Hunt for ‘puppy smuggler’ who failed to show in court

AN arrest warrant has been issued for a man accused of smuggling puppies from Ireland into Wales through Holyhead after he failed to turn up in court.

Ben James Illidge had been due to face magistrates in Caernarfon last week charged with eight offences relating to an incident at the Anglesey port on November 15 last year.

Geraint Edwards, prosecuting, said prosecution documents and exhibits relating to the case had been served on Illidge at an address in Wilson Crescent, Northwich, Cheshire, last month.

He said the 33-year-old had sent a message to indicate he would not be attending the hearing, adding he was now living in the Republic of Ireland.

Mr Edwards sought to adjourn the case until next month, but court clerk, Tudor Parry, told the bench that Illidge’s message did not excuse his absence from court. The bench then issued a warrant for Illidge’s arrest.

Last November, dozens of beagles, basset hounds, labradoodles and pomeranian puppies, some as young as six weeks old, were found hidden behind bales of hay in two lorries and were said to have no ventilation, food or water.

Illidge faces charges of bringing 35 puppies into Wales without a signed health certificate.

He also faces charges of transporting animals in a way likely to cause injury or undue suffering. Illidge is also charged with failing to ensure the means of transport was designed, constructed, maintained and operated so as to avoid injury and suffering to the animals.