Owner of sickly dog tells of her kennel concerns
Problems‘down to bad breeding’
ANOTHER broken-hearted pet owner has come forward to raise concerns about Ivy Leaf dog kennels near Consett.
Lesley McNair adores her pet pooch Daisy who she bought from Ivy Leaf dog breeders in Burnhope, County Durham, six years ago.
However Lesley, from Byker, said that over the years she has spent thousands of pounds on vet fees for Daisy the shih tzu who has been plagued with health problems.
Lesley, 39, said: “I paid £450 for her after seeing an online advert for Ivy Leaf.
“A few days after I got her home she was sick and passing blood, just like the other stories I’ve read.
“She has had to have an operation and been back and forward to the vets constantly over the years.
“She’s on a special diet which is very expensive, she’s cost me a fortune and I put it down to bad breeding.”
Lesley had reported her issues to the RSPCA shortly after she bought her six years ago, but was prompted to get in touch with them once again after reading about Lillian and Irvan Spence’s tragic puppy Red
The pensioners from South Shields were left heartbroken after their puppy died just nine days after they brought her home from Ivy Leaf Kennels.
Lesley said: “I was just heartbroken for them, and it made me think I wonder how many other people have had poorly dogs who have survived so haven’t complained.”
Last week it was revealed that 23 complaints had been made to Durham County Council’s trading standards team about the breeder over the past two years.
Six have resulted in ongoing investigations, while some of the complaints have been thrown out.
Lesley said: “That made me realise it wasn’t just me and Daisy having problems.”
The 39-year-old clearly adores Daisy the dog and sees money as no object to care for her beloved pet.
“I would spend anything on her, but I shouldn’t have to. I look at her and think I rescued you and I’m going to treat you like a princess.”
The Sunday Sun understands that the RSPCA have been alerted to concerns about Ivy Leaf.
When contacted, Kevin Knox of Ivy Leaf Kennels said that he had no comment. Ivy Leaf Kennels in Burnhope