An XL bully sanctuary which houses more than 30 dogs has had its license unanimously rejected amid “grave concerns” over safety.
Happas Canine Centre near Forfar, which is operated by Kerryanne Shaw of All Bullie Charity Rescue, would have been Scotland’s first shelter tailored for the controversial canines.
Last year, Shaw moved from Glasgow to Angus to develop the site, having raised more than £20,000 for the project.
However, two separate incident reports into the sanctuary were highly critical about the conditions of the kennel.
Happas Canine Centre near Forfar would have been Scotland’s first shelter tailored for the controversial canines
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One of the reports, written by Angus Council’s animal welfare inspector Coreen Hill, said that Shaw was not capable of adequately caring for the dogs at the shelter.
Concerns were also raised about Shaw's “lack of knowledge and understanding” in operating such a facility, The Courier reports.
The inspector additionally noted a complete absence of charts or paperwork documenting food quantities, feeding schedules, or dietary information for the dogs.
One of the inspections also revealed a potential breach of law, with one XL bully having remained on the property for more than 30 days, exceeding the legal limit for keeping the breed away from its owner.
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At a civil licensing committee on Thursday, the local authority unanimously decided to reject the Happas Canine Centre’s license application.
Councillor Lloyd Melville said: “I’m not content to write a blank cheque on this especially when our environmental health team are strongly objecting and sticking to the grounds in their report.
“I am afraid I cannot support this because after, which we have heard, seven months of owning the site, one inspection, another 70 days and another inspection.
“If, after all of that, conditions haven’t been met, then I personally can’t see them being met anytime soon.
“We have a legal and regulatory responsibility to ensure all premises are managed effectively and in-keeping with the law and I will support the professional judgement of our environmental health team.
“So I will not be supporting this.”
The case has followed the introduction of strict regulations for XL bullies in Scotland, which came into effect last year (Stock)PAAccording to the kennel’s website, it has the capacity to house 56 dogs and 18 cats.
Shaw, who has ADHD, had asked councillors to take her condition into consideration when making a decision.
Her lawyer, Jacob Cohen, said that his client should be given disability adjustment under the Equalities Act.
“This impacts her ability to concentrate, to multitask and to complete tasks,” he said.
During the meeting, Montrose member Kenny Braes said: “The one thing I would like to say is how much I admire the applicant for what she’s tried to do and is trying to do.
“It’s not the dogs’ fault that they landed up in this position. I don’t doubt your commitment to the animals."
Shaw previously said she would appeal if the licensing application was refused.
