Third dog dies in care of owner of Florida pet boarding facility, deputies investigating

Video above: A cop shot a dog while responding to a home regarding a domestic dispute.

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida deputies are investigating the owner of a pet boarding facility after a third dog died under her care.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said it received its third formal complaint about the death of a dog from Paws-a-tively Paradise in Palm City, under the care of the owner, Nikki Camerlengo.

Officials said a 2-year-old labradoodle-mix puppy died, which comes after two prior complaints from customers who said their dogs died after leaving them in the facility’s care for grooming, training, or boarding purposes. Officials said both dogs were under the age of five.

The Criminal Investigations Division will complete necropsies on the 2-year-old puppy, along with one of the prior dogs, to determine the potential criminal charges.

According to the Paws-a-tively Paradise website, the facility has a Nationally Certified Trainer with nearly 20 years of experience who works on dogs’ obedience, behavior modification, development, and leash training.

Last year, the MCSO’s Animal Services wrote six citations to the facility for improper care issues. They also received “unconfirmed information” regarding additional dog deaths.

Anyone who has used this facility and had a pet get injured, sick, or die, is asked to contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office at 772-220-7060.