A kennel employee in Seattle has been charged with first-degree animal cruelty following accusations of assaulting a dog in his care, ultimately resulting in the animal’s death. The Lazy Dog Crazy Dog kennel announced on social media that Dejean Cornelius Bowens was immediately fired after the incident.

Bowens was formally charged on September 29 by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for the alleged assault that occurred on August 3 at the Ballard-based dog boarding facility.

According to court documents, Bowens became agitated when a black Labrador named Mitch knocked over an object around 4:20 a.m. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Bowens kicking the dog multiple times and later punching him as Mitch attempted to seek refuge under a table.

The probable cause document

See Full Page