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A Senghenydd couple have been fined nearly £3,000 between them for illegal dog breeding.

Callum Pine and Megan Arundel, of Kingsley Place, were fined at Newport Magistrate’s Court on January 13.

The couple had been breeding and selling puppies for a number of years, but began breeding and selling more during the pandemic – despite not having a licence to do so.

Between March 30, 2020 and March 30, 2021, the pair owned eight breeding bitches, from which they bred seven litters from six of the bitches.

The puppies were advertised on online selling platforms and social media, including Facebook and Instagram.

While their earnings are not known, the total asking price from the puppies advertised totalled around £50,000.

Pine was fined £615 and made to pay a surcharge of £61 and pay £1,000 towards prosecution charges – totalling £1,676.

Meanwhile, Arundel was fined £200, with a £34 surcharge and £1,000 prosecution costs – adding up to £1,234.

The duo were fined under the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014.

Councillor Nigel George, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Reports of unlicensed dog breeders has increased dramatically over the last two years within the borough.

“We are pleased with the outcome of the fines for both defendants and we hope that it will serve as a warning to other criminals who are looking to take advantage of animals for financial profit.

“If anyone has any information on potential unlicensed breeders please contact our Trading Standards or Licensing teams.”