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
Court hears man exposed his flaccid manhood ‘by accident’
A 21-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire man has appeared before magistrates charged with intentionally exposing his genitals in a public place.
Thomas Jones is accused of carrying out the act at a property in New Moat, Clarbeston Road, on November 9, 2022.
“The defendant knocked on the door of a female and offered his gardening services,” Crown prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“She accepted his offer and moved her car so that he could move his van, but when she turned around, she could see his flaccid penis was outside his trousers. When she pointed this out to him, he said he didn’t know that it was exposed.”
Jones denies the charge. He was released on unconditional bail to await his trial at Haverfordwest magistrates court on January 6.
Crime
Regular cocaine user from Milford Haven taken off the road
A MILFORD HAVEN resident who admits to being a regular cocaine user has lost his driving licence after being found behind the wheel when he was 15 times over the legal Benzoylecgonine limit.
Teifion Morse, 41, was stopped by officers just before midnight on May 1 following reports that he was driving his Vauxhall Insignia along the A477 at excessive speeds.
“The vehicle was travelling westwards towards Kilgetty, and Teifion Morse was the driver and the sole occupant, “ Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
A roadside drugs wipe proved positive while further blood tests carried out at the police custody suite showed that Morse had 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system (the legal limit is 50), and 20 mcg of cocaine. The legal limit is 10.
Ms James said that when Morse was spoken to by officers, he told them that he knew the readings would be positive. “I’ve done stupid amounts today,” he said.
Morse, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two charges of drug driving. A probation report stated that since leaving the military five and a half years ago, Morse has suffered from mental health issues.
He’s been using cocaine as a coping mechanism,” said the probation officer. “He freely admits that he uses cocaine to help him cope, but it’s spiralled and is getting more and more out of control. He would like support to kick this habit.”
Morse chose to be legally unrepresented when he appeared before magistrates.
“It was my stupid fault and I’m trying to take the correct steps to get on the right path,” he said in mitigation.
Morse was sentenced to an 18-month community order during which he must carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 15 months and must pay a £140 court surcharge and £85 costs.
Crime
Motorist manned from driving after being caught over limit
A PEMBROKE DOCK motorist has been ordered off the roads after driving through Pembroke town centre when he was over the drink-drive limit.
Just before 1am on October 31, police officers stopped a Vauxhall Zafira that was being driven along South Road by Cameron Sell, 23, who was exceeding the speed limit.
“He was acting erratically when he was speaking to the officer,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverofrdwest magistrates this week.
A roadside breath test proved positive and subsequent breath tests carried out at the police station showed Sell had 42 mcg of alcohol in his system. The legal limit is 35.
After considering the facts, magistrates fined Sell £300 and ordered him to pay a £120 court surcharge and £85 costs. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months.
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