FERMANAGH and Omagh District Council has failed to respond to questions relating to The Impartial Reporter’s investigation into dog-breeding and licenses issued by the Council. 

The exclusive investigation – which spans hundreds of miles from the Fermanagh and Omagh Council area, to Warrington and Burnley – reveals how dogs bred in establishments here are transported to be sold in kennels in England.

One Little Westie, an animal welfare group, featured in the investigation, contacted the Council calling for an independent investigation into the Council’s management of planning permissions and licensing for dog breeding establishments in this area.

The Council was asked if they had taken note of this request.

The Council were also asked to respond to One Little Westie’s claims in their letter that: “The Council cannot continue with its Nelsonian approach to this establishment; planning can see the licensing issues and licensing can see the planning issues. Pretending the opposite is true is ridiculous.”

Finally, the Council were asked about license holders, William and Kelly Feeney, with an address of 83 Clabby Road, who reportedly use their breeding licence to breed puppies in Clabby and sell them in Warrington.

The question put to the Council was: “Does [the Council] believe that the five animal freedoms are being upheld in the breeding facilities at 83 Clabby Road? Can you please provide specific examples for each freedom? I am particularly interested in information regarding how the dogs are given the freedom to express normal behaviour and freedom from fear and distress.

The five animal freedoms are: Freedom from hunger and thirst by ensuring ready access to fresh water and a diet that maintains health and vigour, specific to the animal’s needs; Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment, including shelter and a comfortable resting area; Freedom from pain, injury, or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment; Freedom to express normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities, and the company of the animal’s own kind; Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment that avoid mental suffering.

These questions were sent to the Council on Thursday, September 5. By the time of going to print on Wednesday, September 11, almost a week later