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Search forAnimals moved from unfit kennels
Friday, November 21, 2008, 09:30
Eighty of the 200 Labradors, spaniels and Alsatians being trained at Melton's Defence Animal Centre (DAC), to support troops in war zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan, have been moved to privately-run kennels.
However, the threat of legal action is still hanging over the base, after inspectors from Melton Borough Council's licensing department found "significant deterioration" in the kennels and refused to issue a licence earlier this year.
Councillors will next consider the issue in February.
The Ministry of Defence has said the kennels needed to be replaced, but it was in dispute with the private company that manages them over who should pay for the work.The matter was referred for adjudication.
DAC is the UK's main training centre for animals that work with the military.
Dogs are taught to sniff out explosives and weapons and carry out security patrols.
DAC is managed by Parkwood Project Management, trading as Realm, and leased to the MoD for £100 million until 2026.
An MoD spokeswoman said: "The welfare of our dogs is of the utmost importance, which is why we re-homed some 80 dogs into kennels.
"Some dogs remain at the Defence Animal Centre, in good accommodation.
"Training is unaffected and discussions continue with Treasury solicitors and Realm about resolving the issues surrounding the management of the facility.
"We're looking at them being in temporary homes for several months while we wait to find out the requirements to replace the affected kennels. All dogs that needed to be re-homed were found temporary accommodation by the end of October."
The owner of one kennel where some of the dogs are being looked after, said: "We've been told by the MoD to refer you to it."
Melton Borough Council has not given details of the problems at the centre, saying only it did not meet conditions set out under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act.
Under the 1963 Act, housing for animals must not be overcrowded, too hot, too dark or unventilated and must have exercise facilities.
Animals must be given suitable food, drink and bedding material, and be visited at appropriate intervals.
Precautions must be taken to avoid the spread of infectious diseases and provisions must be in place to protect the animals in a fire or other emergency.
A private finance initiative deal, struck in 2000, saw Realm spend £10.5 million building a headquarters and living accommodation on the 350-acre site.
It is not known what requirements were included in the deal about the upkeep of the kennels.
No-one from Realm was available for comment.
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