Concerns over dog breeding plans
A planning application for a large-scale commercial dog breeding establishment is said to have been supported by the National Farmers Union (NFU).
The application is classed as retrospective, meaning work has already begun to become a dog breeding establishment.
While the NFU reportedly backs the application to "support the core farming enterprise", the Kennel Club (KC) has raised concerns about the situation.
According to the KC, such establishments tend to breed dogs purely for profit and allow welfare standards to deteriorate.
"The Kennel Club represents many dog owners who are linked to the NFU," explained KC secretary Caroline Kisko. "We feel they would be horrified to learn of the organisation's support for large scale, commercial dog breeding practices."
She added that the KC has stressed to the NFU that there are many differences in rearing companion animals, compared to those primarily bred for consumption.
Such differences include that socialisation in the first weeks of a puppy's life is essential, however, such establishments often put dog health and welfare second to profit.
"Responsible dog breeding is a skill that takes years to master and to bracket this alongside livestock husbandry is inappropriate," Ms Kisko continued.
The KC, which has stated that farming puppies does not allow adequate dedicated time for each puppy to develop properly, has written a letter to the NFU requesting a meeting to highlight its concerns.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
