Here is a link to the latest consultation paper issued by the Welsh Assembly Government.
http://wales.gov.uk/consultations/environmentandcountryside/breedingdogs/?lang=en
There is the opportunity to comment.
Showing posts with label dog breeding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog breeding. Show all posts
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Planning Application - Penparc, LLangynin, St Cleares, Carmarthenshire SA33 4BA
URGENT NOTIFICATION
PLANNING APPLICATION Number W/25841
RETENTION OF USE OF FORMER AGRICULTURE BUILDINGS AS DOG BREEDING KENNELS. PENPARC, LLANGYNIN, ST CLEARES, CARMARTHENSHIRE, SA33 4BA.
Carmarthenshire County Council Planning Department, Application Number W/25841.
Here is a link to Carmarthenshire planning department where you can view the plans.http://online.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/eaccessv2/PlanningAppRefSearchResults.aspx
Objections to this application must be received by Carmarthenshire Planning Department by the 10th January 2011. The planning officer is Jonathon Locke who can be contacted on 01267 224867 email: jglocke@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
The retrospective planning application submitted by the Elizabeth M Roberts of Penparc is for dog breeding kennels, they are already licensed by Carmarthenshire Public Protection Department for 107 breeding bitches and 17 stud dogs and have been for the past few years, yet planning permission was neither applied for by the applicant or asked for by the licensing officer when granting the licence. An Enforcement notice was served on the applicant Number W/ENF/05396 resulting in the applicant submitting the planning application.
The applicant E M Roberts also has a working sheep farm at the same premises with 750 sheep as well as the dogs numbering 124 in total in addition litters of puppies. The litters of puppies it is stated in the application are not sold direct to the public but are sold as trade on a wholesale basis with their transportation taking place once a fortnight. As well as the applicant there are two part-time workers employed on the site. The12 month dog breeding licence (renewed annually) is current until August 2012.
The dog breeding kennels can be viewed on the application plans, they are agriculture buildings, made of concrete and brick , the upper walls and roof with asbestos sheeting and profiled metal sheeting. The one window in Unit 1 is of brown PVC, and is reliant on artificial light, there are some sky lights for natural light but doors are solid and swing type, there are some exercise runs to be seen in photos. Unit 2 the whelping unit has 4 doors with a mesh grid on top of doors for natural light.
The applicant replied on the application form when asked - 'Trade effluents and waste, as NO ' this should be answered with yes as some waste from dog breeding premises is classified as hazardous waste and needs to be disposed of correctly.
Remember objection to be effective need to be on planning issues as welfare issues are only a consideration and not a reason for refusal for a planning application. Never the less it is important to place objections to these applications to enable Councils to see that the general public are not accepting of the commercialization of large scale dog breeding and the selling of puppies through dealers and pet shops. Therefore it important to highlight and make objections to the Council when these applications are submitted by dog breeders.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Patricia
email: puppyalert@btinternet.com
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Beili Bedw Planning Decision
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.
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.
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, 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).
Dog Breeding Licences
Have read with interest the Blog by Safe Pets UK on the subject of dog breeding licences and the numbers of dogs a person should be allowed to be licensed for. They asked, shouldn't there be a ceiling on the number of dogs a person can be licensed for, and the suggested figure was 50 breeding bitches. Why the figure of 50 should be redeemed acceptable I cannot imagine, as a person with 50 breeding bitches would still be considered a commercial breeder, possibly selling puppies to dealers and pets shops as they do now. If commercial dog breeding is to be better regulated as it must, then the main purpose behind the owning of a large number of dogs for breeding must be banned. Most breeders (but not all) that own a large number of dogs for breeding do so to to supply puppies to dealers and pet shops. Therefore us, as campaigners must persistently provide Governments with good, factual, sound evidence that animal welfare is seriously compromised by allowing the puppy trade to continue.
