A controversial application for an animal breeding, boarding and training facility near Exeter has been given the green light by West Tamar Council despite the RSPCA describing it as “inadequate”.
Objectors to the proposal say there are serious concerns about noise, handling of animal waste and the conditions the animals are likely to be kept in.
The council has approved the planning application but with a number of conditions.
The RSPCA says there are a number of obvious risks and issues that haven’t been dealt with by the applicant.
A petition of around one thousand signatures was presented to the council.
Action group Greyhound Rehabilitation Enthusiasts says it will hold the council responsible for whatever unfolds.
“At some point those making these decisions need to consider the welfare of these animals,” spokesperson Rose Saville said.
“Sure, if you just assess an application on the basis of the physical structures these animals might be housed in, the application might meet the basic requirements.
“But there’s nothing here about how these animals are treated; the sorts of lives they will have.”
Ms Saville said the council’s assessment criteria is too narrow.
