Charlotte Dog Resort closes amid investigation of abuse complaints, backlash over video
The Charlotte Dog Resort has closed, citing “ongoing financial performance,” as authorities investigate abuse complaints stemming from a video that shows an employee threatening a dog.
The closure follows a decision from the business owner earlier this week that the Charlotte Dog Resort would temporarily suspend operations. That came amid backlash on social media after a video surfaced from inside the business.
Posted by a former employee, Isabella Anzivino on Saturday, the video shows an unidentified woman — who the business owner later said was an employee — lifting a dog by its collar and carrying it away from other dogs before dropping it on its tail.
“I will break your f------- neck do you understand me?” the woman is heard saying on the video.
In a statement sent to the Charlotte Observer Wednesday night, company management cited financial issues for the decision to “permanently cease operations, effective immediately.”
“Though this decision is not a direct result of the recent video posted to social media, we remain prepared to cooperate with authorities who wish to explore any concerns,” according to the statement.
“Ensuring the well-being of animals has always been our primary goal,” company officials said in the statement. “To that end, we are prepared to donate all equipment, dog bowls, and other supplies to non-profit animal shelters and dog welfare organizations who may be interested.”
All pets at the day care are back with their owners, company officials said.
The company has eliminated all employee positions, “and we are working with the affected employees to ease their transition,” according to the statement.
By Thursday morning, the business’ Facebook page had been deactivated and a notice on Yelp indicated the business was closed. Over several days, people flooded the business’ page on both sites with dozens of negative reviews and comments.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Animal Care & Control Division said in an email Wednesday that it continues to investigate the incident.
“Attempts have been made to contact the business as well as to interview the person in the video, who is allegedly a manager at the Charlotte Dog Resort,” said animal control spokeswoman Melissa Knicely in a statement.
“At this point the investigation is still active and cannot be closed until contact is made with the person in the video, they are interviewed, and the dog shown in the video is examined by officers,” Knicely said.
This story was originally published February 13, 2020 at 11:37 AM.