Going away I missed the site inspection on 30th August and the decision made by the Councillors on the planning committee of Carmarthenshire County Council for the retrospective planning application for the change of use of an agriculture shed as dog breeding kennels at Beili Bedw, Llanllwni, Pencader, Carmarthenshire, SA39 9DP.
There was no surprise to hear that all but two of the Councillors followed the Head of Planning recommendation for approval. Here is a link to the minutes of the planning meeting
Having read the minutes it is very easy to spot where the fault lies and why a situation such as this has developed. Firstly, there has been no attempt since 1994 (planning permission for 9 dogs) by the owner of the farm to to apply for planning permission for dog breeding even though he had increased the numbers of dogs on the premises to 196 (number licensed for). Neither has there been any question asked by licensing, they have just allowed the numbers of dogs to increase and at times more than the figure given on the licence.
The application last year to increase the size of this agriculture shed which did not require planning permission due to the application stating for agriculture use for sheep and agriculture implements but this shed was very quickly adapted and fitted out with panels and automatic feeding and drinking vessels for dog breeding. One surely has to question whether this was the intention all along. Fortunately, it was noted and planning enforcement were advised but they lacked the will to enforce legislation and chose to request the owner to submit a planning application, not content with one application another planning application for the original barn was sneaked in too for change of use.
It is stated in the minutes that the applicant accepted that the failure to obtain planning consent was an error on his part as he believed the licence to be sufficient. The words of a farmer, a business person, with a wife working for the local authority, it is difficult to take this explanation and excuse for none compliance seriously.
So what is the situation now, sadly very little different than before for the dogs. However for highlighting the premises through the media and the operation of dog breeding on this massive scale at least enlightened the public of their involvement in batttery dog farming, breeding of dogs and producing puppies on a conveyor belt system to supply to dealers. The irresponsibility of Councils in allowing premises to grow to this size knowing that they have inadequate staff to maintain a high level of animal welfare. In the last inspection report animal welfare concerns were noted but that was a matter for licensing , of course that may have to wait until the next yearly inspection as it is unlikely that any attention has been given in the mean time, just another case filed away.
But more eyes have been opened and the people of Wales are beginning to be aware of this and other clandestine operations involving dog breeding in Wales, the supply of puppies to dealers and pet shops. Not all believe that this type of diversification is justifiable. Puppy Alert was responsible a number of years ago for halting the grant funded scheme through Farming Connect to provide farmers with grants for kennelling to go into dog breeding. Thankfully the scheme was halted after only two grants were given oddly enough to two farmers already involved in dog breeding, which should never have been considered as diversification.
With so many more eyes watching and listening, we will be aware and ready if it is thought justifiable to oppose a planning application or a renewal of a dog breeding licence. Attention will be paid to the renewal of these premises licence. Hopefully new legislation which is yet to reach the statute book may discourage some breeders when they have to employ staff, these premises will need at least eight full time members of staff and more with whelping bitches and puppies.
Showing posts with label Councils. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Councils. Show all posts
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Thursday, 11 August 2011
Council Inspection Reports - Dog Breeders. What do they tell us? Cont:
Cont: The inspection reports for dog breeding premises in Wales do clarify the number of units used and the type of construction used for dog breeding. This refers to the internal structure in the areas close to the dogs, often stating block and render. They fail to indentify what the actual construction that accommodates the dogs actually is or what it was previously used for. One may imagine that the dogs and puppies are living in a purpose built kennels block something similar to the ones seen on TV, for example those belonging to The Dogs Trust, specially built and fit for purpose.
In most cases this is far from the truth because one only has to look at planning applications, (although many
dog breeders have not applied for planning permission) to see that they are not purpose built kennels. Neither it is a question that seems to occur to Carmarthenshire Public Protection department to ask an applicant 'do you have planning permission' before granting a dog breeder a licence. For those breeders that have applied for planning permission the application is enlightening as one can read that the building is unlikely to be a purpose built kennel block but an redundant agriculture building or a barn previously used for agriculture use, with pens for sheep or calves, even a pig sty was the description given for more than one application and a poultry shed for another. I cannot say that an old building is never suitable, if properly adapted, equipped, with attached exercise runs which enable the dogs to have free exercise, to hear and see life outside their sleeping areas, human contact as well as shelter from the elements with raised beds and bedding. This could in some cases suffice providing the dogs are allowed to run and exercise in an enclosed outside area a good part of the day.