A statement written by the blogger of Safe Pets UK blog said the following and I quote:
'We are just finishing Freedom of Information enquiries regarding the issue of dog breeding licences by various councils around the country. It has long been thought that the majority of the puppy farmers are in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, Wales and thousands of sick, fearful and aggressive puppies are sold from there all over the UK. Our study aims to prove for the first time that the problem in those areas is real. End of quote
My goodness, 'Our study aims to prove for the first time that the problem in those areas is real' this information is not news and to say it is the first time is incorrect, those of us that have campaigned for years as far back as 1991 with Puppy Watch and in recent times the Dogs Trust, RSPCA, Puppy Love Campaigns, Hope UK, Spec, Animal Aid, Nature Watch, the Kennel Club, Puppy Farming Aware and Puppy Alert have all sang from the same hymn sheet and saying that Wales is the centre of the puppy farming supply trade of irresponsibly bred puppies followed by Eire. Puppy Alert and Puppy Love Campaigns have for years received information under FOI confirming this fact and have written about it often. But unfortunately whilst Governments and MPs, AMs place their heads in the sand and quote the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999, the Pet Animals Act 1951/91 and Animal Welfare Act as being adequate to control the excesses of dog breeding and the selling of puppies from pet shops, rather than accepting the visual and factual evidence supplied by campaigning groups both large and small as proof nothing will change.
We all have a voice including Safe Pets UK who hopefully will continue to highlight the puppy trade. We must all work with one aim in mind to prevent the sale of puppies from dealers and pet shops thus reducing the need for large commercial breeding establishments to operate.
A statement written by the blogger of Safe Pets UK blog said the following and I quote:
'We are just finishing Freedom of Information enquiries regarding the issue of dog breeding licences by various councils around the country. It has long been thought that the majority of the puppy farmers are in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, Wales and thousands of sick, fearful and aggressive puppies are sold from there all over the UK. Our study aims to prove for the first time that the problem in those areas is real. End of quote
My goodness, 'Our study aims to prove for the first time that the problem in those areas is real' this information is not news and to say it is the first time is incorrect, those of us that have campaigned for years as far back as 1991 with Puppy Watch and in recent times the Dogs Trust, RSPCA, Puppy Love Campaigns, Hope UK, Spec, Animal Aid, Nature Watch, the Kennel Club, Puppy Farming Aware and Puppy Alert have all sang from the same hymn sheet and saying that Wales is the centre of the puppy farming supply trade of irresponsibly bred puppies followed by Eire. Puppy Alert and Puppy Love Campaigns have for years received information under FOI confirming this fact and have written about it often. But unfortunately whilst Governments and MPs, AMs place their heads in the sand and quote the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999, the Pet Animals Act 1951/91 and Animal Welfare Act as being adequate to control the excesses of dog breeding and the selling of puppies from pet shops, rather than accepting the visual and factual evidence supplied by campaigning groups both large and small as proof nothing will change.
We all have a voice including Safe Pets UK who hopefully will continue to highlight the puppy trade. We must all work with one aim in mind to prevent the sale of puppies from dealers and pet shops thus reducing the need for large commercial breeding establishments to operate.
Friday, 1 July 2011
Updates
Another day has passed and the waiting continues. Carmarthenshire planning department are still waiting for further information relating to the retrospective/change of use planning application for Beili Bedw. In the meantime 196 dogs languish in these barns, remember the premises, with just the owner (wife works for the Authority) to look after 1,000 sheep as well as 196 dogs and litters of puppies.
What is the thinking behind Carmarthenshire licensing department when they have re-issued a dog breeders licence each year for these premises when they know there is only one person responsible for so many dogs? Common sense appears to be none existent. Many breeding bitches will be expecting puppies, others rearing a litter and some puppies requiring weaning. Without the everyday basic tasks of feeding, watering and cleaning of the dogs living and sleeping quarters. Where can the time be found to check the health condition of every dog, grooming and exercise, there is not any time and for this reason animal welfare has to be seriously compromised.
When all the relevant information is received by the planning department what will their decision be? Will they take account of the 900 plus objections to this planning, change of use application or will they (because the licensing department have already licensed the premises) be swayed by this irresponsible decision and accept that one person can care for 196 dogs, litters puppies and 1,000 sheep by giving planning permission too? We all wait in anticipation and fear for the welfare of the breeding bitches and their puppies confined in this large battery dog farm. Carmarthenshire County Council have as yet not shown that animal welfare takes a high priority, can we really expect this to change? I certainly hope so, these premises are one step to far and if agreed will set a precedent for even more battery dog farms (as if there are not enough with large numbers of dogs already) operating in Wales. I despair of the lack of integrity of those who are responsible for making decisions that allow premises such as this to exist.
What is the thinking behind Carmarthenshire licensing department when they have re-issued a dog breeders licence each year for these premises when they know there is only one person responsible for so many dogs? Common sense appears to be none existent. Many breeding bitches will be expecting puppies, others rearing a litter and some puppies requiring weaning. Without the everyday basic tasks of feeding, watering and cleaning of the dogs living and sleeping quarters. Where can the time be found to check the health condition of every dog, grooming and exercise, there is not any time and for this reason animal welfare has to be seriously compromised.
