CALLS for further investigation into dog breeding facilities have been made following the withdrawal of a planning application for a kennel extension near Clabby.

The proposal for additional kennels and exercise runs, which was being sought by The UK Dog Breeding Academy Ltd on the Clabby Road, saw almost 2,000 objections lodged with the council. 

A spokesperson from Fermanagh and Omagh Council said that the application has now been "withdrawn by the applicant", and confirmed that it is "no longer under consideration". 

It was thought that this extension would allow over 1,000 dogs to be housed at the facility, with  opposition voiced from multiple fronts, including Bright Eyes Animal Sanctuary, Enniskillen. 

Martina Hogg, from the animal rights campaign group 'One Little Westie' has called for a "full investigation" into the facility following the withdrawal of the planning application. 

"We are pleased the current planning application has been withdrawn," she said. "This is a welcome turn of events, but there is nothing to stop another application being submitted next week, next month or next year. 

"This application was withdrawn because hundreds of people raised objections. Objections were in relation to waste disposal, drainage, noise and animal welfare. 

"What is needed now, before any further planning applications or dog breeding licence applications are considered, is a full investigation into Fermanagh & Omagh District Council’s handling of planning and licensing at this site."

Meanwhile, an anonymous objector also welcomed the withdrawal of planning, describing the facility in Clabby as a "puppy farm".

“It is great news that planning for this barbaric operation has been withdrawn," the objector said. "I believe that this was the result of the 2,000+ objections that were lodged to the plan.
 
“But this is not the end of it. I have been asking Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to provide answers in relation to this puppy farm. 
 
“Does this facility meet the terms of the Welfare of Animals Act 2011 in providing the five needs of an animal?
 
“These needs are to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease, to have a suitable environment, suitable diet, the ability to exhibit normal behaviour, and to be housed with, or apart from, other animals.

The objector added: "The weight of public opinion is very much opposed to puppy farming."