A1 Kennels and Cattery centre of slavery investigation

A1 Kennels and Cattery, based on Gatherley Road in Brompton on Swale, North Yorkshire, is at the centre of an investigation into modern slavery.

North Yorkshire Police have confirmed that they attended an address at Brompton on Swale on Wednesday 12 April. A woman, aged 62, was arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and has been released under investigation with bail conditions.

The victim is safe and well and has been safeguarded, the police added.

North Yorkshire Council’s Assistant Director Licensing, Paul Thompson, said: “We would like to confirm that this establishment is no longer licenced for the breeding of dogs or kennelling of dogs and cats or any other activity.

“After being notified by the police about recent operations, we have ensured that all animals currently boarding at this establishment have now been reunited with their owners.”

Thompson added: “We would like to stress that the public should only use licenced boarding kennels or buy puppies from licenced breeders. They are entitled to ask to see a copy of the licence or can check with us that an establishment or breeder is licensed.

“The licensing regime is there to maintain and improve standards and ensure industry welfare standards are adhered to. In general, using unlicenced providers potentially runs the risk of promoting unlawful activity, driving down welfare standards and also disadvantaging business that comply with the licensing regime.”

The Canine Times has contacted A1 Kennels and Cattery, which also provides grooming services, but at the time of writing has had no response.