WARNING: This story contains some graphic images.
A Sydney man is accusing a local pet minder of animal abuse, after his dog was left with a 15cm gash across his neck and a life-threatening infection.
Jackson Millan told PEDESTRIAN.TV that he and his partner had left their two dogs in the care of animal minder found through the pet sitting referral website Mad Paws, while they embarked on a six week vacation to Brazil.
“This guy was supposed to mind our dogs for 6 weeks and for more than 2 weeks I have been trying to get photos of the dogs to make sure they are ok,” he said via email. “I was met with endless excuses and finally when I received photos I noticed my pug Otis was wearing his harness and had gross stains around it as if it had never been taken off.”
Millan asked the minder to check the site, who reported back that it didn’t look too bad but that he’d take Otis to the vet anyway.
“My vet said the infection was so bad you could smell it from metres away and he could not even comprehend how something like this could be allowed to happen,” said Millan. “Imagine the pain he has experienced from WEEKS of rubbing to make a wound this horrible and the fact that I was more capable from 13000kms away to see my dog was not right and this monster was oblivious to the point that my dog could still die from infection.”
Warning: these images are pretty graphic.
Mad Paws confirmed to P.TV that they are investigating the incident.
“The welfare of our clients pets are paramount and we are taking this issue very seriously. Mad Paws is currently investigating these claims,” said CEO Alexis Soulopoulos.
Milan told us that his mum’s picked up both dogs from the vet and is taking care of them till he gets home, including taking Otis to the vet daily until his surgery.
“I was lucky to have a video call and see them and they looked so happy with her,” he said, also praising Mad Paws for their support.
Fingers crossed for a quick recovery for Otis.
