A North Surrey doggie daycare has been shut down by the city amid reports that the owner was allegedly taping dogs' snouts shut.
But the owner has kept operating, despite the fact the city continues to issue fines for operating without proper permits.
Noise complaints about the daycare at a home in the 10900-block of Partridge Crescent came a about six months ago, according to Surrey's Manager of Bylaw Enforcement Jas Rehal.
Then came accusations of abuse – that the dogs' mouths were being taped shut.
Rehal said bylaw officers witnessed that, and alerted the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The SPCA is currently investigating the complaints.
At the end of June, Surrey pulled the daycare's business licence.
Rehal said a woman is continuing to operate the daycare, despite the fact she's been issued three to four fines of $500 apiece.
The city is now examining its legal options on how to close the business down.
Rehal said the city wants the fastest resolution to the problem.
There are a total of 31 doggie daycares in Surrey, Rehal said, and no such complaints have been received about any of the others.
"No, I checked that yesterday, and this is the only one," Rehal said.
Periodically, there are complaints elsewhere of dogs barking, but nothing that can't be resolved.
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