Council rejects planning application for 'large-scale puppy farm'
Animal welfare campaigners have welcomed a decision by a local authority to reject a planning application to create a "large-scale puppy farm".
Animal welfare campaigners have welcomed a decision by a local authority to reject a planning application to create a "large-scale puppy farm".
The East Ayrshire site could have housed up to 40 breeding dogs, which animal welfare groups say could have caused an array of problems for puppies.
The proposals received significant objections from animal lovers, MSPs and members of the public when they were announced.
Campaigners OneKind strongly opposed the application and submitted an objection to East Ayrshire Council's licensing board, who refused the application.
Libby Anderson, policy adviser of animal protection charity 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."
If the dog breeding licence had been granted, Ms Anderson says the site could have housed up to 40 breeding dogs.
She added: "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."
Thousands of people objected to the proposals for the farm in a converted stable at New Intax Farm at Newmilns.
A council spokesman said: "The East Ayrshire licensing panel met to consider an application for a dog breeding or rearing establishment licence in respect of premises at New Intax Farm, Newmilns.
"The panel has decided to refuse the application and will not be making further comment, mindful that the matter may now be subject to an appeal to the Sheriff."