COUPLE MADE HUGE FORTUNE ILLEGALLY BREEDING DOGS FROM THEIR HOME
Three people from Cardiff illegally overbred dogs without a licence over several years to maximize the number of litters they had and increase their profits.Dogs, mainly bulldogs and dachshunds, were overbred by over four times the legal annual limit while procedures which should only legally be performed by vets were carried out to generate extra profit.
Husband and wife Paul Xuereb, 44, and Samantha Xuereb, 41, of Llanrumney, Cardiff, were joint directors of Fertility Frenchies, while Matthew Anderson, 42, of Llanrumney, was a close associate and a joint director of Cardiff Canine Supplies with Paul Xuereb.
The trio carried out illegal dog breeding from their respective home addresses in Cardiff and performed illegal medical procedures including the taking of blood at a commercial unit in Llanrumney.
Cardiff Crown Court heard how the offending came to light in September 2022 when premises were searched.
Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here.
The court heard evidence of records being altered to avoid detection, prescription-only medication being given without authorisation, breeds being substandard, and congenital defects being passed on through their breeding that owners would not have been aware of.
Judge Carl Harrison said that had buyers known about this they may not have chosen to buy the dogs.
On a search of the Xuerebs' home police found eight adult male dogs, 11 puppies from two litters, some of which were being kept in the house and some in an outbuilding, and seven breeding-age female dogs.
Paul Xuereb, of Dickens Avenue, Llanrumney, was sentenced to 23 months in prison suspended for two years and was ordered to attend 10 rehabilitation requirement days and complete 180 hours of unpaid work.
Samantha Xuered, of the same address, was sentenced to 15 months in prison suspended for two years and was ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work.
Anderson, of Burnham Avenue, Llanrumney, was sentenced to 12 months in prison suspended for two years.
Judge Harrison ordered him to attend 120 hours of unpaid work.
A proceeds of crime hearing will take place on May 11, 2026.
Commenting on the successful outcome of the illegal dog breeding investigation and prosecution, Cabinet Member responsible for Shared Regulatory Services in Cardiff, Cllr Norma Mackie, 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.
"The court's sentence reflects the seriousness of these offences and the need to deter others from similar conduct.
If anyone has concerns relating to suspected illegal breeding activities, they should report it directly to Shared Regulatory Services by calling 0300 123 6696."
