Lancaster City Council has revoked the licences of two dog breeders after evidence of animal cruelty was found at two sites in Morecambe.
The action has been taken under Section 15 of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of activities involving animals) (England) regulations.
A member of the public raised concerns for the welfare of dogs housed at Red Rose Kennels in Overton, causing a joint visit to be made between Lancashire Police and Lancaster City Council Animal Licensing Officers on June 7.
Twenty-five adult dogs and 23 puppies were found onsite in outbuildings. There was evidence to suggest that the dogs had been left for a considerable period. At the time of the visit all the dogs' welfare was not being met and all of the puppies and adult dogs appeared in distress. A decision was made to take 21 dogs into care and arrange for assessment by a vet.
There were 16 licence breaches discovered. All of the animals were found to be dirty, and kept in conditions with no light, no water, no food, and had heavily soiled bedding.
One puppy died, and several other needed medical attention.
The report also states that it's believed the licence holder, Jack Reay, was out of the country for four days, and didn’t make adequate provision for the welfare of the animals in his absence.
He will be asked to attend a formal interview under caution at a later date, and due to the severity of the welfare failings and number of breaches of the licence, it is intended to prepare a prosecution file for this incident.
On the same day, Animal Licensing Officers received a notification from the police of concerns raised for the safety and welfare of dogs housed at a licenced dog breeding premises on the Coastal Road, Hest Bank.
The same officers arrived to once again find nobody on site.
Sixteen dogs and nine puppies were discovered in outbuildings, all in conditions with no light, no water, no food, and heavily soiled bedding. They were all taken into care.
There were 11 easily identifiable breaches of Animal Licensing laws.
A report to Lancaster City Council states that it’s believed the licence holder, Emily Sutcliffe, was out of the country for six days, and didn’t make adequate provision for the welfare of the animals in her absence.
She too will be asked to attend a formal interview under caution at a later date, and due to the severity of the welfare failings and number of breaches of the licence, it is intended to also prepare a prosecution file for this incident.
It was noted that Sutcliffe had already stated to officers that a friend was meant to be looking after the dogs.
Suzanne Lodge, Director for Communities & the Environment at Lancaster City Council, revoked the dog breeding licences with immediate effect on the grounds of number and severity of the breaches of licence conditions, and the impact this has had on the health and welfare of the dogs.
Both Mr Reay and Ms Sutcliffe have the right to appeal the decision.
Beyond Radio contacted both Mr Reay and Ms Sutcliffe, but received no reply from either by the time this article went to publication.
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