Lynda Cooper, 55, of Lower Race, Pontypool, has been sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court after pleading guilty to 11 animal welfare offences and operating an unlicensed dog breeding business. The case, which came to light in July 2024, involved the discovery of 41 dogs and two litters of puppies living in horrific conditions at her property.
Investigation and Discovery
The investigation began in July 2024 when Torfaen County Borough Council's Licensing Team received a complaint about the welfare of dogs at Cooper's address and suspected illegal breeding. The matter was referred to the RSPCA, but officers were denied entry, raising further concerns. In August 2024, a warrant was obtained, and officers from the council's licensing and trading standards teams, alongside Animal Licensing Wales and a veterinarian, entered the property.
They found 41 dogs and two litters of puppies. Veterinary assessments confirmed the puppies were suffering from malnutrition, and several dogs had other medical conditions. The animals were kept in unsuitable living conditions, further compromising their welfare. All dogs and puppies were removed and provided with medical treatment and care.
Court Proceedings and Sentence
At Cardiff Crown Court on June 19, 2026, Cooper admitted causing unnecessary suffering to animals and failing to meet their welfare needs. She also admitted breeding dogs without a licence, having previously held a licence between 2022 and 2023 but failing to renew it. She was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years. Additionally, she was ordered to pay £10,000 towards council costs and a £187 victim surcharge, and was disqualified from keeping dogs for 10 years.
In October 2024, following a hearing at Cwmbran Magistrates' Court, the council was granted permission to take possession of the animals. They have since been rehomed through Hope Rescue.
Statements from Authorities
Daniel Morelli, Head of Public Protection and Environment at Torfaen Council, said: "Miss Cooper failed to meet the standards required by law, resulting in significant and unnecessary suffering to a considerable number of animals. 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."
Zoe Phillips of Animal Licensing Wales added: "Torfaen Council authorised ALW officers to assist due to the scale and complexity of the concerns. The outcome shows the value of partnership working. Local authorities can face complex and resource-intensive animal welfare cases, and the ALW ensures they are not dealing with these situations in isolation."
Sara Rosser, Head of Operations at Hope Rescue, described the case as one of the most "challenging" and "distressing" her team has handled. "Not only from the sheer number of dogs but also their condition. On arrival, 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 were very nervous and lacking in life experience, requiring additional support and rehabilitation."
Public Appeal
Anyone with concerns about animal welfare is urged to contact animal.health@torfaen.gov.uk.
