When the local authority was questioned who inspected the kennels for breeding licences we were told that we had no right to that information and it was confidential. I have been told through a very good source that as the vet would be on the public payroll then I have a right to know. Can anyone clarify this?

The local environmental health officer would issue a breeding licence and a Vet is nominated in case expert advice is required as to the health and welfare of the dogs kept in the licenced establishment.
Dawn.

The Environmental Officer has stated in a letter that a Vet has done an annual visit to a certain breeding kennels, but will not say who the vet is? seems a bit odd.

I thought there HAD to be a vet inspection!? In case is just not good enough! What is the point in creating laws if the ones who cause the need for them aren't even getting checked! It is the large scale breders that cause the main rescue and other problems.

Brainless I have the HOME OFFICE guidelines in front of me and its states "Inspections are also required on subsequent applications, but can then be by a Veterinary Surgeon/practioner OR an officer of the authority (or both). The problem is if the Environmental Officer is not very good at his job and does not take a vet with him on every occasion then these mass breeders have afield day. I am very concerned with a local breeder and am sick to death with complaining to the council. The Officer who has visited for 10 years is now lying through his back teeth stating a vet has issued the licence this I have in a letter. It seems everyone in the office does not no who the vet is and the Officer himself says the information is confidential. This idiot does not want to take repsonsiblity for the state of the place and will be dealing with my complaint as he is head of complaints, can you beleive it!This person has caused these dogs years of suffering and abuse. Any suggestions on how to go with this one?

If you're sure of your facts how about a letter to the local paper?

Fiona
x x x

Media ? Just remember the libel laws. They apply to the net as well.

Rufus
Unfortunatley, the laws on keeping animal breeding/boarding establishments are somewhat vague. Things like sufficient this and adequate that are the norm. If you suspect animal abuse may I suggest the RSPCA, I am not a great fan of theirs, but maybe this is the next step. I have not heard of vets issueing licences, but could you ask the vets in the area? Say you are thinking of buying a pup from this place and do they think it is a good idea, the ones that have had genuine complaints should discourage you.
Just a few ideas.
Dawn.

copme on Legal Beagle, advise please!!!

How about your local MP, can't you get them involved?
Surely there must be someone above the idiot in charge who you can take a complaint to.
Good luck in your fight!

Rufus
Did you know as well that any business that holds records on clients-staff- suppliers -etc must be registered under the Data Protection Act of 1998 and it applies to all records held on computer or manually.
Failure to register can lead to a heavy fine.
I wonder how many kennels(boarding/breeding) have complied, my guess is not that many.
Thought you may be interested.
Bazza

Thanks for all your replies and support.

We do hold records and have to register with data protection. But this only applies to individuals and then only for confidential information. Nobody can be prosecuted for giving information on name address etc.