Plan to add pet crem to kennel business (From Worcester News)

Plan to add pet crem to kennel business

8:30am Saturday 31st October 2009

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A CREMATORIUM for pets could be added to kennels in Worcestershire in what is believed to be a county first.

Household pets such as cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters and birds could all be disposed of at Brookend Kennels in Stocks Lane, Leigh Sinton, Malvern.

Although it is not proposed to dispose of agricultural livestock carcasses and there are no plans for a cemetry or garden of remembrance, concerns have been raised that the facility would have a negative impact on the area.

In a letter John and Marilyn Harding, of Stocks Lane, wrote to planners they said: “I am certain that the resultant fumes would be unacceptable to the immediate neighbourhood and beyond depending upon the strength and wind direction.

“Live pets being boarded would, I am sure, sense the animal death in the vicinity and be at the very least uneasy and some would be panic stricken.”

The kennels, which has been in operation for about five years, currently comprises 20 cat pens and 30 dog kennels.

Part of that business would remain open and the incinerator equipment, the appearance of which has been likened to that found on an industrial plant, would be installed outside.

In the planning application that will go before the county’s planning and regulatory committee, it says the majority of the carcasses would come from nine veterinary practices located within 10 miles of the site. All of them have already expressed an interest in being affiliated with the project.

Members of the public could also use the facility which could create one or two more jobs on top of the four people the business already employs.

The facility, which would have a freezer in the main kennel building for temporary storage of carcasses, could also dispose of dangerous dogs obtained by the police – the kennel already holds some, mainly from the Birmingham area, before all legal procedures allow vets to humanely put the animals to sleep. Malvern Hills District Council’s environmental health officer has not objected to the application and Worcestershire’s Primary Care Trust said it thinks it is unlikely any residents would suffer from health problems.

However, seven residents have objected and the county’s director of planning, economy and performance, Diane Tilley, does not believe it is the right location to put such a facility.

A decision will be made at the meeting at County Hall on Tuesday.

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