County residents say they are worried about the welfare of dogs being kept at some unpermitted kennels near Ross-on-Wye.
The working collies are being kept on land without planning permission next to Lower Foxhall Farm in Rudhall.
Earlier this year, residents complained to Herefordshire Council about the unpermitted development and ‘incessant barking’ coming from the site.
Proposals were submitted in 2017 for retrospective planning permission to keep the sheep dogs at the site and retain a temporary fence together with a new access road – but this was rejected.
Council officers later issued an enforcement notice giving the applicant six months to return the site to its previous condition – but this has yet to be done.
But now, there are growing concerns from residents and animal rights campaigners over the welfare of the dogs on the land.
Amanda Martin, who visited the site, said there were around 20 dogs being kept in large hutches with slatted metal floors and without food or water.
“The weather was hot and the metal cages hot to the touch,” she said.
“A further four dogs were being kept in the dark in larger runs, filthy and again without food or water, in a polytunnel.
“Some dogs were clearly distressed and cowering; others just desperate to get out.
“All the bowls in the cages were completely dry.”
Local resident Chris Phillipson said he was deeply disappointed with Herefordshire Council over how long the case was taking.
“After all this time, still nothing has been done,” he said.
A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said the case had been delayed due to unforeseen events.
He said: “Council officers are still working on this case, which concerns both planning and environmental health.
“The investigation has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances and events, but we hope to reach a conclusion in the coming weeks.”
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