LAS VEGAS, NV — A Las Vegas dog training business owner has been arrested after police say a young English bulldog died following a session and transport home.
Authorities say Michael Martenies, who owns Sit Means Sit Dog Training, turned himself in last week and now faces a charge of willful and malicious torture of an animal resulting in death.
Owner says dog had breathing problems before training began
Police said Taco, a 1.5-year-old English bulldog, was brought to the business for training services. Before the dog’s first session on July 8, Martenies evaluated him.
According to investigators, Taco’s owners told him the dog had breathing issues and was scheduled for surgery. Police said Martenies still recommended moving forward with training.
Employee described short session before dog deteriorated in van
A business employee told police the training was mild and lasted about 15 to 25 minutes because Taco’s breathing quickly became a concern.
After the session, the dog was put in a wire crate in the rear cargo area of a van used for transport. Police said the vehicle had a separate climate-control system meant to send cool air, but that system was not working.
When the employee arrived at the dog’s home, Taco was drooling and in distress. The family said his tongue was blue, his eyes were bulging, and he collapsed after the van doors opened.
Necropsy linked death to heat stroke and organ failure
The employee called Martenies, who told her to go with the family to an emergency veterinarian. Taco died shortly afterward.
A veterinary necropsy completed several days later ruled the death non-accidental and said the cause was disseminated intravascular coagulation, followed by multisystem organ failure secondary to heat stroke.
The report also noted Taco had Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, a condition that affects short-faced breeds such as English bulldogs.
Animal protection report says transport vehicle was not approved
Las Vegas Animal Protection Services also found that the van was not allowed for animal transport under Martenies’s business license and had not passed a required inspection, according to the report.
Martenies is scheduled to appear in court on September 10 as the case moves forward.
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