Jessica Valpied and Aston check out the plans for 24-7’s new kennels and cattery. (Picture by Aimee Le Cocq, 0733905)

A ST SAVIOUR’S kennels and cattery should shut down immediately, according to a local animal charity.

The GSPCA said it feared for the welfare of animals at 24-7 Pet Care.

But owner Jessica Valpied questioned the independence of the GSPCA – which runs a rival kennels and cattery – and said that her customers were happy and free to inspect the premises.

‘We have nothing to hide,’ she said.

A report by the Guernsey Sociaety for the Protection of Animals claimed that dogs and cats were kept in cold and, in some cases, dirty conditions.

‘Cat pens still had not been cleaned out from the day before,’ it read. ‘The cattery was freezing cold and draughty.’

And the kennels were allegedly no better.

‘There was a 16-year-old Yorkshire terrier in a draughty kennel with no coat. He was curled up as tightly as possible in an attempt to stay warm,’ the GSPCA said.

Miss Valpied conceded yesterday that the 40-year-old buildings were dilapidated, but said she had submitted plans late last year for a modern cattery and kennels. Work is expected to start in September.

‘If we had shut it before, the customers would not have had anywhere to bring their dogs,’ she said.