Beyond Radio Lancaster reported that a member of the public raised concerns for the welfare of dogs housed at Red Rose Kennels in Overton, causing a joint visit to be made between Lancashire Police and Lancaster City Council Animal Licensing Officers on June 7. 

Twenty-five adult dogs and 23 puppies were found on site in outbuildings. There was evidence to suggest that the dogs had been left for a considerable period. At the time of the visit, all the dogs' welfare was not being met and all the puppies and adult dogs appeared in distress. A decision was made to take 21 dogs into care and arrange for assessment by a vet. 

There were 16 licence breaches discovered. All the animals were found to be dirty, and kept in conditions with no light, no water, no food, and had heavily soiled bedding. 

A report to Lancaster City Council states that it’s believed the licence holder, Emily Sutcliffe, was out of the country for six days, and didn’t make adequate provision for the welfare of the animals in her absence. 

She too will be asked to attend a formal interview under caution at a later date, and due to the severity of the welfare failings and number of breaches of the licence, it is intended to also prepare a prosecution file for this incident. 

It was noted that Sutcliffe had already stated to officers that a friend was meant to be looking after the dogs. 

Suzanne Lodge, Director for Communities & the Environment at Lancaster City Council, revoked the dog breeding licences with immediate effect on the grounds of number and severity of the breaches of licence conditions, and the impact this has had on the health and welfare of the dogs.