But this is not the case, without adaption these barns and agriculture units were used for agriculture, farm animals. The farmer would provide the cattle and sheep with straw for bedding, regular feed and water and care given when lambing or calving. A must because the farmers are regulated by Defra, all their cattle and sheep are identifiable and inspected by Defra vets a necessity for traceability because the animals are reared for the food chain. But when farmers diversify and go into dog breeding it is different matter, most seem to have the mindset that what was good enough living accommodation for the cattle and sheep is good enough for the dog, forgetting that a dog is a companion animal with very different needs. This is where Councils in Wales granting a dog breeders licence to dog breeders living on farms fail miserably to see the difference and accept what is good for one is equally adequate for the other, which is irresponsible and foolish because many farmers that breed dogs continue to adopt the same policies for their breeding bitches, stud dogs and litters of puppies as they did/do for their sheep and livestock, when their needs are so varied and different.
It maybe acceptable for a farmer to keep his sheepdogs (an invaluable asset to any farmer) who with the farmer will be active, often hours at a time, then when work is done for the dogs to live in a barn is common place and is not detrimental to its well being. But it is totally different when a farmer decides to make dog breeding a sideline by breeding from 20 to 196 breeding bitches and selling dogs to dealers and pet shops.
To use the same building as those used previously for farm animals without Councils ensuring before granting a licence that the building is renovated and fit for purpose with planning permission is unacceptable. More often than not there are no attached individual exercise runs which means that the dogs are confined in little concrete cells 24 hours each and every day. The inspection report will ask about exercise for the dogs and often the reply is 'dogs are exercised in the yard' in most cases this is far from the truth the dogs never see daylight. They live in solitude and in silence.
This failure by both the Councils and the dogs breeders/farmers to recognize the difference and ensure that the needs of companion animals cannot be compared with farm animals now means that many premises are accommodating between 20 and 196 or more dogs, breeding bitches in unsuitable buildings, which is the root of many of the problems, especially in the litters of puppies reared in these premises and for the breeding bitches and stud dogs that can spend a lifetime isolated from human company, other than briefly at feeding times and mating.
Going into agriculture farm building in winter it is freezing in summer the humidity is high if the barn is enclosed, a comment that is often referred to on inspection reports is, ventilation, if it was a summer inspection and flies.
The dogs are not always provided with a bed, those that are mostly have no or inadequate bedding. bakers trays, wooden pallets, cow mats are all that is usually provided. Not all according to the inspection reports have adequate whelping or isolation facilities, yet they have breeding bitches and dogs living in close proximity to each other. Hygiene and cleanliness is often questioned on the inspection reports indicating that some premises are not in compliance with their licence conditions.
Not all dog breeding premises have fire fighting equipment I would a have thought as matter of course before licensing premises they would need to have to have a fire inspection. But on speaking to the Fire Safety Officer covering an area in Wales a request by the Council has never been made for them to inspect before licensing. Many inspection reports state no fire extinguisher or the box not ticked, placing all dogs at risk in case of fire. Again not acceptable.
What of the dogs themselves that is another interesting matter? To be continued.
In most cases this is far from the truth because one only has to look at planning applications, (although many
dog breeders have not applied for planning permission) to see that they are not purpose built kennels. Neither it is a question that seems to occur to Carmarthenshire Public Protection department to ask an applicant 'do you have planning permission' before granting a dog breeder a licence. For those breeders that have applied for planning permission the application is enlightening as one can read that the building is unlikely to be a purpose built kennel block but an redundant agriculture building or a barn previously used for agriculture use, with pens for sheep or calves, even a pig sty was the description given for more than one application and a poultry shed for another. I cannot say that an old building is never suitable, if properly adapted, equipped, with attached exercise runs which enable the dogs to have free exercise, to hear and see life outside their sleeping areas, human contact as well as shelter from the elements with raised beds and bedding. This could in some cases suffice providing the dogs are allowed to run and exercise in an enclosed outside area a good part of the day.
