A Medford canine sitter has been charged with animal cruelty after witnesses instructed police he struck a canine he was walking within the head earlier than lifting it off the bottom by its collar, a few of which is captured in video shared on social media.
Frederick Ingrando, 33, a canine sitter and walker on the pet care app Rover, was arrested Sunday after the incident on Fellsway West and Sheridan Ave.
Witness video reveals the canine walker, who had 5 dogs on leashes, holding a golden retriever up by its collar, kicking out its toes and forcing the animal towards the bottom.
As a person confronts him from a number of toes away, “Why are you hitting the poor animal?”, the canine walker shouts again, calling the person a number of racial slurs.
Katie Bates, a neighborhood animal advocate who owns “Ohmydog,” offering pet care and animal behavioral companies, was despatched the alarming video and shared it on social media, shortly making contact with an proprietor of one of many 5 dogs seen within the video.
“It was disgusting. It’s absolutely vile,” Bates instructed Boston 25 News. “I feel heartbroken. Parents leave their dog with someone, they’re entrusting so much with their fur baby (and) that all of that trust is broken.”
Ingrando was arrested at his Medford home, the place he was mentioned to be boarding the dogs.
All the dogs had been evaluated for accidents, whereas the golden retriever was taken to a veterinary hospital and medically cleared earlier than going home.
The 4 remaining animals had been taken to Oceanview Kennel and Pet Resort, the place proprietor Lisa Cutting is caring for them till their house owners are in a position to choose them up.
“It’s heartbreaking, because they don’t have a voice to say, ‘Please don’t do that. That hurts,’” Cutting mentioned. “Especially the retrievers. They’re so loyal and they’re very compassionate. So, to be traumatized, they can become fearful and not trust.”
One canine was picked up from Oceanview Sunday afternoon, with one other scheduled for pick-up Monday. Two will stay on the facility, receiving additional love and a focus till their house owners return from trip. The fifth canine, a pit bull who has no tag and no microchip, has not been claimed. It is unclear how lengthy he has been in Ingrando’s care.
Cutting mentioned the incident is a painful reminder to pet house owners all the time to get to know their pet care suppliers.
“Animals can’t speak. So, when you are leaving your fur babies with somebody… you have to do your research,” Cutting mentioned.
Both Cutting and Bates credited the individuals who confronted the canine walker and recorded the incident with defending the vulnerable animals.
“It’s amazing that there are people that will advocate for animals that don’t have a voice,” Bates mentioned. “When someone can’t even walk down the street and say something to somebody that’s doing something wrong, and then racial slurs and everything are being thrown at them, it’s disgusting.”
Rover instructed Boston 25 News the corporate was “shocked and disturbed to learn of this abhorrent behavior.”
“There is zero tolerance for this type of treatment of pets in our community,” Rover mentioned. “Upon learning of these allegations, our 24/7 Trust and Safety Team suspended the pet care provider’s account and is conducting a full investigation. We will also assist law enforcement to the fullest extent possible.”
Responding to a touch upon Facebook concerning the racial slurs heard within the video, Medford police mentioned they’re nonetheless investigating and additional costs are potential.
This is a growing story. Check again for updates as extra info turns into available.
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