STEFFAN HARRIS AND BARBARA HOWELL'S HORRIFIC PUPPY FARM IN ST CLEARS REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of St Clears, Carmarthen, authorities uncovered a large-scale illegal puppy breeding operation run by Steffan Lee Harris and his partner Barbara Ray Howell. The couple, both residents of Gorwyn on Tenby Road, faced serious charges after inspectors found dozens of dogs living in appalling conditions at their premises.

Harris, born on December 17, 1993, and Howell, born on August 21, 1993, pleaded guilty to multiple animal welfare offences, including running an unlicensed dog breeding business and engaging in consumer fraud related to online advertising of puppies. The investigation was initiated after animal inspectors discovered the extent of the cruelty and neglect inflicted upon the animals housed at their property.

The inspection revealed that Harris and Howell were advertising puppies for sale on a website called preloved.co.uk, which they used to attract buyers under the guise of private sellers. One such buyer paid £225 for a puppy purchased from a caravan rented by the couple at Waun Dwni farm in Tanygroes. Tragically, the puppy fell ill before the buyer could return to Cardiff, resulting in a vet bill of approximately £700. It was confirmed that the puppy had not been microchipped, vaccinated, or treated for fleas, contrary to the claims made in the advertisement.

Following this, a comprehensive investigation was launched by Ceredigion County Council and the RSPCA. The findings were deeply troubling: a total of 82 dogs were found living in deplorable conditions. Among them were 49 breeding females, 12 males, and 21 puppies that were ready for sale. Many of these animals were confined in small, poorly lit enclosures with inadequate ventilation, muddy bedding, and dangerous features such as sharp corners and low-hanging electrical cables. Witnesses described seeing a lurcher barely able to move, a terrier tied to a breeze block, and a collie with a body condition score of just one out of nine, indicating near-death status.

One particularly disturbing discovery was a dog kept inside a sealed container, with inspectors noting that it appeared impossible for anyone to access it for feeding or watering. The conditions extended beyond dogs, as inspectors also found pigs squealing in distress due to lack of food and water, and chickens that appeared to have been neglected, with one collapsing in front of the inspectors. The neglect and cruelty extended to Harris, who was present during the inspection and was described as being