Hundreds join dog-breeding centre battle

Around 850 people signed letters distributed by 40 campaigners who turned up to a protest in Beverley on Saturday.

Marshall Farms purchased the B&K Universal facility in Grimston, near Aldbrough, which used to breed beagles and rodents for testing, and are planning to demolish existing buildings to replace them with industrial sheds holding 2,000 dogs.

The application is due to be heard by East Riding Council’s planning committee on June 16.

National Anti-Vivisection Alliance spokesman Luke Steele said: “We would like to thank the residents of the East Riding for their tremendous support for the campaign.

“With almost 50 per cent of total objections now from locals, it is clear that it is against the public interest for permission to be granted by the council. Locals are opposed to the facility on a number of grounds, not just animal welfare.”

Asked whether a Tory-led council was likely to oppose the facility, given that they approved a new animal research facility at Daisy Hill, Burstwick, last year, Mr Steele said: “It’s completely against Conservative policy of supporting the three Rs – reduction, replacement and refinement of the use of animals in research. We are saying that if this is constructed it will increase the number of dogs in research used in Britain.”

Marshall has said the upgrade “will improve the conditions for the animals, improve the conditions for people who work in the company and create employment opportunities.”