Fermanagh and Omagh District Council say they have “no scope” to change the legislative framework for dog breeding establishments in the Council area.

The Council responded to The Impartial Reporter’s questions on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 9, 11 days after they were first contacted for comment in relation to the paper's investigation into dog-breeding and licenses issued by the Council.

The investigation – which spanned hundreds of miles from the Fermanagh and Omagh Council area to Warrington and Burnley – revealed how dogs bred in establishments near Clabby are transported to be sold in kennels in England.

One key response in the statement was the Council’s assertion that, “The Council has no scope to change the legislative framework against which dog breeding establishments in Northern Ireland are considered; the competent authority in this matter is the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.”

The Impartial Reporter’s questions addressed several matters including calls for an independent investigation into Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s management of planning permissions and licensing for dog breeding establishments in the area.

Finally, the Council were asked about license holders, William and Kelly Feeney, with an address of 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 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.

A spokeswoman for the Council said: “Fermanagh and Omagh District Council can confirm that the request for an independent investigation into planning permissions and licensing for dog breeding establishments was made to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs as opposed to the Council.  The Council is unaware if the Department has made a determination on this request.

“The Council undertakes inspections (pre-planned and un-announced) of all registered Breeding Establishments within the District to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards under The Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013. 

“The Council has no scope to change the legislative framework against which dog breeding establishments in Northern Ireland are considered; the competent authority in this matter is the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

“The Council operates in full compliance with all statutory guidance, including all relevant planning and licensing legislation.  There is a complaints procedure should any individual wish to lodge a complaint as to how the Council operates any element of its services. 

“The Council does not comment on any individual licence holders but can confirm that any licence application is considered in the context of the prevailing legislation.”