A caution, some images in the video are disturbing.
A Hamilton family is grieving the sudden and tragic loss of their dog at a local boarding business.
The owner of Kippen Cares in Westdale has been accused of neglecting, abusing and even causing the death of dogs she was entrusted with.
Cartello, an American pocket bully puppy left Kippen Cares in a body bag.
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Cartello’s owner Jenuen Monroe says what should have been a safe haven for her pets turned into a nightmare.
“I can’t even wrap my mind around what he might of went through his last couple of hours, minutes without nobody being there for him or comforting him.”
Monroe and her husband dropped off their two dogs at Kippen Cares for overnight boarding on Saturday. The next morning, they got a crushing call informing them that one of their dogs had died.
The family says how their dog’s body was treated, is even more morbid.
“She put our dog in her freezer. Right now, as hard as this sounds, we’re just waiting for him to thaw out because he’s actually stuck to her freezer,” Monroe said.
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Monroe insisted on entering the facility to see what conditions her dog died in and shared a video with CHCH News.
CHCH has received at least 13 tips about animal cruelty at Kippen Cares but only two pet owners spoke with us on camera.
CHCH called Jessica Kippen but she hung up as soon she learned she was talking to media. We also knocked on the door, and Kippen was inside, but when she saw the microphone she ran upstairs. Later in the day, Kippen responded to a text message saying her business passed an inspection on Monday and did not comment further.
There are no charges or penalties against her.
When CHCH arrived at Kippen’s business, Hamilton police were on site. Officers told us they were keeping the peace. A spokesperson for the service said Monroe’s report is the only one the police have received.
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A group of community members and local dog walkers were also there to support Monroe.
CHCH spoke with Madison, a dog walker, and she said, “I’m here to make sure it doesn’t happen again because this is disgusting.” Lisa Newport from Pawfect Strollers said, “Never seen anything like this where so many people have come forward and complained but nothing’s been done about it.”
CHCH also spoke with another pet owner, Nick Papageorge who says two years ago his miniature dachshund left Kippen Cares after a week and a half of boarding with injuries.
“We were concerned certainly, contacted our vet right away, sent them some pictures and a summary of what happened and tried to get him in the vet right away,” Papageorge said.
Papageorge’s dog had nerve damage to his tongue and a punctured ear. His vet records suggest that the most likely cause of the injuries was a dog bite. He says he didn’t file a police report because his priority was making sure his dog was okay.
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Ontario’s animal welfare services organization, PAWS, is conducting an ongoing inspection into the business, a spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General confirmed but couldn’t tell us more details.
Hamilton Animal Services says at least six by-law penalties were issued for the business address since 2021 including, failing to licence a dog, keeping more than four animals and operating without a licence.
The city says the use of a kennel is not permitted at the address that the business is currently operating out of.