08 January 2024 , 15:50
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An illegal puppy breeder who ran a "side-hustle" racket from her sprawling country home has been ordered to pay back more than £26,000 she made in profits.
Kristina Barton, who was the head of a pony events company, began a side-hustle selling puppies during the pandemic lockdown when dog demand surged. Neighbours complained about noise coming from barking dogs as well as animal straying from the property and fouling outside.
Barton, 43, inquired about a dog-breeding licence in 2020 but failed to complete the relevant forms and instead built kennels and stables without permission at her home in Cross Hands, near Llanelli, West Wales. She was later investigated by Carmarthenshire County Council who found she had advertised nine litters of puppies for sale online - and officials said she showed a "blatant disregard for regulations".
A council spokeswoman said: "Carmarthenshire County Council has taken decisive action against Ms Kristina Barton of Cross Hands, following an extensive investigation into alleged illegal dog breeding activities. The case, brought to light after multiple complaints from concerned neighbours to the County Council and Police, has revealed a blatant disregard for regulations and numerous breaches of the law.
"The investigation began in April 2020 when Ms Barton initially inquired about a dog breeding licence. Despite being provided with an information pack, subsequent complaints from neighbouring properties surfaced, leading to allegations of illegal dog breeding, unauthorised construction of kennels and stables, noise disturbances from barking dogs, and dogs straying and fouling outside the property.
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Kristina Barton must pay back profits (WALES NEWS SERVICE)
She ran a pony business (WALES NEWS SERVICE)"In May 2021, an advert on the Pets4Homes website revealed that Ms Barton was advertising a litter of puppies, prompting a warning letter from Carmarthenshire County Council. However, the situation escalated when Dyfed Powys Police received additional complaints in April 2022.
"A Data Protection Act request, by the Local Authority to Pets4Homes, uncovered alarming information. Between May 17, 2021 and July 30, 2022, Ms. Barton bred as many as nine litters of puppies and offered four individual dogs for sale, all without the required dog breeding licence. Despite previous advisories, Ms. Barton continued her breeding operations, leading to legal action by the County Council. Barton was handed a 12 month conditional discharge but ordered to pay £26,721.12 as funds confiscated under proceeds of crime act 2002."
Speaking after the hearing, Cabinet Member, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen said: “This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to dog breeding regulations and obtaining the necessary licenses to ensure so that we, as a Council, can correctly monitor the welfare of the animals involved."