Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed three arrests have been made and nearly 30 dogs, which were suspected of having been stolen, have been returned safely to their rightful owners.
On Sunday 24th January, up to 80 dogs were found at a property in Carmarthenshire. Dyfed-Powys and South Wales Police started an investigation.
On Saturday, a number of dogs were also recovered by South Wales Police from a location near Briton Ferry.
All dogs and puppies were scanned for microchips with assistance from local animal welfare officers, the local authority and South Wales Police.
The remaining dogs are being cared for as police enquiries continue.
Detective Inspector Barry Kelly said:
“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish lawful ownership of the remaining dogs and puppies, but we have so far returned 28 dogs to their owners, which is very positive.
“Once a full inventory of the recovered animals has been prepared, we will review any relevant criminal records and queries from the public with a view to repatriation.
“The remaining dogs are all currently safe and being cared for by professional kennels while we carry out our investigation.”
Dyfed-Powys Police said they have made two arrests in connection with the investigation.
One person was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods on Sunday, January 24, and a second was arrested on suspicion of burglary on Thursday, January 28.
Both have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
On Wednesday 27th January, South Wales Police also arrested a man on suspicion of handling stolen goods. He has been released under investigation.
DI Barry added:
“While one person was arrested at the location, we have been following strong lines of enquiry with a view to identifying further suspects. Given the scale of the operation, we believed more than one individual is involved.
“This led to further arrests taking place this week.”
The force is asking for anyone with information that could assist their enquiries to get in touch via Email: 101@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk or online: bit.ly/DPPContactOnline
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If thieves were locked up for a minimum of 12 months, which means release after a year inside, for their first offence, we would start to see a dramatic drop in theft. In this case, given the volume of animals involved, they should be kept in for longer. Any subsequent conviction would attract a minimum of double the preceding sentence, with the judge able to increase it as desired. Let us say 2 years for a first offence, with 4 then 8 then 16 years. After 4 convictions, the felon would have served at least 30 years inside, more if they play up.
Thieves either stop thieving of their own volition because the returns are not worth it or they are kept off the streets for a very long time indeed, thus protecting society.
It really is that simple. All the nonsense community punishments would vanish and the money would go into prisons. The legal aid bill would plummet, court time would be freed up and villains would be off the streets. Insurance costs would drop, police would be able to get on top of crime for the first time in half a century and we would all be a lot safer.