But this is not the case, without adaption these barns and agriculture units were used for agriculture, farm animals. The farmer would provide the cattle and sheep with straw for bedding, regular feed and water and care given when lambing or calving. A must because the farmers are regulated by Defra, all their cattle and sheep are identifiable and inspected by Defra vets a necessity for traceability because the animals are reared for the food chain. But when farmers diversify and go into dog breeding it is different matter, most seem to have the mindset that what was good enough living accommodation for the cattle and sheep is good enough for the dog, forgetting that a dog is a companion animal with very different needs. This is where Councils in Wales granting a dog breeders licence to dog breeders living on farms fail miserably to see the difference and accept what is good for one is equally adequate for the other, which is irresponsible and foolish because many farmers that breed dogs continue to adopt the same policies for their breeding bitches, stud dogs and litters of puppies as they did/do for their sheep and livestock, when their needs are so varied and different.
It maybe acceptable for a farmer to keep his sheepdogs (an invaluable asset to any farmer) who with the farmer will be active, often hours at a time, then when work is done for the dogs to live in a barn is common place and is not detrimental to its well being. But it is totally different when a farmer decides to make dog breeding a sideline by breeding from 20 to 196 breeding bitches and selling dogs to dealers and pet shops.
To use the same building as those used previously for farm animals without Councils ensuring before granting a licence that the building is renovated and fit for purpose with planning permission is unacceptable. More often than not there are no attached individual exercise runs which means that the dogs are confined in little concrete cells 24 hours each and every day. The inspection report will ask about exercise for the dogs and often the reply is 'dogs are exercised in the yard' in most cases this is far from the truth the dogs never see daylight. They live in solitude and in silence.
This failure by both the Councils and the dogs breeders/farmers to recognize the difference and ensure that the needs of companion animals cannot be compared with farm animals now means that many premises are accommodating between 20 and 196 or more dogs, breeding bitches in unsuitable buildings, which is the root of many of the problems, especially in the litters of puppies reared in these premises and for the breeding bitches and stud dogs that can spend a lifetime isolated from human company, other than briefly at feeding times and mating.
Going into agriculture farm building in winter it is freezing in summer the humidity is high if the barn is enclosed, a comment that is often referred to on inspection reports is, ventilation, if it was a summer inspection and flies.
The dogs are not always provided with a bed, those that are mostly have no or inadequate bedding. bakers trays, wooden pallets, cow mats are all that is usually provided. Not all according to the inspection reports have adequate whelping or isolation facilities, yet they have breeding bitches and dogs living in close proximity to each other. Hygiene and cleanliness is often questioned on the inspection reports indicating that some premises are not in compliance with their licence conditions.
Not all dog breeding premises have fire fighting equipment I would a have thought as matter of course before licensing premises they would need to have to have a fire inspection. But on speaking to the Fire Safety Officer covering an area in Wales a request by the Council has never been made for them to inspect before licensing. Many inspection reports state no fire extinguisher or the box not ticked, placing all dogs at risk in case of fire. Again not acceptable.
What of the dogs themselves that is another interesting matter? To be continued.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Council Inspection reports - Dog breeders. What do they tell us?
Carmarthenshire yearly inspection reports make interesting reading. Under FOI and data protection Councils now remove the names of the breeders and premises and the inspecting officer/s or vet if it is a new application.
Well what do the inspection reports tell us? It is possible to be made aware of how many dog breeders sell their puppies to dealers and pet shops, how many sell to both and how many sell privately. Dog breeders were asked if a vet visits the premises. How dog breeders remove waste created from running a dog breeding establishment. How many breeding bitches, stud dogs, other dogs and litters are seen on the day of inspection. The basic conditions for the dogs offered by the dog breeder such as food, water supply, heating and cleanliness. The type of construction of the units and numbers of units on the premises including isolation unit. Fire extinguisher and main entrance notice and licence displayed. Records of breeding bitches records of puppies and who sold. Identification of puppies if sold to dealer or pet shop. On the face of it reading the inspection reports the uninitiated may think, not too bad over all, boxes are ticked and on some the word good is written often.
