It’s a seven-and-a-half-hour journey by road and 350 miles to a puppy breeding kennels in Lancashire that sells dogs bred in Fivemiletown after receiving a licence to do so from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.  

Douglas Hall Kennels is registered on the Clabby Road but is actually based in England.

When asked to comment, the person who answered our call earlier this week put the phone down.

Its website says it takes puppy care “very seriously, ensuring all puppies for sale are well looked after”

“We’re regulated by the local Pendle Borough authorities and have weekly visits by our vet. All facilities are kept hygienic and clean and are available for inspection at any time,” it adds.

The company expressed its disappointment in 2019 after a planning application to sell puppies bred off-site and expand its facilities was denied.

Located on Spenbrook Road in Newchurch-in-Pendle, it had submitted a retrospective application to change its operations from solely breeding puppies to a mixed use of breeding, selling puppies, and offering a dog petting service. The application also sought to extend the site’s car park. Although the application to his local council had been recommended for approval, it was ultimately refused due to concerns about the impact the expansion would have on the conservation area.

In a report submitted to Barrowford and Western Parishes Area Committee, a council spokesperson explained: “The lawful use of the site is for dog breeding, which allows for some sales of puppies bred on-site. However, the majority of the site’s operations now involve selling puppies bred elsewhere, which constituted unauthorised retail use.”

The report further noted that the site attracted visitors solely to pet the puppies, creating a significant change in the site’s use, which had not been previously authorised. Enforcement action was set to be taken against the kennels for this “unlawful use.”

Following the decision, William Lancaster, the kennels’ owner, told the media: “It’s disappointing that the application was refused, especially as it was recommended for approval. However, the councillors have chosen to prioritise protecting the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”

When asked about the enforcement action, Mr. Lancaster added: “We will see what happens.”

Several animal rights campaigners had raised objections to the application, citing concerns about puppy welfare, the space available for such an expansion, and the overall operations of the business. Mr. Lancaster dismissed these accusations as “taken out of context,” emphasising that the business was fully licensed and passionate about animal welfare.

Pendle Council’s corporate director, Philip Mousdale, confirmed that more than 30 complaints had been received regarding Douglas Hall Kennels.

In 2019, the business faced significant criticism regarding the welfare of puppies sold at his establishment. Campaigners questioned the origins of the puppies, expressing concerns that some had fallen ill, which triggered protests led by the group Lancashire Against Puppy Farming.

Louise Brown, the group’s founder, criticised the lack of transparency and claimed that the kennel sourced puppies from large-scale commercial breeders, often referred to as puppy farms. Despite over 15,000 people signing a petition against Lancaster’s planning application, Pendle’s Barrowford and Western Parishes committee approved it.

Ms Brown pledged to keep fighting, vowing: “We won’t stop until we see places like this closed down. This is about ensuring animal welfare is upheld.” She promised to escalate protests and launch awareness campaigns aimed at discouraging potential customers from supporting the farm.

Mr. Lancaster defended his business, asserting that his kennel adhered to all relevant regulations and that the puppies were well looked after, with round-the-clock supervision. He argued that shutting down licensed breeders like his would only drive the trade underground, making it impossible to ensure animal welfare. “If legitimate, regulated businesses like mine are forced to close, then it’s the illegal breeders who will thrive. They operate outside the law and care little for the welfare of the animals. This is why the industry needs us.”

National attention on the issue of puppy smuggling and illegal breeding practices added weight to local concerns. Dogs Trust issued a call for the Government to clamp down on the cruel practice of puppy smuggling, which included concerns about illegal puppy farming in Lancashire. Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson addressed the issue in the House of Commons, where he witnessed, through virtual reality, the horrific conditions in which puppies were smuggled across Europe to be sold in the UK. He remarked: “I’ve seen first-hand the shocking conditions these animals are raised in. Illegal breeders falsify documents, and families end up unknowingly purchasing puppies that are too young and have been smuggled across borders. The animals often die from diseases and neglect because of the conditions they’ve been subjected to.”

Mr. Stephenson added: “This is a big issue across Lancashire and particularly in Pendle. Families are buying puppies, believing they are from reputable sources, only to see them suffer and die within days of bringing them home. It’s devastating for the families.”

The illegal puppy trade, along with concerns over licensed breeders like Douglas Hall Farm, led animal welfare groups to call for stricter regulations. Although Hall had passed its most recent inspections by Environmental Health, who conducted annual visits, campaigners like Ms Brown remained unconvinced.

In an interview with the Lancashire Telegraph, Joanne Place, a local protester, shared her personal ordeal after purchasing a puppy from Douglas Hall Farm, only to discover that the dog had a congenital liver condition. Despite receiving a refund, she endured months of emotional and financial distress. “It’s not just about the money,” she said. “We fell in love with that puppy, and to see him suffer like that was heartbreaking. It’s something no family should have to go through.”

Mr. Lancaster, in response to the growing public outcry, continued to assert that his kennel operated within the law and adhered to ethical standards. He encouraged the public to visit his farm and see the puppies for themselves. “Our doors are open. We have nothing to hide. The puppies here are healthy, happy, and well cared for. We meet all legal requirements, and anyone is welcome to come and see that for themselves.”

Meanwhile, Pendle Dogs in Need, a local group, stated that while they hadn’t encountered cases of smuggled dogs, they had taken in several animals from legal, licensed UK breeders with significant health issues.

“Even when breeders are licensed, it doesn’t mean the dogs are always healthy,” said one representative. “We’ve seen far too many animals from licensed breeders that are sick, and it just shows that the system needs to be stricter.”