The Muncie zoning appeals board voted 5-0 on Thursday to turn down John Ewing's request for the kennel, which has nine dogs.

Ewing had operated without city approval for two years, officials said.

Ewing said that breeding and selling the dogs helps him pay his tuition at Ball State University, where he is pursuing a degree since his 2009 release from prison.

The Star Press reported that zoning board member Austin Rich told Ewing his cause is commendable, but his kennel's location isn't acceptable.

Muncie officials said they've received noise complaints about the kennel in the neighborhood just east of the city's downtown.