Around the early months of 2002, several residents in and around the Galston, Ayrshire area of Scotland became aware of a planning application in respect of Waterside Farm, Galston, for a change of use of the premises to a dog-breeding establishment.

Although that in itself is not necessarily of concern this application came at a time when there was information about puppies being stored inappropriately, transported by dubious means and of a number of sick and dying puppies. Several individuals took it upon themselves to investigate this further.

As the story unfolded it was learned that puppies were being transported by bulk and in ill equipped vehicles. It was also observed by a number of people, who did not wish to give statements for fear of their own safety, that puppies were being off loaded from the rear of articulated vehicles and put into the back of a van. These people described the stench coming from the rear of the vehicle as appalling.

As more information came to light it was learned that the new owner of Waterside Farm, Stephen Hamilton, had been trading since late 2001 without the appropriate licence, without dogs being properly vaccinated and sold under age. Several witnesses were shown vials of vaccine stored by Mr. Hamilton for vaccinating puppies, an act which in itself is illegal. More information came to light of sick and dying puppies coming from Waterside Farm and these local residents took it upon themselves to challenge this and produce a petition against the issuing of a licence.

In June 2002 a letter was received to the effect that the licence application could not be dealt with prior to planning permission. This turned out to be false. A petition with 1200 signatures, 30 letters from individuals and organisations such as The Scottish Kennel Club and the National Canine Defence League were then submitted.

It was then discovered that in fact a hearing of the Licensing Committee was being scheduled for Monday 19 August 2002 in the East Ayrshire Council offices, London Road Kilmarnock.

At this hearing, Labour councillors, who are not even residents of the area, stated that they could not take any account of public opinion in this matter. They felt that the information gathered on Mr. Hamilton's activities was insufficient for them to refuse a licence as it would likely mean that the Council would be taken to a Sheriff Court appeal hearing.

We were delighted with the efforts of the SNP councillors who opposed this vehemently on the grounds that there was sufficient evidence and that Mr. Hamilton was, by information provided, not a suitable person.

This went to a vote with 5 SNP councillors against a licence being granted and four labour councillors for. Mrs. Dinwoodie, chairman of the panel, then voted for the licence being granted thus tying the vote. At this point the chair used the casting vote that a licence be issued subject to planning permission.

The concerned parties present were appalled at this but their anger and frustration was ignored by those councillors who obviously no longer believe that the electorate have any say in such issues.

It was then an agreement was made for the Group to be formed. This then went to a public hearing on 29 August 2002. Present at this meeting were Alex Neil, MSP and Margaret Jamieson, MSP, who voiced concerns over this. The meeting ended with a consensus that this fight be continued and all efforts made to have this licence application overturned.

Of the 207 people present 133 returned a questionnaire form, 100% supported the view that this licence should not be issued and that a campaign must be mounted against it. The Action Group did accept that there existed other related premises also operating and took it on board that these should be investigated.

Billy Patterson of the Sunday Mail, to date, has produced three articles in the paper highlighting the plight of these puppies and the suffering caused to them and the innocent victims of this trade who had the misfortune to purchase a puppy.