AN INQUIRY has failed to trace a Hyndburn Council employee who leaked personal details to a national newspaper of a dog breeder, who died in a house fire with 12 of her 13 dogs.

The investigation was set up by Hyndburn Council chief executive Mike Chambers into remarks made by a council worker to a journalist from weekly newspaper Dog World, after the death of Sheila Holding.

Miss Holding, 54, died at her home in Dowry Street, Accrington, along with 12 of her afghan hounds in January.

An unnamed council employee was quoted in Dog World as saying that Miss Holding's dogs were "a bloody nuisance" and had been alleged to have attacked people, other dogs and even cars. He claimed Miss Holding could not look after herself.

Hyndburn Council had charged Miss Holding with having an afghan hound dangerously out of control, following an incident last November. Miss Holding had been due to appear before Hyndburn magistrates.

Miss Holding faced the possibility of losing some of her dogs as a result of the court case.

Mr Chambers said: "In the circumstances, I intend to draw the attention of the staff to the effect of inappropriate remarks of this type, and to remind them of the protocol we have adopted for dealing with the media."

Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe, said the comments made by the council worker were "insensitive and appalling."

He added: "I am satisfied that the inquiry has been thorough and fair.

"Unfortunately, we have been unable to identify the individual who made the indiscreet comments about Miss Holding and her dogs, but we will strengthen our procedures to stop such an incident happening again."

A council spokesman said: "This incident should not have happened and we would like to express our regret to Miss Holding's family and friends for any distress caused."

An inquest into the death has been opened and adjourned until March 15. Police and fire investigators have said they are not treating the house fire as suspicious.

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