Bulldog's drowning sparks police probe at dog resort marketed as the 'Disneyland for dogs'
A California couple says what should have been a routine pickup at a dog daycare marketed as the "Disneyland for dogs" ended in heartbreak after they were told their beloved English bulldog had drowned while in the facility's care.The heartbreaking incident has prompted a police investigation and an apology from Camp Canine, which acknowledged in a public statement that it "failed in our responsibility to keep their dog safe."Bruce, a 1-year-old English bulldog owned by Chris and Ashley Merz of Ventura, died Thursday while in the care of the Santa Barbara boarding and daycare facility.TENNESSEE WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY TRYING TO DROWN ONE OF HER CHILDREN IN BACKYARD POOLThe Santa Barbara Police Department told Fox News Digital that officers responded to the business in the 800 block of East Montecito Street at approximately 4:45 p.m.Thursday following a report of a dog drowning.During the initial investigation, officers interviewed Bruce's owners as well as employees who were present when the incident occurred."The Santa Barbara Police Department is committed to a thorough investigation into this matter," the department said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
"The case is actively being investigated by our Criminal Investigative Unit and Animal Control Team."TEXAS DENTIST ACCUSED OF FATAL MISTAKES AFTER 4-YEAR-OLD DIES DURING DENTAL PROCEDUREExterior of Camp Canine dog daycare in Santa Barbara, California (GoFundMe)According to Ashley Merz's mother, Alison Genet, who spoke with local outlet Noozhawk, Bruce is believed to have drowned sometime between 1 p.m.and 2 p.m.
The family says they were never notified about his death before arriving to pick him up around 3:30 p.m.Genet told the outlet the family was instead informed of Bruce's death when they arrived at Camp Canine.Bruce had attended Camp Canine and trained there for about six months, according to Genet.DOG SAVED FROM ISIS BY ARMY VETERAN 'KIDNAPPED' FROM FAMILY YARD BY LOCAL AUTHORITIESBruce the Engl...