Petco has recently taken “full responsibility” for accidentally killing a 2-year-old dog that was being cared for at one of its Virginia stores. In a statement released Thursday, the pet supply chain took the opportunity to explain that it had fired the individuals directly responsible for the dog’s untimely demise, and were in the process of enacting more rigorous safety measures.
The incident took place last week, shortly after the dog’s owner left her pet in the hands of Petco staff. While Colby the dog was expected to receive a routine wash and grooming, his owner was soon called to a veterinary clinic, whereupon she learned of her dog’s tragic passing. The vet informed owner Allison Marks that Colby had likely died of heatstroke.
Although Petco has admitted culpability in Colby’s death, it remains unclear exactly what happened. However, with Petco recently stating it will no longer be using “… the type of kennel dryer Colby was housed in…” at any of its stores, it’s perhaps safe to assume something went awry during the drying process.
Since the incident, company officials have reported that “animal care protocols were not followed when it came to Colby,” explaining the dismissal of those tasked with caring for the golden retriever. The company also sought to reassure customers that its remaining legion of groomers would receive additional training to ensure no repetition of Thursday’s incident.
“While we’ve confirmed that no heat was used, and is not used in any of our grooming salon dryers, as an additional measure, the type of kennel dryer Colby was housed in has been removed from service in all Petco stores,” the company explained in a statement.
After Colby’s bath and grooming, it is alleged the groomers locked the dog in a kennel dryer. The groomers then left the dog unattended inside the dryer, while they went to a graduation ceremony.
Back in 2008, a Lhasa Apso had suffered a similar fate in an entirely different Petco store. In the aftermath of the incident, the company revised its grooming protocols, claiming it would no longer apply heat to the cages. However, Petco is yet to provide any indication as to how Colby died from heatstroke after being secured inside an unheated kennel dryer.