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An unlicensed dog breeder who, along with his wife, admitted a string of animal cruelty charges has been jailed for four months.

Colin and Ruth Williams, of Glanddu Road, Fleur de Lis, were also ordered to pay almost £12,000 in costs to Caerphilly County Borough Council, which prosecuted the couple.

Ruth Williams, 51, was handed an eight-week prison sentenced, suspended for 18 months, at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court on Thursday April 18. She was banned from from owning, keeping, and transporting all animals for ten years, while her husband was given an indefinite ban.

The prosecution followed an investigation by the council’s trading standards department.

Together with officers from Gwent Police, a veterinary surgeon, and officials from neighbouring councils, a warrant was executed at the Williams’ home address in June 2023. The premises was suspected of being used for unlicensed dog breeding.

Three French bulldogs, two British bulldogs and two cavalier King Charles spaniels were found severely confined in pens in one room with no access to water.

One of the pens, which housed two other dogs was in an alcove under the stairs. The conditions, according to Caerphilly Council, provided insufficient space with the animals having no stimulation and unable to show normal behaviour.

All nine dogs had conditions which caused them unnecessary suffering. The dogs were found to be suffering from skin, eye, ear and airway diseases.

The dogs were seized after being looked at by the vet and placed into the care of Hope Rescue. They have since been rehomed.

In total, Colin Williams, who used to run a business trading as Valley Ultrasound and Microchipping, admitted 17 charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and one charge under Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 for not declaring he was a breeder when he advertised the dogs’ sale. He also admitted a charge under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Wales) Order 2007 of the Animal Health Act 1981, for illegally taking two pregnant dogs to Heathrow Airport.

Ruth Williams admitted 15 cruelty charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and a charge under consumer protection law.

Lyndsey Smith, rescue and adoption manager of Hope Rescue Centre, said: “Many of the dogs arrived with health issues so we were shocked to hear they were still being bred from.

“Amongst the group of dogs were a very nervous duo of cavalier bitches. They moved out to foster care together and developed such a lovely relationship – we just had to find them a home where they could stay together.”

Cllr Philippa Leonard, cabinet member for public protection, said: “Unlicensed dog breeding is a serious matter and it is hoped that the outcome of this case will serve as a strong deterrent to those who operate in this manner.

“Unlicensed dog breeding and high standards of animal welfare is a priority for the authority. Anyone who breeds dogs without a licence and causes them unnecessary suffering risks investigation and ultimately prosecution.”