When all the relevant information is received by the planning department what will their decision be? Will they take account of the 900 plus objections to this planning, change of use application or will they (because the licensing department have already licensed the premises) be swayed by this irresponsible decision and accept that one person can care for 196 dogs, litters puppies and 1,000 sheep by giving planning permission too? We all wait in anticipation and fear for the welfare of the breeding bitches and their puppies confined in this large battery dog farm. Carmarthenshire County Council have as yet not shown that animal welfare takes a high priority, can we really expect this to change? I certainly hope so, these premises are one step to far and if agreed will set a precedent for even more battery dog farms (as if there are not enough with large numbers of dogs already) operating in Wales. I despair of the lack of integrity of those who are responsible for making decisions that allow premises such as this to exist.
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Beili Bedw - Retrospective Planning Application - Objections Please.
URGENT - your help is needed
Retrospective Planning Application, dated 8th March 2011. Agriculture Shed to Dog Breeding at Beili Bedw Farm, Llanllwni, Pencader, Carmarthenshire, SA39 9DPOn the 28th January 2010, the Local Planning Authority confirmed that a shed could be erected. The application stated that the shed was for agriculture use for sheep and agriculture machinery. This did not require the need for a specific grant of planning permission as the operation would be permitted development under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995.
This resulted in the shed being erected, but within a short period of time it was bought to the attention of Puppy Alert that dogs were being kept within the shed and it was fitted out with tiled walls and floor for the purpose of dog breeding. Planning enforcement were advised accordingly and a visit to the premises was made, the consequences of which the applicant was advised to submit a planning application for change of use from agriculture to dog breeding.
Background: The premises were granted change of use of calf pens into dog kennels for up to 9 dogs in 1994. This required the applicant to request written approval for any intensification of the business, this was never applied for.
From 1994 to date the dog breeding business has intensified to 140 dogs but in the latter few years to 180 (in recent months the dog breeding licence was renewed by Carmarthenshire County Council for 196 dogs), although allegedly the figure for dogs kept on the farm was far in excess of either of these numbers and is likely to be so in the future with or without a licence if this application is approved.
The premises are a working farm with 850 breeding sheep and 200 followers, with 120 acres owned and 100 acres rented and more envisaged in the future. Plus of course the dogs, which incidentally do not appear to have any exercise areas attached to any of the units (livestock sheds) that are used for keeping the dogs 24/7. The applicant is said to employ one full and one part time staff. How can they possible ensure high animal welfare standards for the dogs when they have 196 dogs and 1,000 sheep and land to care for too?.
Puppy Alert will object to this application and is asking that others if they feel concerned too to do likewise. The plans can be viewed here. The planning application number is W/24449
http://www.ukplanning.com/carmarthenshire/findCaseFile.do?appType=planning+folder&appNumber=W%2F24449&action=Search
Please send your objections for the attention of the Planning Development Officer, Stuart Willis
email: planningconsultations@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Planning can only take into account objections on planning issues, such as highways, noise, hazardous waste etc. However the volume of objections to a planning application can be important too, including personal opinions. Please look at the application, read the planning agents report, the latter comments are just his written opinion as to the reasons that change of use from agriculture to dog breeding should be given planning permission. If you do not agree with the agent that dog breeding is an agriculture pursuit then write an objection and say why you are against this application and feel it should not go ahead.
Remember the premises are now licensed for 196 dogs Carmarthenshire County Council appears to be indifferent to animal welfare, public opinion and those of Puppy Alert that to accommodate 196 dogs (with the possibility of more) on a farm premises that has the responsibility for a thousand sheep and few staff is totally irresponsible. Dogs are companion animals requiring human company, socialization and exercise, not isolation and deprivation. They are not livestock and should not be treated as such, their needs are entirely different. To accommodate so many dogs in one area places a higher risk of disease spreading. The mass production of irresponsibly bred puppies from non health screened parents should never be condoned – neither should the fact that these mass produced puppies are destined for sale by dealers and pet shops. Stop puppy farming, battery farming and the indiscriminate commercial breeding of dogs by writing and objecting to this application. You have a choice the dogs and puppies do not.
Thank you
From 1994 to date the dog breeding business has intensified to 140 dogs but in the latter few years to 180 (in recent months the dog breeding licence was renewed by Carmarthenshire County Council for 196 dogs), although allegedly the figure for dogs kept on the farm was far in excess of either of these numbers and is likely to be so in the future with or without a licence if this application is approved.
