A12 disciplinary case – Mr R Jones

At its meeting on 30 November 2017, the Kennel Club Disciplinary Committee considered the conviction of Mr R Jones of Capel Y Groes, from the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Magistrates Court and upon appeal in the Swansea Crown Court for offences contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The committee imposed the following penalties:

1

To disqualify him from exhibiting at, taking part in, attending and/or having any connection with any event licensed by the Kennel Club. If any person disqualified under this sub-paragraph shall attend any canine event whilst disqualified the Board shall have the power to increase the period of disqualification

[A11 j (4)]

2

To disqualify him from being or becoming a member of any canine club or society registered with or affiliated to the Kennel Club

[A11 j (5)]

3

To disqualify him from acting as an Officer or serving on the committee of any canine society

[A11 j (6)]

4

To disqualify him from taking part in the management of any event licensed by the Kennel Club.

[A11 j (7)]

5

To disqualify him from judging at any event licensed by the Kennel Club

[A11 j (8)]

6

To disqualify him from effecting registrations of any or all dogs and/or progeny of such dogs which are owned and/or registered by them (whether or not jointly owned and/or whether or not owned and/or registered in the name of a nominee).

[A11 j (9)]

The above listed disqualifications are to be for life from 30 November 2017.

The committee, following the imposition of these penalties, would draw the attention of the respondent to the effect of Rule A11 sub-section n.

The committee noted that Mr Jones did not respond to the referral under Rule A12 and therefore no mitigation or contrition has been expressed.

The committee noted that whilst a six year disqualification from dealing in dogs was imposed upon appeal by Swansea Crown Court, a suspended custodial sentence of nine weeks and a substantial costs order of £5,500 were upheld by the Crown Court.

Mr Jones was an experienced breeder and it is apparent from this conviction that there was a blatant disregard for the welfare of a significant number of dogs which is entirely unacceptable.