SEATTLE —Lazy Dog Crazy Dog, a Seattle-based dog boarding company, has announced its indefinite closure following the arrest of a former employee charged with first-degree animal cruelty.
READ MORE:Seattle kennel employee charged with animal cruelty after allegedly kicking dog to death
The decision comes after escalating threats and harassment directed at the business and its employees, according to a company spokesperson. “The safety of our employees, the dogs in our care, and our customers is paramount,” the spokesperson said.
The charges stem from anAug. 3 incident in which Dejean Cornelius Bowens allegedly kicked a black Labrador named Mitch to deathat the facility’s Ballard location.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured Bowens kicking and punching the dog after it knocked something over. Mitch was not taken to a veterinary clinic until more than an hour later, reducing his chances of survival, according to veterinary personnel.
Bowens, who has no prior criminal record, and prosecutors requested a $50,000 bail and a court order prohibiting him from possessing or accessing animals.
The dog’s owner said Mitch was dropped off at the kennel shortly before the birth of their first child and was expected to be picked up the day he was killed.
In response to the incident, Lazy Dog Crazy Dog terminated Bowen’s employment immediately. “We are heartbroken and outraged by what happened,” the kennel stated in a social media post, emphasizing that Bowen’s actions violated the facility’s values and standards upheld for over 16 years.
Bowen’s case remains under investigation.The company has dog daycare, boarding facilities in Ballard and West Seattle.
트위터 공유: 시애틀 반려견 보육원 충격 학대 사건 후 폐쇄