Hundreds of puppies bred unlawfully as court hears of sophisticated fraud and animal welfare breaches
A LENGTHY investigation into illegal dog breeding and fraudulent trading in Cardiff has resulted in suspended prison sentences for three defendants, following what authorities described as “systematic and highly organised” offending.
Paul Xuereb, Samantha Xuereb and Matthew Anderson were prosecuted after Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) uncovered years of unlawful activity linked to unlicensed dog breeding businesses operating in the city.
The court heard that the defendants ran their operations through companies including Cardiff Canine Supplies Limited and Colour Coded Frenchies Fertility Clinic Ltd, breeding and selling hundreds of puppies while deliberately evading animal licensing laws.
Investigators found evidence of overbreeding and the use of poor-quality breeding stock, leading to puppies being born with congenital defects. The offences spanned more than five years, from June 2017 to September 2022, and involved what prosecutors described as careful planning for financial gain.
In total, the Xuerebs bred 63 litters comprising 259 puppies, generating proceeds of more than £459,000. Anderson bred 35 litters involving 159 puppies, with sales exceeding £181,000.
All three defendants pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading in connection with the illegal breeding and sale of dogs. The Xuerebs also admitted multiple breaches of the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014, as well as the unlawful supply of veterinary medicines.
Anderson admitted to possessing veterinary medicines illegally and participating in the fraudulent business practices.
The court was told that the defendants provided unqualified veterinary services, including blood testing, artificial insemination and the supply of prescription-only medicines — despite none being registered veterinary surgeons.
During searches of their premises, large sums of cash were seized, while bank records revealed substantial income generated through the illegal activities. Proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act are ongoing, with authorities seeking to recover criminal assets.
At Cardiff Crown Court, the following sentences were imposed:
- Paul Xuereb was sentenced to 23 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He must complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 180 hours of unpaid work.
- Samantha Xuereb received a 15-month suspended prison sentence, along with 140 hours of unpaid work.
- Matthew Anderson was given a 12-month suspended sentence and ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work.
Sentencing for financial penalties linked to the remaining offences has been adjourned pending the outcome of POCA proceedings.
Commenting on the case, Cllr Norma Mackie, Cardiff Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Shared Regulatory Services, said:
“This case highlights the importance of robust enforcement of animal licensing law.
“The scale and sophistication of this offending demonstrated a clear disregard for the law. The defendants’ actions not only put animals at risk but also undermined public trust in legitimate breeders.”
She added that the sentences reflected the seriousness of the offences and served as a warning to others, urging members of the public to report suspected illegal breeding to Shared Regulatory Services.
Shared Regulatory Services is a partnership between Cardiff, Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan councils, responsible for enforcing animal welfare, trading standards and licensing laws across the region.
