Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has successfully prosecuted an Aberdare woman for operating an unlicensed home boarding business in breach of the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963.
Michelle Lewis, of Llwydcoed, appeared before Merthyr Magistrates’ Court on 11 February, where she pleaded guilty to boarding dogs at her farm without holding the required licence. Although previously licensed to home‑board dogs at her former address in Moriah Place, Ms. Lewis moved to a farm in Llwydcoed but failed to apply for a new licence for the premises. Home boarding licences are issued to a specific property and are not transferable between addresses.
Anyone who home boards animals must hold a valid Home Boarders Licence for the property where the animals are boarding. All licensed premises are inspected annually to ensure:
- The environment is safe, secure, and suitable for pets
- Proper procedures are in place for emergencies
- Animal welfare standards are consistently met
- The licence holder is competent and capable of caring for boarded animals
The Council’s Licencing team first received a complaint about Ms. Lewis in early October 2024 after a member of the public reported that their dog had been attacked and injured while being boarded at Ms. Lewis’s farm. Officers then contacted Ms. Lewis to advise that her existing licence only covered Moriah Place and did not extend to her new address. She was reminded that operating without a licence is an offence and was invited to apply for a licence for the farm—an application she never made.
Later that month, a Licensing Officer carried out an unannounced visit to the Llwydcoed farm, where several dogs were found to be boarded. Ms. Lewis was issued with verbal advice and a written warning, informing her again that she did not hold a valid licence for the property and that enforcement action would follow if she continued to operate illegally.
In July 2025, the Authority received a further complaint of another dog attack at the farm. The owner stated their pet had been boarded there on three separate occasions between November 2024 and July 2025.
Ms. Lewis then attended a PACE interview at the Council Offices in September 2025, accompanied by her solicitor. Under caution, she admitted to boarding dogs without the required licence and confirmed she had received previous written warnings from the Licensing and Enforcement team and understood the licensing requirements.
Under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963, it is a legal requirement that: No person shall keep a boarding establishment for animals except under the authority of a licence granted in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
By continuing to board dogs after repeated warnings, Ms. Lewis failed to comply with the law and put animals at risk. Merthyr Magistrates’ Court imposed fines totalling £393.
Cabinet Member for Communities, Councillor Robert Harris, said:
“I hope that as a result of this case, residents will see just how seriously we take matters of businesses or individuals operating without an appropriate licence.
“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 Rhondda Cynon Taf and it is vitally important that businesses are licensed to protect members of the public and their pet., We would urge residents to check and 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 safety, health, and welfare.
“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 breaks the law”
If anyone is concerned or suspicious of illegal dog boarding, please contact our Licensing teams by emailing Licensing.Section@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk or visit https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Business/LicencesandPermits/LicencesandPermits.aspx
Posted on 19/03/2026