COUNCIL bosses have said they are looking into complaints about a doggy day care centre after shocking footage appearing to show a man hitting and smacking dogs emerged on social media.

A spokesman for Hyndburn Borough Council confirmed the authority had been made aware of the footage and said they would be working alongside the RSPCA to look into Mucky Pups Doggy Day Care Centre in Rishton.

Concerns were first raised after a series of videos, which were captured by a former apprentice, emerged on social media appearing to show the man picking a dog up by the scruff of its neck, beating it and throwing it across the floor.

Former apprentice Chelsea Devine, who filmed the incidents between September and December, said she has been left heartbroken as working with dogs was her dream job, and reported the behaviour to the RSPCA.

Since the footage surfaced the RSPCA and now Hyndburn Council have confirmed they are investigating the centre.

A petition garnering over 600 signatures has also been launched by Eastleigh-based campaigner Laura Harney, who was disgraced when she saw the footage online.

She said: “Our petition itself explains why I’ve done this – we are sick and tired of having to read about animal abuse articles and nothing is ever done about it.

“Punishments for any animal abuse related crimes are nowhere near good enough and it is time we did something by standing together and fighting for animals.”

Sign the petition here

Since the issue came to light several pet owners have stepped forward to tell of their experiences with the centre.

This week one woman claimed she had to send her dog for termination after she was discovered to be pregnant after attending the day care.

The procedure on the one-year-old puppy cost £589 with a vet warning it could've endangered the dog's life if she went full term.

And while Mucky Pups have not responded directly to the Lancashire Telegraph’s request for a comment, managing director Lauren Walker posted on Facebook, saying: “No dogs were hurt or had gone home injured. Legal action is in place and we will get our name cleared.

“We thank you to all our loyal customers who have contacted our business first to verify the facts.

“If anyone needs any more information I would be happy to provide this."