Released to press on 06 January 2017
OneKind has welcomed a decision by East Ayrshire Council to reject an application to create an industrial puppy farm in Ayrshire.
The application for a dog breeding or rearing establishment licence under the terms of the Breeding of Dogs Act (1973 and 1991) and the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999 was rejected at a licensing panel meeting today (Friday 6 January).
Libby Anderson, Policy Advisor of OneKind, said:
“We are delighted that East Ayrshire Council appears to have listened to the overwhelming animal welfare case against approval of this large-scale dog breeding facility. Everyone knows that intensive commercial operations cannot provide a decent start in life for young puppies, and that their mothers, the breeding bitches, have a miserable existence – a million miles away from the life of a family pet.”
Plans for the puppy farm were met by significant objections from animal welfare groups, MSPs and members of the public when they were announced in December. OneKind strongly opposed the application and submitted an objection to the East Ayrshire Licensing Board. If the dog breeding licence had been granted, the site could have housed up to 40 breeding dogs. These large-scale puppy farms can cause an array of problems for puppies including lack of proper diet and veterinary attention. The puppies are very often sold to new owners with preventable diseases, painful conditions, and long-term behavioural problems due to lack of early socialisation.
OneKind has campaigned in Scotland for years for a review of the Pet Animals Act 1951 as part of a wider review of the breeding and sale of pets in Scotland. The charity is calling for measures to prevent the creation of large-scale breeding facilities and an end to dealing in farmed puppies by introducing a ban on all third-party sales of dogs. Libby continued:
“Puppy farming in Ireland and Eastern Europe is inextricably linked with illegal imports and appalling animal welfare. Following today’s welcome decision, the Scottish Government must continue its efforts to attack this heartless trade on all fronts, working with local authorities, animal welfare organisations, and campaign groups.”
Notes to editor:
OneKind is a UK-wide animal protection charity based in Scotland working to end animal suffering through campaigns, research and education.
The full statement by East Ayrshire Licensing Panel can be read here: https://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/News/article/east-ayrshire-licensing-panel-statement
For further information or to request an interview, please contact:
Sarah Moyes
Tel: 0131 661 9734 / 07814249534
Email: sarah.moyes@onekind.org
For further information or photographs please contact Sarah Moyes on 0131 661 9734sarah.moyes@onekind.org
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