CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Back on May 29th the owner of 2-year-old Golden Retriever Colby says he was dropped off at the Petco at Westchester Commons in Midlothian.
Allison Marks says when she went to pick him up she was told Colby had died from a heat stroke. Marks told us she believes after Colby was groomed he was left in a drying cage.
“It’s like losing a child. I don’t want anyone else to go through what I’m going through,” said Marks back in May.
Friday Chesterfield County police announced that two former employees, 31-year-old Suzanne Jensen, and 28-year-old Rebecca Witherspoon were charged with animal neglect in connection to Colby’s death. Colby’s owner sent us this statement saying:
“I am glad to see there will be justice for Colby’s death. I am still extremely thankful for all the continuous support and prayers during this difficult time”
Meanwhile Petco had this to say:
“We take full responsibility for what happened in midlothian, and remain heartbroken over colby’s untimely passing. After a thorough investigation, it was clear our animal care protocols were not followed when it came to Colby. As a result, the individuals directly involved are no longer part of our company.”
Both Jensen and Witherspoon are scheduled to be in court on September 23rd.