But what are the facts behind the written word and what do they tell us? Well, from the 84 dog breeders inspection reports from February 2010 until March 2011 it is clear that 35 dog breeders sell litters of puppies to dealers, 20 dog breeders sell to both dealers and private purchasers and only 25 sell only to private purchasers often using free ads and the Internet. So roughly three quarter of all breeders in Carmarthenshire are supplying dealers and pet shops with litters of puppies.
How many dogs live on licensed dog breeding establishments in Carmarthenshire? At this count there were 2,418 breeding bitches, 476 stud dogs, 422 other dogs and 354 litters of puppies seen on the day of inspection.
It appeared that 41 dog breeders when asked could name a veterinary practice that they could use, it did not indicate they were registered with a local vet but some did say to check the puppies before sold and in some cases to vaccinate but only a few mentioned their breeding bitches or stud dogs. What of the other 44 dog breeders are we to presume they just have not answered the question or the inspector failed to complete the form or in the worse scenario which is the most likely to use the services of a vet is highly unlikely.
With so many licensed dog breeders in one County (this does not count the unlicensed ones which is thought to equally as many again) owning and rearing so many litters of puppies, how do they dispose of the waste created by dog breeding? From the information it appears they use varios methods, some are illegal due to the classification of some waste from dog breeding premises as hazardous.
Industrial/Trade Waste 4, Farm Waste, 16, Slurry Pit, 20, Farm Muck/Dung Heap 19 (one said ploughed into the land) Cess Pit 3, Septic Tank, Incinerator (some Defra Approved) 6, Burnt 5, Composted/recycled and some Inspectors left the question blank.
So who is advising the dog breeders of the correct methods to use and more to the point who is ensuring they do so before we have another environmental catastrophe. Is the Environment Agency not active in ensuring this hazard does not reach the watercourses within Carmarthenshire? Has Carmarthenshire Public Protection who are responsible for licensing dog breeders ever discussed this issue with the Environment Agency? This is important as we wait the decision of Carmarthenshire Planning on the change of use from agriculture to dogs breeding on one licensed premises that has 196 dogs! This dog breeders reply to the question of methods used for waste disposal was pit, taken to mean slurry pit?
I will continue with this later .......
Well what do the inspection reports tell us? It is possible to be made aware of how many dog breeders sell their puppies to dealers and pet shops, how many sell to both and how many sell privately. Dog breeders were asked if a vet visits the premises. How dog breeders remove waste created from running a dog breeding establishment. How many breeding bitches, stud dogs, other dogs and litters are seen on the day of inspection. The basic conditions for the dogs offered by the dog breeder such as food, water supply, heating and cleanliness. The type of construction of the units and numbers of units on the premises including isolation unit. Fire extinguisher and main entrance notice and licence displayed. Records of breeding bitches records of puppies and who sold. Identification of puppies if sold to dealer or pet shop. On the face of it reading the inspection reports the uninitiated may think, not too bad over all, boxes are ticked and on some the word good is written often.
But what are the facts behind the written word and what do they tell us? Well, from the 84 dog breeders inspection reports from February 2010 until March 2011 it is clear that 35 dog breeders sell litters of puppies to dealers, 20 dog breeders sell to both dealers and private purchasers and only 25 sell only to private purchasers often using free ads and the Internet. So roughly three quarter of all breeders in Carmarthenshire are supplying dealers and pet shops with litters of puppies.
How many dogs live on licensed dog breeding establishments in Carmarthenshire? At this count there were 2,418 breeding bitches, 476 stud dogs, 422 other dogs and 354 litters of puppies seen on the day of inspection.
It appeared that 41 dog breeders when asked could name a veterinary practice that they could use, it did not indicate they were registered with a local vet but some did say to check the puppies before sold and in some cases to vaccinate but only a few mentioned their breeding bitches or stud dogs. What of the other 44 dog breeders are we to presume they just have not answered the question or the inspector failed to complete the form or in the worse scenario which is the most likely to use the services of a vet is highly unlikely.
