THE owner of a doggy day care centre who is embroiled in legal proceedings over the alleged abuse of a number of dogs in her care has had an appeal to reinstate her licence rejected.

In January, after the Lancashire Telegraph exclusively published horrific videos that appeared to show a number of dogs at Mucky Pups Doggy Day Care in Rishton being hit and smacked, Hyndburn Borough Council suspended Mucky Pups’ animal activity licence.

And in February, following further investigation into the alleged incidents, a decision was made to revoke the licence, meaning the owners of Mucky Pups could no longer provide care for dogs or apply for another licence.

A Hyndburn Borough Council spokesperson said: “Following the publication of videos from a former employee of Mucky Pups Doggy Day Care raising dog welfare concerns, Hyndburn Borough Council suspended Mucky Pups’ Animal Activity Licence.

“On February 21, following further investigation, the licence was revoked.”

The proprietor of Mucky Pups, Lauren Walker, appealed the council’s revocation decision to the first tier tribunal.

However, on October 19, the tribunal upheld the council’s decision to revoke the licence and noted that the RSPCA have initiated criminal proceedings against Lauren Walker and her father.

Cabinet member for housing and regeneration, Councillor Loraine Cox, said: “We are pleased that the tribunal has found that the council took the correct action in this case.

“We are committed to taking appropriate enforcement action on those who do not comply with the required licence conditions to ensure the welfare of animals.”

In August, Ms Walker, 27 and her father, John Walker, 67, were charged with cruelty offences in relation to the alleged incidents at Mucky Pups.

Mr Walker, of Greenhill, Great Harwood, and Ms Walker, 27, of Knowles Street, Rishton, were jointly charged with being a person responsible for animal welfare who did not take such steps as were reasonable to ensure the welfare of various dogs were met.

Mr Walker was also charged with causing unnecessary suffering to seven dogs by the use of physical force between September 2019 and November 2019.

Ms Walker was also charged with failing to prevent unnecessary suffering being caused to seven dogs.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

Neither defendant appeared at the magistrates court for the initial proceedings, and the case was adjourned until January 6 for a trial.