Enforcement officers from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Dog Control Team found a total of 52 dogs and nine litters of pups living in a substantial number of pens in Kesh.
The high number of dogs in the premises suggested that the only reasoning for them being there was for an illegal breeding ground. The solicitor acting for the Council stated to the judge that the evidence indicated the firm operation of a breeding establishment.
After investigation the dog breeder was prosecuted at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Wednesday, February 13. He was charged for operating an illegal Breeding Establishment without a licence.
Mr Barrie Reid, Killynoogan Road, Kesh, Co Fermanagh pleaded guilty at Enniskillen Court on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 to operating an illegal breeding establishment. Mr Reid was ordered to pay a fine of £300, offender levy of £15, court costs of £44 and legal costs of £50 and was given 26 weeks to pay all costs.
Mr Reid was charged under the Regulation 4 of the Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013. It is an offence to operate a dog breeding establishment except under the authority of a licence issued by District Council.
Commenting on the case a spokesperson for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said:
“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council gives a high priority to the investigation of Offences under Welfare of Animals legislation. Complaints are investigated thoroughly and where necessary formal action is taken, such as prosecution for offences as in this case.”
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