Crufts dog killed by car while in dog sitter’s care
OWNER WAS ON HOLIDAY
A DOG boarding company has apologised after a Crufts-qualifying pet died while in its care.
Jennifer Smith’s dog Reacher was hit by a car and killed while being looked after by a host for Barking Mad in Glossop.
Bosses at the firm have apologised, admitted responsibility for the animal’s death and donated money to two dog welfare charities.
Devastated dog breeder Jennifer has called on the company to strengthen its rules to avoid another pet dying.
“I just don’t want this to happen to any other dogs,” she added.
Jennifer left her five German Spitz dogs, including Reacher, at the Barking Mad centre in Glossop on February 23 while she went on holiday.
Her pet was then picked up by a ‘host family.’
While in Spain, Jennifer was told that one of her pets had been killed and rushed home to find that 22-month-old Reacher had been hit by a car. Jennifer said she was told her pet had run out into the road.
Franchise company Barking Mad offers dog sitting services through a network of vetted host homes.
“They come to your house and look at the dogs and decide what host to put them with,” Jennifer said.
“I said I didn’t want my dogs to go in a house with young children, no smoking and not to walk them. They are show dogs. I was told a dog had been run over but they didn’t even know which one.”
The franchisee of Barking Mad Glossop has since had her franchise terminated following the incident. Bosses said an investigation revealed she had not followed Barking Mad’s ‘robust procedures.’ Company bosses have apologised to Jennifer and said they take full responsibility for Reacher’s death.
In a statement, Barking Mad admitted that Reacher was in the care of a host family when it was killed.
“We take full responsibility for the accident and our heartfelt condolences go out to all those affected,” a spokesman said.
“We have robust systems and processes in place, developed over 18 years with the objective of ensuring the safety of every dog in our care. Unfortunately on this occasion, these stringent processes hadn’t been followed. A dog’s welfare is at the heart of everything we do and every measure is in place to ensure this never happens again.”
Barking Mad donated £500 to Manchester Dogs Home and £500 to German Spitz Welfare at Jennifer’s request and reimbursed her for all bookings, veterinary bills and amended return flights home.
The former franchisee of Barking Mad Glossop said: “I am aware of the tragic road accident that occurred in February. The incident was reported to the police at the time. Our apologies and sympathy were expressed to the family at the time of the accident.”