A 21-year-old Irvine woman was arrested on suspicion of three counts of felony animal cruelty after she admitted to taping several dogs’ snouts closed with masking tape, police said on Wednesday.

On Saturday, May 27, Irvine Police Department Animal Services officers responded to the Woodbridge area of Eastshore after a resident said they heard dogs whimpering on the patio of a home, including several dogs with their snouts taped closed. Upon arriving, police found one dog on the deck with masking tape wrapped around its snout, according to a news release.

The  suspect arrived home as officers investigated if other dogs were in the same condition after hearing whimpering from the same area. The suspect admitted to using the tape to keep the dogs from nipping and barking at other dogs, police said in a statement. Three of the dogs with their snouts taped closed belonged to the suspect.

Seven husky or mixed husky and German Shepherd breeds were found and confiscated from the residence, including three adult females, two adult males, and a male and female puppy.

Police also found contractor-grade masking tape matching the tape wrapped around the dogs’ snouts, which authorities believe was on for over two hours, officials said.

The dogs received a wellness check from a veterinarian and appeared in good condition. They will be held until the case is resolved, police said.

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