Pet crematorium to be developed at Belturbet

Planning permission has been granted to a former Crufts winner to develop a pet crematorium near Belturbet.
The planning section last week gave the go-ahead to Ralph Dunne to change the use of a spare parts store building at Killduff on the outskirts of the Erneside town to a pet crematorium.
The development would include a revising of an entrance to the site, the upgrade of an existing septic tank to an effluent treatment system, landscaping and other associated works. 
Planning permission was granted by the local authority with eight conditions attached.
It was deemed that the development, subject to compliance with conditions set out, would not injure the amenities of the area, give rise to a traffic hazard or be prejudicial to public health.
Among the conditions it is dictated that the facility shall be for the “disposal of small domestic pets only” and the disposal or disturbance of any asbestos in the existing building be carried out in accordance with the appropriate regulations and under the supervision of a qualified person.
During the operation of the proposed development, the applicant must also adhere to the requirements specified in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine document entitled; 'Conditions for plants involved in the low capacity incineration of animal by-products (pets)'.
Mr Dunne's Clumber Spaniel, Garfield, won Best in Show at Crufts in 1991. It was the first time, in the 100-year history of the worlds most prestigious dog show, that an Irish dog was judged Supreme Champion. Garfield had won Pup of the Year at the same competition two years earlier.
Last year Mr Dunne and his Clumber Spaniel, Eldridge, won Best of Breed at Crufts.