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 Based on the findings at the time, the licence to breed dogs was revoked for both operators.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.
Man accused of stealing joints of meat at Lancaster Asda by hiding them in his trousers
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Spectacular display of 12,000 poppies unveiled at Lancaster landmark
Eden Project Morecambe boss gives update on early stages of work on new £100m attraction
Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth Remembrance services announced
Road closures for pre-Tour de France work announced for Lancaster district
Lancaster rock guitarist braves beard shave for charity
Two arrests made after post office robbery in Lancaster
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform concert for schools at Morecambe Winter Gardens
PHOTOS: Plans go in for major Lancaster regeneration scheme
Lancaster music venue's heartfelt message ahead of final night on New Year's Eve
Morecambe school named among one of England's most improved for attendance
Lancaster hospital nursing boss appointed to University of Cumbria honorary role
Morecambe Football Club placed under another embargo by the National League
£1.5m Lancaster scheme to boost water quality in River Lune is complete
Family pays tribute to Lancaster pensioner who died in road crash
Popular artist's print of Morecambe Bay Academy to be launched at alumni evening
Work set to begin on new Heysham skate park
Light Up Lancaster promises to illuminate city with ‘No Boundaries’
Sadness as Morecambe sports and social club suffers break-in on night of reopening
Man arrested after death of pensioner in Lancaster road crash
