TWO women have admitted keeping a pet boarding business without a licence and unfair trading.
Deborah Jane Edwards and Lydia Perkins, both from Risca, pleaded guilty when they appeared at Newport Magistrates’ Court.
Caerphilly County Borough Council has successfully prosecuted both Deborah Edwards (aged 64) of Cwrt Yr Ysgol, Risca and her daughter Lydia Perkins (aged 34) of Ty Isaf Park Road, Risca for operating an unlicensed dog boarding establishment contrary to the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 and for engaging in a commercial practice which contravened the requirements of professional diligence, contrary to The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
Edwards was also 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 Edwards and Perkins pled guilty to these offences at Newport Magistrates Court on 27 February 2025.
Lydia Perkins was sentenced on 1 April 2025 at Newport Magistrates Court to a £200 fine, £80 victim surcharge and £2000 costs.
Deborah Edwards is due to be sentenced at Newport Crown Court on 27 April 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.
28 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 licenced 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 found that large numbers of dogs were being boarded by the defendants (sometimes in the region of 20-30 dogs at one time) and consumers were being 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.
Cllr 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, please contact our Trading Standards or Licensing teams.”
