Crime
West Wales farmer prosecuted for unlicensed dog breeding

IN a case recently heard at Swansea Crown Court, Carmarthenshire County Council successfully prosecuted Tomos Davies of Rhydygors Farm for operating an unlicensed dog breeding business. The case marks a significant enforcement of the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014, aiming to ensure the welfare of breeding dogs and their puppies.
The investigation began in October 2022 after Carmarthenshire County Council received allegations that Mr. Davies was breeding and selling litters of puppies without the required licence. Despite contacting the Council in January 2021 to inquire about obtaining a dog breeding licence and receiving a comprehensive information pack outlining the necessary steps and legal requirements, Mr. Davies failed to submit an application.
In February 2023, a Data Protection Act request to several advertising platforms revealed evidence that Mr. Davies had been actively advertising puppies for sale. The data uncovered nine advertising accounts, including five registered in Mr. Davies’ name across platforms such as Preloved, Pets4homes, Kennel Club, Gumtree, and Freeads, and four accounts registered to a third party.
The advertising records showed that Mr. Davies had listed 11 litters of puppies for sale between April 21, 2021, and February 19, 2023. The breeds advertised included Labradoodles, French Bulldogs, Labradors, Beagles, and Dobermans. Despite being fully aware of the licensing regulations, Mr. Davies continued his breeding operations without obtaining the necessary licence, prompting legal action by the County Council.
Councillor Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, commented on the case: “This successful prosecution underscores the importance of adhering to animal welfare regulations. Unlicensed breeding can lead to poor conditions for the animals involved. Carmarthenshire County Council will continue to enforce these regulations rigorously to protect the welfare of dogs and puppies.”
The Council urges all prospective dog breeders to familiarise themselves with the legal requirements and ensure they obtain the appropriate licenses before commencing breeding operations. In addition to the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014, the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021 also apply to unlicensed dog breeding depending on the circumstances. These regulations are in place to safeguard the health and safeguarding of breeding dogs and their offspring.
Crime
Police investigate alleged assault at Milford Haven property

OFFICERS from Dyfed-Powys Police have been maintaining a presence at a property on Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, as part of an ongoing investigation into an assault.
The Herald understands that the front door of the property has been boarded up with plywood, prompting concern and speculation from local residents.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Officers have been undertaking scene preservation in relation to an investigation of assault.”
No further details have been released at this stage, and it is not yet known whether any arrests have been made.
Residents told The Herald they noticed police activity at the address earlier this week, with officers attending the property and cordoning off the area.
The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Crime
Newcastle Emlyn man admits to attempted murder of baby

A MAN from Cwm Cou, Newcastle Emlyn has pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of a baby.
Rhydian Jamieson, aged 28, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Apr 10), where he admitted to trying to kill the infant, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
The offence took place at an address in Y Ferwig, near Cardigan, just before 10:15pm on Wednesday, January 15.
Police responded to reports concerning the welfare of a child, and the baby was taken straight to hospital.
Jamieson was arrested at the scene and later charged.
At an earlier hearing, concerns had been raised about whether he was fit to stand trial. A provisional date had been set for September 1, but this has now been cancelled following his guilty plea.
Judge Paul Thomas KC remanded Jamieson into custody and said he would be sentenced on May 27.
Caroline Rees KC appeared for the prosecution, with John Hipkin KC defending.
Crime
Teen drug dealers admit handgun plot — Mercedes crash youth facing jail

TWO teenagers have now fully admitted being involved in cocaine dealing and conspiring to obtain a handgun — including a youth who crashed a stolen Mercedes-Benz into a house in Milford Haven last year.
Harrison Billing, 18, of Jury Lane, Haverfordwest, and Danhiellen Raji, 18, of no fixed abode, appeared again at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Apr 4) for an adjourned plea and trial preparation hearing.
Billing had already admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine between January 14 and February 13 this year, as well as conspiring to possess a handgun without a firearms certificate. He also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine on February 12, and denied a charge of possessing a knife on the A477 in Pembrokeshire on the same day.
The court heard that the Crown Prosecution Service had now accepted his not guilty plea to the knife charge, and Judge Catherine Richards entered a formal not guilty verdict.
Raji, who had originally denied possession with intent to supply cocaine on February 12, changed his plea to guilty at the hearing. He had already admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and the firearm conspiracy, and had pleaded guilty to possessing a knife on the A477.
Prosecutor Ashanti-Jade Walton confirmed that no trial would be required for Raji or Billing, and that the Crown would proceed to sentencing.
The court was told that pre-sentence reports would be prepared for both defendants. Judge Richards warned Billing that he should expect an immediate custodial sentence. “He’s fully aware of that,” said his barrister, Dyfed Thomas.
Billing is known locally for a dramatic crash on Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, in December 2024, when he ploughed a Mercedes-Benz into a house during a high-speed police pursuit. A large zombie knife was discovered on the road near the scene the following day and was later recovered by officers.
The pair’s co-defendants — Casey Gregory, 28, of Cromwell Heights, Milford Haven, and John Phillips, 36, of Pen Puffin, Steynton — continue to deny charges of possession with intent to supply cocaine and a lesser alternative of simple possession.
Phillips has admitted a separate charge of possessing cannabis.
Gregory and Phillips were re-admitted to bail, with their trial scheduled to begin on August 4. Billing and Raji remain remanded in custody and will be sentenced following the outcome of that trial.
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