The premises are a working farm with 850 breeding sheep and 200 followers, with 120 acres owned and 100 acres rented and more envisaged in the future. Plus of course the dogs, which incidentally do not appear to have any exercise areas attached to any of the units (livestock sheds) that are used for keeping the dogs 24/7. The applicant is said to employ one full and one part time staff. How can they possible ensure high animal welfare standards for the dogs when they have 196 dogs and 1,000 sheep and land to care for too?.
Puppy Alert will object to this application and is asking that others if they feel concerned too to do likewise. The plans can be viewed here. The planning application number is W/24449
http://www.ukplanning.com/carmarthenshire/findCaseFile.do?appType=planning+folder&appNumber=W%2F24449&action=Search
Please send your objections for the attention of the Planning Development Officer, Stuart Willis
email: planningconsultations@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Planning can only take into account objections on planning issues, such as highways, noise, hazardous waste etc. However the volume of objections to a planning application can be important too, including personal opinions. Please look at the application, read the planning agents report, the latter comments are just his written opinion as to the reasons that change of use from agriculture to dog breeding should be given planning permission. If you do not agree with the agent that dog breeding is an agriculture pursuit then write an objection and say why you are against this application and feel it should not go ahead.
Remember the premises are now licensed for 196 dogs Carmarthenshire County Council appears to be indifferent to animal welfare, public opinion and those of Puppy Alert that to accommodate 196 dogs (with the possibility of more) on a farm premises that has the responsibility for a thousand sheep and few staff is totally irresponsible. Dogs are companion animals requiring human company, socialization and exercise, not isolation and deprivation. They are not livestock and should not be treated as such, their needs are entirely different. To accommodate so many dogs in one area places a higher risk of disease spreading. The mass production of irresponsibly bred puppies from non health screened parents should never be condoned – neither should the fact that these mass produced puppies are destined for sale by dealers and pet shops. Stop puppy farming, battery farming and the indiscriminate commercial breeding of dogs by writing and objecting to this application. You have a choice the dogs and puppies do not.
Thank you
Monday, 20 June 2011
Cefn Cloch (Ace Kennels) asks for permission to continue breeding dogs.
Hefin Davies the owner of a large, licensed, commercial dog breeding kennel in Meidrim, Carmathanshire, Wales, is asking Carmarthenshire County Council Planning Department to allow him to continue with his dog breeding activities. He has submitted a retrospective planning application and requested to be granted a 'certificate of lawfulness' for an existing use of outbuildings and yards as dog breeding kennels. The dogs are kept in a steel and timber framed kennel building and yard and the dog breeding business is enclosed by a ring fence of buildings with dogs having a free run in the centre.
In March 2010 the premises were granted planning permission to convert a barn at the farm into an office and dog showroom. Did a planning officer not consider it appropriate at the time of receipt of the application for the dog showroom and office or when inspecting of the premises consider checking the history of the premises to verify if planning permission was ever granted or requested for all the buildings used for dog breeding on the farm?
Surely the owner of the premises, himself once a dairy farmer, now switched to dog breeding (they call it diversification) must we aware that since the premises were licensed in 1998 for just 8 dogs that if the numbers of dogs are increased, at some stage over the years, (when a dog breeding sideline becomes a commercial business) that planning permission is required. Did he make enquires with the planning department? Was change of use from agriculture to dog breeding not a consideration, if buildings now used for dog breeding were previously used to house dairy cattle on this once active dairy farm?
What role has Carmarthenshire Public Protection Department played in this fiasco? They are responsible for licensing the premises and in 1998 they licensed the premises for just 8 dogs! What has happened since 1998? Did the owners notify the Council that they wished to change the conditions of their licence due to increasing the numbers of dogs on the premises every year to today's figure of 142 dogs? Did the licensing officer whilst carrying out their yearly inspections questioned the large number of dogs on the premises over and above 8 dogs listed in 1998? Many questions that remain unanswered but here is record of the licence figures.
2003 - 78 breeding bitches 1 dog 9 stud dogs
2004 - 58 breeding bitches 4 dogs 11 stud dogs
2005 - 98 breeding bitches 5 dogs 9 stud dogs
2006 - 88 breeding bitches 6 dogs 12 stud dogs
2007 - 81 breeding bitches 10 dogs 16 stud dogs
2008 - 89 breeding bitches 14 dogs 3 stud dogs
2009 - 95 breeding bitches 9 dogs 16 stud dogs
2010 -113 breeding bitches 4 dogs 4 stud dogs
2011 - 95 breeding bitches 33 dogs 14 stud dogs - Are these figures correct? Why have 33 dogs appeared, they are not listed as stud dogs but just dogs, are they perhaps breeding bitches placed in the wrong column?
