WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) said a former employee at a D.C.-based doggy daycare was arrested and charged with animal cruelty on Tuesday, stemming from a deadly incident that happened six months ago.
Adriano Demorais, 33, of Prince George’s County, was working overnight at the District Dogs’ Navy Yard location on Feb. 16, 2024.
The USAO said Demorais was feeding dogs early in the morning when Bronny, a 5-month-old Mountain Cur-German Shephard, was near his feet. He forcefully kicked the puppy in the left side of his stomach.
Doggy daycare employee kicks dog for being ‘too energetic;’ dog dies Bronny circled the room for a few seconds before collapsing.
He was taken to a veterinary clinic, where he died.
Demorais admitted to kicking Bronny, claiming it was out of frustration over the puppy being too energetic while he was trying to feed dogs. Evidence confirmed Bronny died due to “blunt abdominal trauma with subsequent hemorrhagic shock,” the USAO noted.
If convicted, Demorais faces up to five years in prison.
The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) is helping investigate the case. In a statement, HRA senior vice president of animal welfare, field response and rescue Chris Schindler said, “Our hearts ache for the tragic loss of Bronny, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family. At HRA, we remain committed in our fight to combat animal cruelty and ensuring accountability for those responsible.”
District Dogs has brought on a slew of controversy since a deadly flood last August resulted in 10 dogs losing their lives at the daycare’s Northeast D.C. facility. Eight of the families impacted filed a lawsuit against the company and its founder, Jacob Hensley.
We continue to cooperate with law enforcement in this matter, as we have from the beginning, and look forward to a just resolution of the matter. Our hearts remain with the family of Bronny.”
Hensley said in a statement to DC News Now on Wednesday
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