18 hours ago
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A Seattle-area dog daycare has closed its doors indefinitely following threats and harassment after one of its employees was charged with animal cruelty in a case that has shocked and angered pet lovers across the country.
Lazy Dog, Crazy Dog, which operated popular daycare and boarding locations in Ballard and West Seattle, announced the decision to shut down in a public statement on Sunday.
Source: YouTube“Over the past two weeks, our employees and the business have faced escalating threats and harassment,” the company said in a statement to KING 5 News. “The safety of our employees, the dogs in our care, and our customers is paramount. We simply cannot continue to safely offer our services under these conditions.”
The closure comes after an employee, Dejean Bowens, was charged with animal cruelty for allegedly kicking a dog named Mitch multiple times after the dog accidentally knocked something over.
According to court documents, Bowens later confessed to another staff member about what had happened. Mitch’s injuries were severe, and despite the desperate efforts of veterinary staff, the beloved dog could not be saved.
Source: YouTubeMitch was rushed to an emergency vet, where he underwent emergency surgery. The medical team performed CPR for 20 minutes but could not revive him. His death devastated both his owners and the community that had trusted Lazy Dog, Crazy Dog with their pets.
Bowens has pleaded not guilty to the charges. During his Oct. 13 arraignment hearing, he was placed on electronic home detention and ordered to have no contact with dogs or cats for the duration of the court proceedings.
Mitch’s grieving owners have since filed a civil lawsuit against Lazy Dog, Crazy Dog, seeking accountability for the incident that cost their pet his life.
A family in Seattle dropped their dog, a black lab named Mitch, off at a local kennel one day, not expecting anything unusual to occur. But Mitch's stay at the kennel ended with an employee brutally kicking and punching him - to the point of death.
Source: YouTubeThe company released another statement expressing their heartbreak and anger over the tragedy: “We are heartbroken and outraged by the incident and have been working closely with law enforcement to ensure justice is served.”
However, as news of the case spread, the business began receiving threats and harassment — some directed at current staff who were not involved in the incident. Concerned for safety, the daycare made the difficult decision to suspend operations indefinitely.
What was once a trusted name in Seattle’s dog care community is now at the center of a tragic story highlighting the urgent need for stricter oversight and accountability in pet care facilities.
Source: YouTubeAs of now, the future of Lazy Dog, Crazy Dog remains uncertain. The company has not announced whether it plans to reopen once the legal case concludes, and pet owners in the area are left both saddened and cautious, hoping that justice for Mitch — and improved animal protection standards — will emerge from this tragedy.
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