Pontypool Breeder Convicted of Animal Welfare Offences

In July 2024, Torfaen Council's Licensing Team received a complaint about the welfare of dogs and suspected illegal breeding at a property in Pontypool. This prompted a referral to the RSPCA, and ultimately led to one of the most significant animal welfare cases we have ever been involved in. 

In early August 2024, we received a surrender request from the owner and took in 23 dogs - three mothers and twenty puppies. We were immediately concerned. The mothers were emaciated, and the puppies, despite being under eight weeks old, were being kept separately from them, and the living conditions were very troubling. 

During the visit, we could see other dogs on the property, many of whom appeared underweight. We were also aware, due to the noise, that there were likely many more dogs we couldn't see - some inside the house, which we weren't given access to, and others in stables. We encouraged the owner to show us all the dogs and made clear we wanted to help as much as possible, but ultimately only the 23 were surrendered to us. 

Following a full vet check, we passed our serious concerns along with all supporting details to the relevant authorities, including Animal Licensing Wales (ALW). ALW responded very quickly and we were soon back at the property supporting them in the removal of 54 further dogs from the property, including two young litters. A warrant of entry had been required to gain access - the owner had previously refused entry to RSPCA officers - and the visit involved officers from Torfaen Council's Licensing and Trading Standards teams, ALW, and a veterinarian. Even our most experienced staff were horrified by what they encountered. 

The condition of the dogs was devastating. Many had body condition scores of just 2 or 3 out of 9, meaning they were significantly underweight. Multiple dogs had severe dental disease, in some cases with exposed roots requiring multiple extractions. Many had untreated ear infections so long-standing that chronic inflammation had caused the ear canals to narrow - a condition known as stenosis. The older dogs in the group showed significant muscle wastage and restricted movement, and many required strong pain relief and physiotherapy to improve their comfort and quality of life. We believe their physical condition had made it impossible for them to compete for food with the younger dogs. One dog arrived pregnant and later gave birth to five puppies in our care. 

Sara Rosser, our Head of Operations, said:

"This was one of the most challenging and distressing cases our experienced team have been involved in. Not only from the sheer number of dogs but also their condition. On arrival with us the dogs were in a devastating state - severely underweight, many suffering from advanced dental disease and chronic ear infections. Older dogs had lost muscle mass and mobility, and were so physically depleted they were unable to reach food before the younger dogs. Many, especially the younger dogs, were very nervous and lacking in life experience so required additional support and rehabilitation." 

Sadly, despite the tireless efforts of our staff, vets, physiotherapists and foster carers, six of the older dogs were put to sleep in the months that followed. Their medical conditions were too advanced for us to be able to give them a comfortable life. 

The younger dogs presented a different challenge. The majority appeared never to have left the property and were extremely fearful. We started with the basics - helping them discover and understand the world around them for the first time. Some of the older dogs showed signs of having had some life experience; they knew how to walk on a lead and were comfortable around people, which gave us real hope for them. 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our wonderful friends at Battersea, Blue Cross and Dogs Trust. Their support was invaluable - not only in helping to rehome dogs once they had been signed over, but in offering space for other dogs already in our care, ensuring we had the capacity to respond to this large and urgent intake. We couldn't do what we do without partners like these. 

On Friday 19th June 2026, Lynda Cooper appeared at Cardiff Crown Court and pleaded guilty to 11 animal welfare offences and breeding dogs without a licence, including causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet the welfare needs of animals in her care. She had previously held a licence to breed dogs but had not renewed it since 2023. She received a 12-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, was ordered to pay £10,000 towards council costs, and was disqualified from keeping dogs for 10 years.

Daniel Morelli, Head of Public Protection and Environment at Torfaen Council, said of the case:

"We will not hesitate to take action in cases where animal welfare is neglected, and we would like to thank our partner agencies and Hope Rescue for the important role they played in the investigation and the subsequent care and protection of the affected dogs and puppies."

Our founder and CEO, Vanessa Waddon said: 

“We’re proud to support licensing teams vital work closing down illegal puppy farms in Wales. This was a harrowing case for everyone involved, but this work is so important. We will continue to lobby Welsh Government to strengthen our breeding legislation and enforcement. “ 

Despite the heartbreak of this case, it has also given us reason to celebrate - watching dogs who arrived broken and afraid take their first steps into a life they deserve. Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing some of their stories. We hope you'll follow along.

If you have been moved by this story and would like to help us to continue to be there when we are called upon to support poor breeding and low welfare cases, please make a donation below.

Polar

Rainbow

Serena & Mist