It’s been confirmed that dogs that were seized from two breeders in Morecambe have now been returned to them.
Earlier this month, Lancaster City Council revoked the licences of two dog breeders after evidence of animal cruelty was found at two sites in Morecambe.
The action was taken under Section 15 of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of activities involving animals) (England) regulations, at addresses in Overton and Hest Bank, following a tip off from a member of the public, on June 7.
In total, 46 dogs were taken into care from the two sites.
In both cases, there was evidence to suggest that the dogs had been left for a considerable period, and their welfare was not being met.
A report stated that both breeders – Jack Reay from Red Rose Kennels and Emily Sutcliffe from Coastal Road – were out of the country and didn’t make adequate provision for the welfare of the animals in their absence.
Now, Lancaster City Council has confirmed to Beyond Radio that the majority of the animals seized have been returned.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: ‘’Responding to concerns raised by a member of the public, earlier this month the council’s animal licencing service visited two sites, one in Overton and another in Hest Bank, and based on the circumstances at the time action was taken to remove a number of adult dogs and puppies to safeguard their welfare.
‘’Some of the dogs were taken for veterinary assessment before being transferred to a local kennels to allow time to carry out an investigation. Based on the findings at the time, the licence to breed dogs was revoked for both operators. There is a right of appeal against the revocation.
“The council has been in discussions with the owners of the dogs, and reviewing legal options available to safeguard the future welfare of the dogs. Working with the owners, and having been satisfied that the facilities on site are now suitable, it has been agreed to return the majority of the dogs.
‘’The council’s animal licencing team will continue to monitor the condition and welfare of the dogs by unannounced visits and has requested confirmation of the intentions for rehoming and long-term care of the animals.”
Beyond Radio contacted both Mr Reay and Ms Sutcliffe, but received no reply from either.


Guys Thatched Hamlet closes suddenly after 46 years
Teenager spared jail for causing death of newborn child in Morecambe
Morecambe Town Council agrees budget and 2.46 per cent rise in Council tax share
Builders of new Lancaster housing development offer £2k cash pot to community groups
Lancaster centre welcomes mayor for opening of new community kitchen
Lancaster shop to close as high street gaming chain faces administration
Jim Bentley returns for second spell as Morecambe FC manager
Ashvir Singh Johal’s reign as Morecambe manager comes to an end
Lancaster writer's ghost story of Morecambe to be voiced by acting legend on Radio 4
Change of name announced for popular Morecambe bar
Opening announced for new Morecambe bistro inside former post office
Health watchdog report shows improvements to services at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
LISTEN: How Leo's Gym is making a difference in memory of young Morecambe boxer
LISTEN: Lancaster set to celebrate Chinese New Year
Lancaster’s Vue Cinema under new ownership
Lancaster city centre car park to close ahead of "catalyst for the development of the Canal Quarter"
Crews tackle commercial building fire in Lancaster
Heritage plaque to mark first Lancaster University site and Gillow factory
Heysham men appear in court in connection with death of cyclist in Morecambe
Fundraiser launched for Heysham family who lost everything in house fire

