Bradenton pet sitting service ordered to close

MANATEE -- A pet sitting service in Bradenton has been ordered to shut down, according to 10News WTSP.

Manatee County officials learned about the home-based business after a dog in its care was attacked and died.

A beige home on 57th Drive East houses Peter Pam's Puppies Pet Sitting and Boarding. According to 10News WTSP, Pam Morgan has been illegally operating a pet-sitting business since 2013.

"It's illegal. They're not operating where they should be," said John Barnott, Manatee County building director. "We don't allow commercial businesses in residential neighborhoods."

Manatee County Code Enforcement issued Morgan a notice of violation of the land development code Wednesday. She has until Monday to shut down.

Morgan told 10News WTSPs she did not know she was in violation. She checked with the county before opening and was told she didn't need any permits or licenses, she said. Morgan said she thought she was operating legally.

County officials learned about Morgan's business after a Nokomis woman's 6-pound Yorkie was attacked by a 90-pound dog and died from her injuries.

"It was a terrible, terrible accident and I am devastated," Morgan says. "I'd rather it had been my own."

Morgan's online advertisements accept payment for pet-sitting service in Manatee County. The business is defined as a kennel.

In Florida, no state law or agency regulates kennels or pet sitting services. It's left up to cities and counties.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is investigating the dog attack. No criminal charges are pending as yet.

This story was originally published February 10, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Bradenton pet sitting service ordered to close ."