Ralph Dunne, Belturbet is an animal lover, dogs in particular, who has the unique accolade of winning Best in Show at Crufts in 1991 with his Clumber Spaniel 'Garfield' 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. In 2017 Ralph and his Clumber Spaniel 'Eldridge', won Best of Breed at Crufts.
In 2018 Ralph approached Cavan County Local Development's LEADER programme with an initial proposal to establish a pet crematorium at the site of a former family motor business outside Belturbet. The idea for the business came as a result of the applicant’s personal experience of having his own dogs cremated and he recognised the lack of facilities available in the region (North-Midlands/South-Ulster). Ralph acted upon the advise received from the LEADER Development Officer, started preparing his business and building plans, and submitted a successful application under the Cavan LEADER programme in 2019. Cavan Local Action Group were impressed by the environmental and economical benefits that this innovative new business would bring to the county.
In late 2019 works commenced on the project and all site works were completed in March 2020. The 'Cavan Pet Crematorium' had received the statutory approvals for the business and was open to the public for use. The business is now operating in line with the current government restrictions (16 April 2020) and further details on how to contact Cavan Pet Crematorium can be found on their social media sites: Facebook , Instagram or Twitter . Please share this new Cavan business through your social media channels and spread the word. Cavan LEADER wishes Ralph Dunne success with his new enterprise.
The LEADER programme is open for 'expressions of interest's' for projects from the private sector or communities in County Cavan and further information on the LEADER application process is available here.
Cavan LEADER LAG is administering the LEADER RDP 2014-2020 in County Cavan for the Department of Rural & Community Development, & the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. County Cavan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is operating as the LAG for the County. Breffni Integrated CLG trading as Cavan County Local Development is the implementing partner & Cavan County Council is the lead financial partner.