OWNERS of a dog daycare centre have challenged a ruling that aims to keep puppies safe, claiming it is counterproductive.

Carol Plumridge runs the Goody 4 Paws dog daycare and training centre in Albert Close, Whitefield.

In February, someone complained to the council that she was allowing a 12-week-old puppy to play with an adult male dog or adult female dog in season, in breach of council rules introduced in Bury in 2010, aimed at ensuring puppies are not attacked.

The council's animal health inspector visited the company and gave Mrs Plumridge a formal warning, as she is the licence holder..

Now, Mrs Plumridge has said the condition should not be in place and is due to speak at a Bury licensing and safety panel meeting at the town hall at 7pm on Monday.

In a letter to the panel, Mrs Plumridge, who is a member of British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers, said: "My husband and I have worked with, and trained, dogs for over 26 years.

"Our son Tom has a behaviour certificate from the Academy of Dog Training and Behaviour and we have three members of staff, who are all (fully) qualified and have instructed for many years."

She added: "It is extremely important to introduce puppies to different situations and environments.

"This includes play and social behaviour with dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages (when the puppies are between) 12 and 26 weeks of age.

"If it is done properly, we end up with a relaxed, confident adult who is at reduced risk of aggression.

"It would be wrong to isolate younger pups and then (when they are aged six months or over) put them into a group of adults.

"They would not know how to interact, resulting in exactly the behaviour we are trying to avoid."

Mrs Plumridge added that the company opened in 2007 and has never had an injured dog.

At Tuesday's meeting, she will try to persuade the panel, which is made up of 13 councillors, to withdraw the condition from Goody 4 Paws’ licence.