ILLEGAL DOG BREEDER FROM CROSS HANDS SENTENCED FOR SELLING DOBERMANNS WITHOUT LICENCE
Michael Watts, a dog breeder operating under the name Torcheney, was convicted of running an illegal dog breeding business in Cross Hands following an investigation by Carmarthenshire County Council.
He admitted to breeding and selling Doberman puppies without a license from December 2019 to July 2023.
Throughout this period, Watts produced at least 87 Dobermann puppies and earned an estimated profit of £218,000.
Despite being warned about licensing requirements back in 2017, Watts only obtained a license after the investigation started in July 2023.
He owned additional businesses including Eisenfarn Stud and Sleepy Hollow Pet Crematorium.
The puppies were advertised on Pets4Homes and Freeads, confirming it was a commercial operation rather than casual breeding.
A confiscation order, issued in May 2025, remains in effect.
Watts was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on June 20, 2025, receiving a six-month conditional discharge, a requirement to pay £196,827.63 under a Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation order, £470 in investigation costs, and a victim surcharge of £16.
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
a commercial operation rather than casual breeding. A confiscation order, issued in May 2025, remains in effect. Watts was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on June 20, 2025, receiving a six-month conditional discharge, a requirement to p...
Fine or payment
Watts was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on June 20, 2025, receiving a six-month conditional discharge, a requirement to pay 196,827.63 under a Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation order, 470 in investigation costs, and a victim surcharge of 16
Discharge or deferred sentence
Watts was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on June 20, 2025, receiving a six-month conditional discharge, a requirement to pay 196,827.63 under a Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation order, 470 in investigation costs, and a victim surcharge of 16
