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Suspected stolen dogs returned to owners as further arrests made

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DYFED POWYS POLICE has confirmed to The Herald that nearly 30 dogs which were suspected to have been stolen have been returned safely to their rightful owners as three arrests are made.

The force, along with South Wales Police, continues to investigate as up to 80 dogs were found at a property in Carmarthenshire on Sunday, January 24.

A number of dogs were also recovered by South Wales Police from a location near Briton Ferry on Saturday.

The remaining dogs are being cared for as enquiries continue.

Detective Inspector Barry Kelly said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish lawful ownership of the remaining dogs and puppies, but we have so far returned 28 dogs to their owners, which is very positive.

“Once a full inventory of the recovered animals has been prepared, we will review any relevant crime records and queries from the public with a view to repatriation.

“The remaining dogs are all currently safe and being cared for by professional kennels while we carry out our investigation.”

The dogs and puppies were recovered from a property in Carmarthenshire by Dyfed-Powys Police officers, and land in Briton Ferry by South Wales Police over the course of two days earlier this week.

All dogs were scanned for microchips with assistance from animal welfare officers, the local authority and South Wales Police.

Dyfed-Powys Police have made two arrests in connection with the investigation. One person was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods on Sunday, January 24, and a second was arrested on suspicion of burglary on Thursday, January 28. Both have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

South Wales Police also arrested a man on suspicion of handling stolen goods on Wednesday, January 27. He has been released under investigation.

DI Barry added: “While one person was arrested at the location, we have been following strong lines of enquiry with a view to identifying further suspects. Given the scale of the operation, we believed more than one individual is involved.

“This led to further arrests taking place this week.”

Anyone with information that could assist enquiries, is asked to get in touch in one of the following ways:

Online: bit.ly/DPPContactOnline

Email: [email protected]

Call: 101

 

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

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Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

 

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News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

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Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

 

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Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

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FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.

 

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