CONTROVERSY SURROUNDS WARRINGTON PUPPY MILL FOR BREEDING AND SALE PRACTICES

Kelly’s Kennels, located at the edge of Brookside Farm in Croft, Northern Ireland, has been accused of exploiting legal loopholes to sell puppies bred there in Fermanagh, nearly 300 miles away. The establishment, managed by William and Kelly Fenney, holds a dog breeding licence for 300 breeding bitches but is under scrutiny by campaign groups like One Little Westie, which alleges the kennel engages in mass production and sale of puppies without proper oversight. An investigator from the group, Martina Hogg, claims that over 100 litters have been sold, raising concerns about compliance and animal welfare.Warrington Borough Council disputes these claims, stating that Kelly’s Kennels is licensed and inspected according to regulations. However, reports from dog owners such as Sarah from Prescot describe buying puppies, including a Dachshund called Baby, from Kelly’s Kennels who displayed signs of stress, fear, and health issues shortly after acquisition. Sarah noted that her puppy was not properly microchipped or certificated as a pedigree, contrary to what was advertised on the website. Despite requesting documentation on her puppy's breed and health, she was met with inability from the kennels to provide such proof, which raised further concerns.Animal welfare experts and local rescue organizations report that dogs bred in such mass-production environments often develop behavioral and health problems. Kat Gibbs, a veterinary nurse, explained that puppies from Kelly’s Kennels tend to have anxiety and miss critical socialization opportunities. She also emphasized that buyers should meet the puppy’s parents, especially the mother, to assess their wellbeing. The situation has fueled ongoing investigations and calls for stricter enforcement, though Kelly’s Kennels maintains that it operates within the law.