Council’s Trading Standards team awarded for work tackling unlicensed dog breeders

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards team has been awarded at the Houses of Parliament for its work tackling unlicensed dog breeders.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute picked the team as the winner of its ‘Institute’s Hero Award 2023’, which was presented in Westminster on November 22.

The award was presented to the team by Caerphilly MP Wayne David, on behalf of the institute.

Mr David, who has been vocal on the issue of dangerous dogs and dog breeding in parliament, said: “Caerphilly Trading Standards have been working incredibly hard to tackle unlicensed dog breeding across the Caerphilly Borough, so I am delighted that they have received this accolade. 

“I visited the Caerphilly team in their offices earlier in the year to see at first-hand the complex workload they face, as well as the commitment of the team to prevent unlicensed breeders profiting at the expense of animal welfare.”

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He continued: “The team have recently succeeded in bringing a number of unlicensed breeders to justice after they mass-bred puppies in atrocious conditions over a two-year period. I know that Caerphilly Trading Standards will continue to perform vital work in this area.”

The award winner is chosen directly by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, rather than colleagues or the public, and it is not open to nominations. 

Cllr Philippa Leonard, council cabinet member for planning and public protection said, congratulated the Trading Standards team on their win.

Cllr Leonard said: “This prestigious national award is not given every year unless it is felt justified, so this is a real testament to the team and their dedication.

“This award was presented to recognise the team’s unwavering efforts and dedicated work on exposing Illegal dog breeders in the county borough. To date officers have removed over 120 dogs and puppies to a place of safety, alleviating suffering and neglect.

“Many were living in appalling conditions and their welfare needs denied. Evidence of mutilation (ear cropping) was also uncovered. 

“Sentencing resulted in fines, prison/suspended prison sentences, unpaid work orders, rehabilitation activity as well as disqualifications from keeping animals.”

Cllr Leonard added: “Every member of the team should be immensely proud of themselves for their involvement in bringing justice and making a difference to the lives of the animals, I am so proud of the team, and I appreciate every effort that they have made. They thoroughly deserve this award.”