Editor’s note: The following story contains graphic details concerning animal cruelty that may be disturbing to some readers.
King County prosecutors have charged a 20-year-old Seattle man with first-degree animal cruelty after a dog died while under his care at a Ballard kennel.
According to charging documents provided by King County, Dejean Cornelius Bowens was working at Lazy Dog Crazy Dog on August 3 when he became angry after a dog named Mitch knocked something over. Investigators say Bowens repeatedly kicked and punched the dog, continuing the assault even after the animal sought shelter under a table.
Bowens waited more than an hour before taking the dog to Emerald City Emergency Clinic on Stone Way North, where the dog died despite several attempts to revive him.
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed the felony charge on September 29, citing concerns about the “egregious response” and requesting $50,000 bail. Bowens pleaded not guilty at his arraignment this week. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for November 26 at 1 p.m.
Prosecutors note that Bowens has no prior criminal history or warrants.