Editor’s note: The following story contains graphic details concerning animal cruelty that may be disturbing to some readers.
A former Seattle dog kennel worker has pleaded guilty to first-degree animal cruelty in connection with the death of a dog in Ballard, according to King County prosecutors.
The charge is the most serious animal cruelty offense under Washington state law. The case stems from a 2025 incident in which the defendant Dejean Cornelius Bowens, who worked at the now-closed Ballard dog daycare Lazy Dog Crazy Dog, kicked and punched a black lab that later died from its injuries.
As previously reported, prosecutors said the employee assaulted the dog, named Mitch, after becoming angry when the dog knocked something over, continuing the attack even after the animal tried to hide under a table. The dog was later taken to an emergency veterinary clinic, where it died.
The defendant initially pleaded not guilty after being charged in September 2025 and was held on electronic home monitoring while awaiting trial.
The incident also led to the closure of Lazy Dog Crazy Dog, with the company citing backlash and safety concerns for staff following the charge.
In the latest development, the defendant pleaded guilty as charged to first-degree animal cruelty and was sentenced within the standard range set by state law. According to court documents, the range is one to three months, based on an offender score of zero due to no prior convictions. Prosecutors sought the high end of that range.
Court records show the defendant was found guilty on April 8, 2026, of first-degree animal cruelty. Superior Court Judge Ken Schubert sentenced 21-year-old Bowens to three months in jail for one felony count of animal cruelty in the first degree.
As part of the sentence, the defendant was ordered to have no contact with animals, meaning no possession, care, or ownership. The felony conviction also prohibits the defendant from legally possessing firearms and would increase penalties for any future felony convictions.
State law requires that the defendant receive credit for time already served on electronic home detention.
Prosecutors said changes to sentencing guidelines for animal cruelty cases would need to come from the state legislature.
Related coverage
Former Seattle kennel worker charged with animal cruelty after dog’s death in Ballard
Lazy Dog Crazy Dog closes after former employee’s animal cruelty charge