Two women have admitted running a pet boarding business without a licence.
Deborah Jane Edwards, 64, and Lydia Perkins, 34, both from Risca, pleaded guilty to the offence at Newport Magistrates’ Court.
Caerphilly County Borough Council successfully prosecuted the pair for operating an unlicensed dog boarding establishment, in breach of the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963.
They were also charged with engaging in a commercial practice that contravened the requirements of professional diligence, contrary to The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
Edwards was further prosecuted for offences under The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 for failing to inform consumers that the business was unlicensed, and for offences under the Fraud Act 2002 for running a fraudulent business.
Both women pleaded guilty to these offences at Newport Magistrates’ Court on February 27, 2025.
Perkins was sentenced on April 1, 2025, at Newport Magistrates’ Court to a £200 fine, £80 victim surcharge, and £2,000 costs.
Edwards is due to be sentenced at Newport Crown Court on April 27, 2025.
The sentencing follows an investigation by Caerphilly Council’s Trading Standards team after information was received regarding the illegal boarding of dogs by the defendants.
Officers, accompanied by Gwent Police, executed warrants in October 2024 at two premises in Risca suspected of being used for unlicensed dog boarding.
Twenty-eight dogs were found at a commercial premises being used as a doggy daycare.
It was found to be overcrowded and did not meet the standard required of a licensed premises.
The court heard the women had been aware of the legal requirements but continued to trade without a licence between January 2023 and October 2024.
During the investigation, evidence was found that large numbers of dogs were being boarded by the defendants, sometimes in the region of 20-30 dogs at one time.
Consumers were informed that Trading Standards and Licensing were involved with their business, giving the impression of legitimacy.
A conservative estimate of the turnover made by this unlicensed business was calculated to be in excess of £115,000.
Councillor Philippa Leonard, cabinet member for public protection, said: “Animal boarding businesses, be it commercial kennels, home boarding, or daycare, must be inspected and approved by the local authority to ensure they provide a safe and appropriate environment that meets the required standards.
“Animal welfare is a priority in Caerphilly, it is vitally important that businesses are licensed to protect members of the public and their pets, and that the public ensure that the person they are leaving their dog with is suitably licensed.
“Unlicensed boarding establishments are not regulated and ultimately take away from legitimately licensed premises.
“There are no guarantees that the business is able to meet the needs of our pets or have the required knowledge and training in relation to the animals they look after.
“They often prioritise profit over the safety, health, and welfare of our pets.
“It is hoped that this case will serve as a strong deterrent to anyone operating an animal boarding business without the appropriate licence and sends a strong message that we will not hesitate to seek out and take action against anyone who flouts the law.”
If anyone is concerned or suspicious of illegal dog boarding, they are urged to contact the council’s Trading Standards or Licensing teams.
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