Exposing the Dog Trade from Fermanagh to England
The journey of young Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, and Beagles from the quiet countryside of Fivemiletown in Fermanagh to the distant fields of Cheshire in England is a story that unfolds over 278 miles. These puppies, bred on our doorstep, leave their birthplace along Clabby Road, embarking on a new life at premises near Warrington, sparking concerns and controversy along the way.
The Investigation Revealed
An investigation by The Impartial Reporter has uncovered the intricate web of dog breeding businesses based in England that are registered in Fermanagh, thanks to licenses issued by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Kelly’s Kennels Limited, owned by William and Kelly Fenney, has its licensed breeding establishment registered on Clabby Road, Fivemiletown, while their business address is in the village of Croft.
The puppies are bred at what some campaigners describe as a “puppy farm,” situated within the UK’s largest dog breeding facility where the three largest licensed dog breeders in the country operate from the same address. In addition to Kelly’s Kennels, other licensed dog breeding establishments at the Clabby Road site include the UK Dog Breeding Academy (formerly Furnish Kennels) run by David and Jonathan Hamilton, and Douglas Hall Kennels run by Eric Lancaster.
The Hamilton brothers, residents of Clabby, have faced scrutiny for their practices in the past. Secretly filmed footage from their dog breeding firm, featured in BBC Scotland’s Investigates: The Dog Factory, revealed scenes described as “barbaric” by a senior Scottish government vet. The documentary showcased hundreds of breeding bitches kept in conditions likened to battery farms, raising serious concerns about animal welfare.
Lucy’s Law: A Beacon of Hope?
Introduced in England in 2020, Lucy’s Law was hailed as a significant step towards ending puppy farming. Under Lucy’s Law, anyone wanting to get a new puppy or kitten in England must buy directly from a breeder or adopt from a rescue center. Businesses selling puppies or kittens without a license could face hefty fines or imprisonment.
Kelly’s Kennels complies with Lucy’s Law, despite the distance between the breeding place and sales premises. Their website transparently states if a puppy was born in Northern Ireland, emphasizing the importance of ethical breeding practices. The company’s commitment to compliance is evident in their adherence to the law’s requirements.
Documents obtained by The Impartial Reporter shed light on the scale of Kelly’s Kennels’ purpose-built breeding establishment. A breeding license issued by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in March 2019 indicated the housing of 64 bitches. Subsequent licenses in 2020, 2021, and 2023 revealed an increase to 300 breeding bitches at the Clabby Road premises. Routine inspections by the Council have consistently confirmed compliance with regulations.
Calls for Accountability and Change
Animal welfare groups like One Little Westie and the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) have been vocal in their criticism of the dog trade practices at the Fivemiletown puppy farm. Martina Hogg from One Little Westie highlighted the need for an independent investigation into licensing and planning at the facility, calling for stricter regulations to protect canine welfare.
Siobhan McHaffie, Director of Operations and Development at USPCA, emphasized the importance of new legislation to ban third-party sales of puppies and address loopholes in existing laws. The USPCA continues to advocate for accountability among Council-licensed breeders and urges prospective puppy owners to conduct thorough research before making a purchase.
Despite the introduction of Lucy’s Law, concerns remain about its effectiveness in curbing puppy farming and unethical breeding practices. Loopholes in the legislation allow for the exploitation of animals and raise questions about the adequacy of current regulations. The need for stronger enforcement and oversight in the dog breeding industry is evident, as highlighted by animal welfare advocates.
The Road Ahead
As the debate over the dog trade from Fermanagh to England continues, the spotlight remains on the practices of breeders and the regulatory framework governing their operations. Calls for transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in the industry underscore the need for comprehensive reforms to protect the welfare of animals and ensure responsible breeding practices.
The journey of these puppies from Fermanagh to England serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in the dog trade. By shedding light on the realities of this industry and advocating for meaningful change, we can strive towards a future where animals are treated with the care and respect they deserve.