The owners of a Long Crendon kennel facility have come out fighting in the face of criticism towards plans to expand the site.
Donna Phillips has denied claims she and her husband are running a puppy farm in the village two miles from Thame, insisting only a few litters will be born each year and saying their work has the full support of the RSPCA.
Nearby residents have expressed fears over proposals to increase the capacity of the site from 18 kennels to 42.
There have also been complaints about dogs attacking walkers and horse riders on nearby pathways and the noise of barking late at night since the kennel facility was first set up last summer.
But Mrs Phillips denied any of their dogs are aggressive and said plans to improve the facilities and bring in a mobile home so the pair can live on the Westfield Road site will ensure noise issues become a thing of the past.
John Brown, who owns the land, said he had not received any complaints before the planning application was submitted.
Mrs Phillips said no new dogs will be bought and unlike puppy farms, any dogs they sell will be welcomed back if their new owners can no longer care for them.
She said: “We are not puppy farmers. My fear is that my dogs will end up in puppy farms, and then who knows what will happen to them? We are not out to make a profit. Money we make from selling dogs will go on food, vaccinations and the vet.”
Three of the new kennels will be isolation units and three will be whelping kennels, with 36 for dogs.
Fears have been raised about the expansion application through comments on the Aylesbury Vale District Council website. Neighbour Sally Wells expressed concern about noise and dog attacks. In her objection she wrote: “I would very much hope that the current kennels and their occupants will be removed from Westfield Road completely.”
The district council is due to rule on the application no later than November 16.