A family made more than £250,000 from illegally breeding and selling puppies over a six-year period, a court has heard. The four defendants—Leigh and Karen Woodhams and their daughters Emma and Hannah Woodhams—advertised puppies including Cockerpoos, Dachshunds, Spaniels, Rottweilers, and Labradors on websites such as Gumtree, Pets4Homes, Preloved, and Facebook, often using different names, addresses, and phone numbers to avoid detection.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Swansea Crown Court, Judge Huw Rees said the unlicensed dog breeding operation was “not minor or occasional” but a serious offence carried out over a significant period. He noted that such activity is “prevalent” in rural parts of west Wales, particularly in Carmarthenshire, and described it as a “highly lucrative business.” The judge imposed fines and confiscation orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Prosecutor Rebecca Griffiths told the court that between July 2016 and October 2022, the family engaged in unlicensed dog breeding. None of the defendants held the required licences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014. There was evidence of “back-to-back breeding” with multiple breeding bitches producing several litters per year.
Financial Gains and Confiscation Orders
The court agreed on the following criminal benefits and available assets: Leigh Woodhams benefited by £94,443 with £197,484 in assets; Karen Woodhams benefited jointly by £87,816 with £183,048 in assets; Hannah Woodhams benefited by £50,075 with £14,240 in assets; and Emma Woodhams benefited by £117,443 with £12,000 in assets. Confiscation orders were made for these benefit amounts, with three months to pay or face imprisonment: Leigh Woodhams faces 11 months, Karen Woodhams eight months, Hannah Woodhams three months, and Emma Woodhams two months.
Defence Mitigations
Defence lawyers offered mitigations. Ieuan Rees, for Leigh Woodhams, said his client worked full-time and had family responsibilities. Jon Tarrant, for Karen Woodhams, acknowledged it was a “family enterprise” but noted the offending ended in 2022. Ryan Bowen, for Hannah Woodhams, cited “naivety” and said she was signed off work due to mental health issues. David Leathley, for Emma Woodhams, said she had been in an abusive relationship and was a “hollow shell,” but the dogs were not cruelly treated.
Fines and Costs
Hannah Woodhams was fined £1,000, while Leigh, Karen, and Emma Woodhams were each fined £2,000. Non-payment could result in 28 days in prison for Hannah and 45 days for the others. The judge declined to impose prosecution costs of £37,236.
