BOCA RATON, Fla. (CBS12) — A dog owner discovered his four-legged friend suffering from severe puncture wounds and a foul odor after a Boca Raton Rover sitter reportedly ignored his explicit instructions on the use of a prong collar.
Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control stated that on November 15, 2024, they received an animal cruelty complaint.
The owner of the dog told Animal Control that his Belgian Malinois named Abel, was boarded with Jennifer Meeks, 39, through the Rover app, believing she would provide a safe environment for his pet, based on her good reviews.
The report states that on September 15, 2024, the owner was contacted by Meeks, who informed him that Abel had developed puncture wounds around his neck. The owner went to retrieve Abel.
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According to officials, upon taking Abel to a veterinary center, veterinarians confirmed that the wounds were consistent with the use of a prong collar, they were estimated by the vet to have occurred several days prior.
The veterinarian stated, ‘'Abel injuries and infection were the direct result of prolonged (several days) and inappropriate use of a dog prong collar while in the care of the pet sitter.”
The owner explained to officials that he had specifically instructed Meeks to use the prong collar only during walks and not to leave it on for extended periods.
Meeks has been accused of animal cruelty.
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