12-07-2025
Cross Hands man earned £218k from illegal dog breeding
Michael Watts, of Pontardulais Road, Cross Hands, was prosecuted following an investigation by Carmarthenshire County Council.
He admitted to operating an unlicensed business breeding and selling Dobermanns between December 2019 and July 2023.
He was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on June 20, 2025.
The council found that Watts bred and sold at least 87 Dobermann puppies, earning an estimated £218,000 in profit.
A spokesperson for Carmarthenshire County Council said: "This case highlights the council's commitment to protecting animal welfare and ensuring that dog breeding is carried out responsibly and legally.
"Those who choose to operate outside the law put animals and the public at risk, and we will continue to take strong action against such practices."
Despite being advised of licensing requirements in 2017, Watts only earned a licence in July 2023 after the investigation began.
Puppies were advertised on Pets4Homes and Freeads, and the operation was found to be commercial rather than casual.
Watts received a six-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £196,827.63 under a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) confiscation order, £470 in investigation costs, and a £16 victim surcharge.
The confiscation order, originally issued in May, remains in place after a request to reopen it was denied.
A portion of the recovered funds will be returned to the council to cover investigation costs.
