Owners Demand Justice After Dogs Die at Training Facility
Owners of two poodles who died at a dog training facility in Marikina are calling for justice, raising doubts about the trainer’s explanation that the cause was heatstroke. Instead, they point to injuries that suggest possible mistreatment of their pets.
According to reports from sources familiar with the matter, the dogs named Guanciale and Donki passed away on May 12 while under the care of the facility. Yet, it was only on May 17 that their owners learned about the deaths.
Sandy, the owner of Donki, shared that the trainer personally visited their home to break the news. “When he got to my house, he explained to me and my husband that Donki has been dead since last Monday, May 12, along with one of my SIL’s dogs whose name was Guanciale,” she recounted.
Controversy Over Cause of Death and Handling of Bodies
The owners expressed shock over the trainer’s assertion that heatstroke caused the dogs’ deaths. They were also dismayed to discover the dogs’ bodies had been buried without their knowledge or consent.
“He claimed that both died from heatstroke. And that they buried them right away without even telling us—without our consent. My husband and I were both in shock upon hearing all of this,” Sandy said.
Before learning about the incident, Sandy had contacted the trainer to inquire about retrieving their dogs. She was told, “Mam mga 2 weeks pa po (Ma’am, maybe in about two weeks),” leading her to believe the dogs were still in training.
Signs of Possible Abuse Raise Alarm
Suspicion grew when photos emerged showing the dogs with blood on their heads. One dog was even reported missing its head. Furthermore, the trainer allegedly offered compensation by proposing to give the owners a new dog.
“As I write this, I cannot help but think that only a monster can do something like this. This is animal abuse. This is cruelty. This is a crime,” Sandy declared.
She also accused the facility of prioritizing profit over the dogs’ welfare, calling for its closure. “They don’t care about our dogs, they only care about making money. They need to close down. Please help us spread this news,” she added.
Additional Dogs Returned in Poor Condition
Aside from the two deceased pets, five other dogs that had been at the training center were returned to the owners on May 18. Karla, owner of Guanciale, reported that these dogs appeared thin and neglected despite the facility frequently requesting grooming fees.
She shared before-and-after photos showing the decline in the dogs’ condition. One dog also developed an eye infection after the stay.
Training Facility’s Silence and Public Concern
As of now, the dog training facility has not issued any public statement regarding the allegations or the deaths.
The dog owners continue to appeal for support in raising awareness about this situation, emphasizing the need to protect animals from harm.
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