THERE was joy for anti-dog breeding campaigners last Wednesday as Forest councillors refused to renew the licences of two dog breeders.

Campaigners gathered outside the district council offices at Coleford before the start of the licensing committee meeting in protest against the licence renewal of two farms in Blakeney.

Aled Owen, the solicitor for both Mr Richard Pike of Hill House and Mrs Margaret Davies of Hagloe House Farm, on Awre Road, told the committee that both applications should be granted.

In reference to the Hill House application, Mr Owen said: "I would ask the council to consider the application in terms of the welfare of these dogs as well as the livelihood of my client – to reject the application would be unreasonable and disproportionate."

However the application was refused by 12 to one against with no abstentions because dogs will not at all times be kept in accommodation suitable as with terms of construction, size of quarters, number of occupants, exercising facilities, temperature, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness.

The second application at Hagloe House Farm was unanimously refused based on shortcomings including inadequate food and water supply, and the general construction of the premises.

An inspection at Hagloe Farm carried out by veterinary surgeon, Michael Daly, said: "The current kennels are largely unchanged since the previous inspection and do not comply with the recommendations. New building plans have been drawn up."

Cllr Diana Edwards (Con, Newnham and Westbury) said: "While I am pleased to hear that the dogs are in good physical condition – that doesn't mean their mental state is. There is no guarantee planning permission will be granted to allow work to happen on the Grade II listed* building that the report indicates is unsatisfactory."

Mrs Davies' solicitor asked the council for a 12 month extension with rigourous supervision.

Mr Owen said: "Although there are some areas for improvement, I would ask there to be regular inspections and a six month review to see if recommendations have been addressed."

Speaking after the verdict, campaigner Kathy Clem­ents said: " It has been two years of very hard work and I am thankful that the licensing committee saw sense."

A spokesperson for the district council said: "In both cases the previously issued licences have expired. Given these refusals this means that the applicants are no longer able to trade. We understand the applicants intend to make an appeal to the magistrates' court.

"The council will continue to monitor the situation."