SIGN: Heartbreaking, Employee Kicks and Hits Dog at Dog Daycare Causing Death

Published: October 20, 2025 at 08:14 PM Author: Penny Eims

Ballard, Washington – A Labrador retriever named Mitch suffered devastating internal injuries after a staff member at the Lazy Dog Crazy Dog daycare facility in Ballard viciously kicked and punched him. According to charging documents, 20-year-old Dejean Cornelius Bowens attacked the boarded dog, causing fatal injuries, on August 3.

Bowens became irate after the six-year-old dog knocked something over. Investigators say Bowens repeatedly kicked and punched Mitch, continuing the brutal attack even after the terrified dog tried to hide under a table.

Over an hour later, when it became clear that Mitch was in distress, Bowens finally took him to an emergency veterinarian. But too much time had passed, and the injuries proved fatal; Mitch died from internal bleeding caused by a ruptured kidney.

Mitch’s owners, Neela and Anthony Brocato, are devastated over the cruel and unexpected death of their beloved dog. Neela tells KOMO News that Mitch was “The sweetest, most loving dog and just creature that brought joy to everyone’s lives and everyone he touched.” Adding, “This just senseless act of violence has just been earth-shattering for us.”

Bowens was “fired immediately” from his position at the dog daycare facility. He was formally charged on Sept. 29. On Oct. 13 Bowens pleaded not guilty; he is due back in court on Nov. 26. for a pre-trial hearing at 1 p.m. Animal cruelty convictions carry a maximum penalty of five years in jail and a fine. Mitch’s death was cruel and senseless. This innocent, sweet dog was attacked and terrorized by a man who was tasked with providing him care. If you are as outraged as we are, please add your name to the petition and help Animal Victory get justice for Mitch.

Target: King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand that Dejean Cornelius Bowens be held accountable for his unprovoked, violent attack on a boarded dog named Mitch. This brutal attack caused devastating internal injuries, which claimed this innocent Labrador retriever’s life. It is our collective demand that Bowen face the maximum sentence for the felony charge of first-degree animal cruelty. We also demand that he be permanently banned from owning, residing with, or working with animals. Laws must recognize the actual seriousness of animal abuse and ensure that those who commit these brutal acts are held fully accountable.

Research shows a clear link between animal cruelty and human violence. Those who harm animals often pose a danger to people as well. Failing to hold this man accountable not only denies justice to the animals he brutalized but also puts the entire community at risk.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

News

KOMO News

KIRO News

FOX 13

CASE UPDATES

Update 1/12/2026: There is a new date for the Omnibus Hearing which is scheduled on 03/04/2026 in Courtroom E1201 at 1:00 p.m. The new Jury Trial is scheduled for 04/15/2026 at 9:00 a.m. Dejean Cornelius Bowens; Case #: 25-1-03786-6

Update 12/23/2025: A new Omnibus Hearing has been scheduled for 01/7/2026 at 1:00 p.m. in Courtroom E1201. Trial date has been rescheduled for 02/23/2026 at 1:00 p.m.

Update 11/20/2025: Trial Date has been set for 12/24/2025 at 9:00 a.m.

Update 11/14/2025: Animal Victory received correspondence from the King County Prosecutor’s Office. Read more on the attached pdf from the King County Prosecutor.

Update 10/27/2025: The Lazy Dog Crazy Dog daycare facility is closing. In a statement to King 5 News on Sunday, the business said, “Over the past two weeks, our employees and the business have faced escalating threats and harassment. The safety of our employees, the dogs in our care, and our customers is paramount. We simply cannot continue to safely offer our services under these conditions.”