With so many licensed dog breeders in one County (this does not count the unlicensed ones which is thought to equally as many again) owning and rearing so many litters of puppies, how do they dispose of the waste created by dog breeding? From the information it appears they use varios methods, some are illegal due to the classification of some waste from dog breeding premises as hazardous.
Industrial/Trade Waste 4, Farm Waste, 16, Slurry Pit, 20, Farm Muck/Dung Heap 19 (one said ploughed into the land) Cess Pit 3, Septic Tank, Incinerator (some Defra Approved) 6, Burnt 5, Composted/recycled and some Inspectors left the question blank.
So who is advising the dog breeders of the correct methods to use and more to the point who is ensuring they do so before we have another environmental catastrophe. Is the Environment Agency not active in ensuring this hazard does not reach the watercourses within Carmarthenshire? Has Carmarthenshire Public Protection who are responsible for licensing dog breeders ever discussed this issue with the Environment Agency? This is important as we wait the decision of Carmarthenshire Planning on the change of use from agriculture to dogs breeding on one licensed premises that has 196 dogs! This dog breeders reply to the question of methods used for waste disposal was pit, taken to mean slurry pit?
I will continue with this later .......
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Councils Failings
Councils are responsible for licensing dog breeders, dealers and pet shops premises, yet many dog breeders operate commercially and licensed but do not have planning permission, whilst many others operate unlicensed and without planning permission. This is particularly noticeable in Wales.
When licences are granted some Councils fail to ensure that dog breeders, dealers and pet shops adhere to their licence conditions, even when matters of concern relating to animal welfare are drawn to their attention. Failure to use their power of enforcement and allowing dog breeders to continue to operate, leaves dogs and puppies to suffer in poor conditions. Many Councils are lacking in controlling the numbers of dogs allowed for dog breeding on the premises, this results in many dogs living in inadequate conditions to rear and raise their puppies, which again causes suffering. Premises are allowed to operate, often with just a husband and wife team, without Councils ensuring that extra staff are employed to care for the dogs as well as raising litters of puppies which is often an impossible task when the number of dogs far exceed the numbers of hands available particularly at whelping time.
Some Councils even fail to ensure that dog breeders, dealers and pet shops comply with current legislation such Breeding and Sale of Dogs (welfare) Act 1999, Animal Welfare Act and the Pet Animals Act 1951 (amended 1991).
When licences are granted some Councils fail to ensure that dog breeders, dealers and pet shops adhere to their licence conditions, even when matters of concern relating to animal welfare are drawn to their attention. Failure to use their power of enforcement and allowing dog breeders to continue to operate, leaves dogs and puppies to suffer in poor conditions. Many Councils are lacking in controlling the numbers of dogs allowed for dog breeding on the premises, this results in many dogs living in inadequate conditions to rear and raise their puppies, which again causes suffering. Premises are allowed to operate, often with just a husband and wife team, without Councils ensuring that extra staff are employed to care for the dogs as well as raising litters of puppies which is often an impossible task when the number of dogs far exceed the numbers of hands available particularly at whelping time.
Some Councils even fail to ensure that dog breeders, dealers and pet shops comply with current legislation such Breeding and Sale of Dogs (welfare) Act 1999, Animal Welfare Act and the Pet Animals Act 1951 (amended 1991).
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
N Kesteven Council - Willow Farm Kennels
Have now received a long awaited response from N Kesteven Council regarding the selling of a puppy from Willow Farm Kennels that died within days of purchase of suspected distemper or leptospirosis both diseases and one a zoonosis.
When the Council were asked what their policy was when advised that a puppy was sold from a licensed premises (pet shop licence) in their area? They replied with 'N Kesteven Council does not have a specific policy when a puppy has been sold that has later died of of a possible outbreak of distemper or leptospirosis, each incident is dealt with as appropriate to the individual circumstances'.
N Kesteven Council were contacted on the 26th May 2011, I understand they spoke to the owner of the premises Willow Farm Kennels the same day but failed to make a visit to the premises until the 10th June 2011. Followed by another visit on the 22nd June 2011. Why did it take N Kesteven Council 15 days to visit the premises when they were notified by the purchaser that their puppy had died from a suspected contagious disease?
