Background - our dog Daisy is a very active and busy dog. Perhaps not the right choice for our family but we love her and have had her for 4 years. For at least 3 years she has gone to day care every Wednesday- she has loved the play, walks and interaction with the other dogs. It helps break up the week for her.
This week I got a call from the local council. They had done an inspection visit on the day care and wanted to tell me that Daisy had been tied up with a muzzle so tight that she couldn't drink water. The manager told them that I knew she was muzzled ( not true!) and it is because of her excessive barking. They had an RSPCA inspector with them who was also shocked and is going to contact me to make a formal report.
Of course Daiz will never return to this dreadful place. I feel so guilty that I chose a place that has mistreated her. I have now looked all over the internet and there are reports of bad treatment there and of previous complaints and court cases. My only defence is that she always seemed to enjoy it, wagged her tail when we approached and ran in eagerly and greeted them all lovingly.
All I can do is try to get my money back, as I had just bought a ten week pack and used one week. Also the council and rspca are going to ask me to make a statement that they can use. We also need to think of alternatives to give her some extra fun and attention during the week.
I'm just posting to let off steam and to warn anyone thinking of dog day care to be really vigilant.