The questions that need answering are:
Why has planning permission not requested by the owners or asked to be applied for by the Council until now?
Where are the exercise runs for the dogs? These should be attached to but separate from their sleeping quarters, it is not acceptable for Councils to licence premises on the assumption that dog breeders will allow free exercise to their dogs as appears to be the case here. It is well known that many do not and dogs live their life in confinement.
Why doesn't Carmarthenshire County Council place a ceiling on the numbers of dogs they allow a dog breeder to own and breed from on each breeding establishment?
Does Carmarthenshire Council ascertain before and at each yearly inspection whether adequate staff are employed and suitably qualified in animal welfare?
Why does Carmarthenshire Council allow these large commercial dog breeding establishments to operate without ensuring that all dogs used for breeding are screened under the BVA, KC screening tests for hereditary conditions known in each pedigree breed?
Not all of these questions are asked on the Council inspection reports but Councils can place extra conditions on a Dog Breeders Licence, providing it is expedient to the purpose of the Act. Therefore they should encourage good practice and introduce extra conditions that are beneficial to animal welfare on each of the premises they licence.
In March 2010 the premises were granted planning permission to convert a barn at the farm into an office and dog showroom. Did a planning officer not consider it appropriate at the time of receipt of the application for the dog showroom and office or when inspecting of the premises consider checking the history of the premises to verify if planning permission was ever granted or requested for all the buildings used for dog breeding on the farm?
Surely the owner of the premises, himself once a dairy farmer, now switched to dog breeding (they call it diversification) must we aware that since the premises were licensed in 1998 for just 8 dogs that if the numbers of dogs are increased, at some stage over the years, (when a dog breeding sideline becomes a commercial business) that planning permission is required. Did he make enquires with the planning department? Was change of use from agriculture to dog breeding not a consideration, if buildings now used for dog breeding were previously used to house dairy cattle on this once active dairy farm?
What role has Carmarthenshire Public Protection Department played in this fiasco? They are responsible for licensing the premises and in 1998 they licensed the premises for just 8 dogs! What has happened since 1998? Did the owners notify the Council that they wished to change the conditions of their licence due to increasing the numbers of dogs on the premises every year to today's figure of 142 dogs? Did the licensing officer whilst carrying out their yearly inspections questioned the large number of dogs on the premises over and above 8 dogs listed in 1998? Many questions that remain unanswered but here is record of the licence figures.
2003 - 78 breeding bitches 1 dog 9 stud dogs
2004 - 58 breeding bitches 4 dogs 11 stud dogs
2005 - 98 breeding bitches 5 dogs 9 stud dogs
2006 - 88 breeding bitches 6 dogs 12 stud dogs
2007 - 81 breeding bitches 10 dogs 16 stud dogs
2008 - 89 breeding bitches 14 dogs 3 stud dogs
2009 - 95 breeding bitches 9 dogs 16 stud dogs
2010 -113 breeding bitches 4 dogs 4 stud dogs
2011 - 95 breeding bitches 33 dogs 14 stud dogs - Are these figures correct? Why have 33 dogs appeared, they are not listed as stud dogs but just dogs, are they perhaps breeding bitches placed in the wrong column?
The questions that need answering are:
Why has planning permission not requested by the owners or asked to be applied for by the Council until now?
Where are the exercise runs for the dogs? These should be attached to but separate from their sleeping quarters, it is not acceptable for Councils to licence premises on the assumption that dog breeders will allow free exercise to their dogs as appears to be the case here. It is well known that many do not and dogs live their life in confinement.
Why doesn't Carmarthenshire County Council place a ceiling on the numbers of dogs they allow a dog breeder to own and breed from on each breeding establishment?
Does Carmarthenshire Council ascertain before and at each yearly inspection whether adequate staff are employed and suitably qualified in animal welfare?
Why does Carmarthenshire Council allow these large commercial dog breeding establishments to operate without ensuring that all dogs used for breeding are screened under the BVA, KC screening tests for hereditary conditions known in each pedigree breed?
Not all of these questions are asked on the Council inspection reports but Councils can place extra conditions on a Dog Breeders Licence, providing it is expedient to the purpose of the Act. Therefore they should encourage good practice and introduce extra conditions that are beneficial to animal welfare on each of the premises they licence.
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