A WOMAN who ran an illegal puppy breeding operation in Cross Hands has dropped her lawyer after now making “a large number of denials” despite accepting the charges six months ago.

Kristina Barton, 28, of Heol Dinefwr, admitted three charges under the Animal Welfare Act at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on March 24.

She admitted to the unlicensed breeding of dogs between May 25, 2021, and September 12 last year. The charges related to at least three breeding dogs being kept at the premises and at least three litters being born within that period.

Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings are ongoing, and prosecutor Alexander Greenwood previously told the court that Barton profited to the sum of around £31,000 from illegal puppy sales.

David Singh, defending, said that Barton had set out “a large number of denials” in her basis of plea. These which could not be covered as a basis for her guilty pleas, he said.

He told the court that Barton had decided to change representation and would take advice from a new firm on her guilty pleas.

Judge Catherine Richards told Barton this should have been considered when she admitted the charges back in March.

“The last six months has effectively been a waste of everybody’s time,” she said.

The matter was adjourned for a week for Barton to find alternative representation.