that sold puppies across Wales sentenced

Published

2 months ago

December 29, 2025

Puppies linked to Cardiff-based breeders netted £640,000 sold to customers in Pembrokeshire, court hears

THREE people who ran a large-scale illegal dog breeding operation that sold puppies across west Wales, including to buyers in Pembrokeshire, have been handed suspended prison sentences after a lengthy investigation uncovered more than £640,000 in unlawful sales.

Paul Xuereb, Samantha Xuereb and Matthew Anderson operated unlicensed dog breeding businesses in Cardiff between 2017 and 2022, deliberately avoiding animal welfare and licensing requirements while breeding and selling hundreds of puppies.

The court heard that the defendants used a network of companies, including Cardiff Canine Supplies Limited and Colour Coded Frenchies Fertility Clinic Ltd, to sell puppies to customers across Wales. The Herald understands that dogs bred as part of the operation were sold to buyers throughout Wales, including Pembrokeshire.

An investigation by Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) found the scale of the breeding operation far exceeded legal limits and involved systematic overbreeding using poor-quality breeding stock. This resulted in puppies being born with congenital defects and raised serious animal welfare concerns.

Paul and Samantha Xuereb were found to have bred 63 litters together, producing 259 puppies and generating more than £459,000 in sales. Matthew Anderson bred 35 litters, producing 159 puppies and earning over £181,000.

The court also heard that the defendants carried out veterinary procedures despite not being registered veterinary surgeons. These included blood testing, artificial insemination and the supply of prescription-only veterinary medicines, all of which are tightly regulated under UK law.

Large sums of cash were seized from properties linked to the operation, while bank records revealed the significant income generated from the unlawful businesses over a five-year period.

All three defendants pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including fraudulent trading, breaches of the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014, and the illegal possession and supply of veterinary medicines.

At sentencing, Paul Xuereb received a 23-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with ten rehabilitation activity days and 180 hours of unpaid work. Samantha Xuereb was handed a 15-month suspended sentence and ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work. Matthew Anderson received a 12-month suspended sentence with 120 hours of unpaid work.

Proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act are ongoing, with the court expected to consider confiscation of criminal assets at a later date. Further financial penalties remain possible.

Councillor Norma Mackie, Cardiff Council’s cabinet member responsible for Shared Regulatory Services, said the case showed “a clear disregard for the law” and placed animal welfare at serious risk. She said the sentences reflected the seriousness of the offending and should act as a deterrent to others.

Residents with concerns about suspected illegal dog breeding are urged to contact Shared Regulatory Services on 0300 123 6696.

Crime

Man who threw corrosive liquid at guest and fled abroad jailed

Published

1 day ago

February 18, 2026

Court Reporter

A BUSINESSMAN who threw a corrosive liquid into a guest’s face during a row at a spiritual retreat before fleeing the country has been jailed for 18 months.

Dean Mayze, aged 38, from Abercrave in Powys, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm following the attack at his Hafan-y-Coed retreat in December 2022.

Swansea Crown Court heard the assault happened after an argument with guest Keifer Price, who had complained about the condition of his accommodation, including a lack of heating and washing facilities.

During the confrontation, Mayze produced a blue container and threw its contents upwards into the victim’s face.

The liquid — described as smelling like ammonia — entered Mr Price’s eyes, nose and mouth, leaving him in severe pain and struggling to breathe.

Medical evidence confirmed injuries consistent with a chemical burn to both eyes. He suffered abrasions, a corneal defect and the loss of the outer corneal layer in one eye, requiring significant treatment to prevent permanent sight loss. He has since recovered without lasting injury.

Fled across Europe

Following the attack, Mayze fled the UK, triggering an international search.

The court heard he travelled across several European countries, including Ireland, France, Italy, Croatia and Greece, before eventually being arrested in Romania in 2025.

Despite being on the run, he remained in regular contact with police by text and email, at one point telling officers he would not be returning to Wales.

His partner initially claimed responsibility for the assault and later received a suspended prison sentence after admitting perverting the course of justice.

Previous conviction

The court was told Mayze has a previous conviction for wounding involving a corrosive substance in Kent in 2013.

Defence barrister Andrew Taylor said his client had experienced harsh conditions while detained in Romania, including contracting scabies without treatment, and described him as remorseful.

However, Judge Geraint Walters said it was “pure luck” the victim had not suffered permanent injuries, describing the attack as a “particularly wicked way of inflicting violence”.

Sentence and order

Mayze, who appeared via video link from prison, had previously denied a more serious charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and made subject to a three-year restraining order.

Crime

Police appeal after man injured in St Davids incident

Published

1 day ago

February 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an incident in St Davids which left one man injured.

The incident happened in Nun Street at around 11:10am on Tuesday, December 30. The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment.

Officers confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident.

Police are now asking anyone with information, dash cam footage, or CCTV that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online at:
https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/

Alternatively, email [email protected], send a direct message via social media, or call 101 quoting reference DP20251230094.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Sexual assault allegation to be tried

Published

1 day ago

February 18, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Accused granted conditional bail

A SEXUAL assault allegation has been listed for trial following a hearing before magistrates.

David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, appeared before magistrates in Llanelli on Thursday (Feb 12) charged with sexual assault, contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The charge alleges that on March 16, 2025, at Johnston, Pembrokeshire, he intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over and that the touching was sexual when she did not consent and he did not reasonably believe that she was consenting.

The matter was adjourned for trial and Fletcher was remanded on conditional bail.

The trial is listed for March 9, 2026 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. Bail conditions prohibit him from entering a specified premises in Johnston, from contacting directly or indirectly the complainant or any prosecution witnesses, and from posting any information relating to the investigation on social media. The conditions were imposed to prevent further offending and to prevent interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.