A recently married couple had to end their honeymoon prematurely as their cherished pet dog was fatally attacked at a boarding facility. Kimberley and Ethan Stevenson had been vacationing in Majorca for four days when they received distressing news that their two-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Hugo, was mauled by another dog at Furry Tales Durham boarding home.
Unfortunately, despite efforts by veterinarians, Hugo could not be saved and passed away on September 4th. Kimberley expressed her devastation, mentioning Hugo’s playful and gentle nature, describing him as a beloved companion.
The tragic incident occurred at Furry Tales Durham, a licensed dog boarding facility where Hugo had stayed on previous occasions without incident. Kimberley revealed that a brown Labrador cross dog managed to escape its enclosure and launched the fatal attack on Hugo.
The boarding home’s owner extended apologies and support to the couple following the incident. However, the couple encountered frustration when the police could not pursue the matter further, citing it as a civil issue.
In response, the couple, who tied the knot in April, initiated a petition advocating for equal treatment of dog-on-dog attacks compared to dog-on-human attacks. They emphasized the importance of thorough investigations into such incidents and holding owners accountable for their pets’ behavior.
Kimberley and Ethan stressed the need for mandatory training for aggressive dogs and strict containment measures enforced by law. They also called for penalties for repeat offenders to deter future tragedies.
Durham County Council’s business compliance manager, Ian Harrison, expressed condolences over the incident and assured cooperation with the boarding facility to address the situation.
Efforts to reach Furry Tales Durham for their input on the matter are ongoing. The couple’s petition seeking equal penalties for dog-on-dog attacks can be accessed through the provided link.