The Council said they had no concern for the premises, yet on reading inspection reports under FOI it appears that since 2008 the Council licensing officer has requested and noted on the inspection reports that wood panels and doors needs replacing on the areas where the puppies are kept. Why is N Kesteven Council allowing this to continue and renewing their licence each year when the owners are failing to comply with their licence conditions? The Council are failing in their duty of care too as wood is porous and a known source of spread of disease in kennel areas. The pet shop licence holders excuse for not replacing the wood with metal was 'money is tight', that was in 2008 and 2009 and still the work has not been undertaken.
The puppy that was sold from Willow Farm Kennels according to N Kesteven Council was from an unlicensed breeder, and they have contacted the Council for the area where the puppy was bred.
The questions that remain unanswered are what happened to the other puppies in this litter if they too were delivered to Willow Farm Kennels, were they sold or did they die too? Did the Council contact purchasers of puppies on the premises at Willow Farm at the same time as the puppy suspected of carrying these diseases was there, advising them of this contagious outbreak? It appears not.
This is not acceptable practice on behalf of the owner of the premises nor N Kesteven Council, they have failed in their duty of care on animal welfare and to the consumer who purchases puppies from these premises. The Council says they have few complaints, yet looking at the review online of WillowFarm Kennels there appears to be many disgruntled purchasers of sick puppies. I can recall complaints as long ago as 15 years.
My advice would be to anyone who has purchased a sick puppy from these premises to contact N Kesteven Council they may not be so willing on re-issuing the licence next year if complaints are received. If more people complained about pet shops selling sick puppies then perhaps 'money is tight' will be a real reality for the owners of these premises selling puppies forcing them to close.
When the Council were asked what their policy was when advised that a puppy was sold from a licensed premises (pet shop licence) in their area? They replied with 'N Kesteven Council does not have a specific policy when a puppy has been sold that has later died of of a possible outbreak of distemper or leptospirosis, each incident is dealt with as appropriate to the individual circumstances'.
N Kesteven Council were contacted on the 26th May 2011, I understand they spoke to the owner of the premises Willow Farm Kennels the same day but failed to make a visit to the premises until the 10th June 2011. Followed by another visit on the 22nd June 2011. Why did it take N Kesteven Council 15 days to visit the premises when they were notified by the purchaser that their puppy had died from a suspected contagious disease?
The Council said they had no concern for the premises, yet on reading inspection reports under FOI it appears that since 2008 the Council licensing officer has requested and noted on the inspection reports that wood panels and doors needs replacing on the areas where the puppies are kept. Why is N Kesteven Council allowing this to continue and renewing their licence each year when the owners are failing to comply with their licence conditions? The Council are failing in their duty of care too as wood is porous and a known source of spread of disease in kennel areas. The pet shop licence holders excuse for not replacing the wood with metal was 'money is tight', that was in 2008 and 2009 and still the work has not been undertaken.
The puppy that was sold from Willow Farm Kennels according to N Kesteven Council was from an unlicensed breeder, and they have contacted the Council for the area where the puppy was bred.
The questions that remain unanswered are what happened to the other puppies in this litter if they too were delivered to Willow Farm Kennels, were they sold or did they die too? Did the Council contact purchasers of puppies on the premises at Willow Farm at the same time as the puppy suspected of carrying these diseases was there, advising them of this contagious outbreak? It appears not.
This is not acceptable practice on behalf of the owner of the premises nor N Kesteven Council, they have failed in their duty of care on animal welfare and to the consumer who purchases puppies from these premises. The Council says they have few complaints, yet looking at the review online of WillowFarm Kennels there appears to be many disgruntled purchasers of sick puppies. I can recall complaints as long ago as 15 years.
My advice would be to anyone who has purchased a sick puppy from these premises to contact N Kesteven Council they may not be so willing on re-issuing the licence next year if complaints are received. If more people complained about pet shops selling sick puppies then perhaps 'money is tight' will be a real reality for the owners of these premises selling puppies forcing them to close.
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