Editor’s note: The following story contains graphic details concerning animal cruelty that may be disturbing to some readers.
The dog daycare company Lazy Dog Crazy Dog has closed both its Ballard and West Seattle locations after one of its former employees was charged with animal cruelty.
According to charging documents, 20-year-old Dejean Bowens was working at Lazy Dog Crazy Dog on August 3 when he allegedly became angry after a dog named Mitch knocked something over and proceeded to repeatedly kick and punch the dog, continuing even after the animal hid under a table. Mitch later died of his injuries.
The company told KING 5 they’ve decided to close due to the backlash of the animal cruelty charge, saying the business and its employees have faced “escalating threats and harassment.”
In a social media message to customers, Lazy Dog Crazy Dog shared the following: “We are heartbroken and outraged by what happened. The actions of this former employee are in complete violation of our values, our mission, and the standard of care we’ve upheld for over 16 years while serving tens of thousands of dogs. We continue to support law enforcement and hope that justice is served for the dog.”
Bowens pleaded not guilty and is currently under electronic home monitoring until his next court hearing in late November.
Photo: Google Image Capture Sept. 2025