Dunkin’s death inspires new bill to hold negligent pet boarding facilities accountable

Introduced by Republican Congressman James Gallagher, the bill follows the death of Dunkin, who the couple allege died from heat exhaustion after being left at a dog training and boarding facility in Los Angeles.

The couple had left their two dogs, Dunkin and Poutine, at Smart Dogs Training while they travelled abroad., the trainer contacted him within 48 hours to say Dunkin had died after reportedly being taken to a park during an extreme heat wave.

Fedyk claimed the dog showed signs of heat exhaustion while being transported to another boarding facility and had died before arriving. He also alleged that Dunkin was never taken to a veterinarian and that the couple were not informed about the transfer.

The trainer, Jeff Todd, has denied allegations of negligence and wrongdoing. The incident is reportedly under investigation by Los Angeles Animal Services. Dunkin’s Law would amend the Animal Welfare Act to recognise certain companion animals, including dogs and cats, as sentient beings.

It would establish a federal civil cause of action for owners whose pets suffer harm, neglect or death while in the custody of covered commercial pet-care businesses, including boarding facilities and grooming operations. Under the proposed legislation, owners could seek compensation for veterinary expenses, emotional distress, attorneys’ fees and court costs.

The bill was also prompted by the discovery of 117 dead dogs at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna, Northern California, earlier this year. Investigators recovered the remains from burial sites at the property, with preliminary examinations of 70 dogs revealing evidence of gunshot wounds in many of them.

The discovery formed part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of animal cruelty and fraud at the rescue. Authorities have also raised questions about the whereabouts of hundreds of dogs transferred to the organisation. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the investigation.

Gallagher said the two incidents highlighted the need for stronger accountability for facilities entrusted with the care of companion animals. “Whether it's a family losing a beloved pet at a boarding facility or the horrifying allegations coming out of Humboldt County, the message is the same: caring for animals comes with a responsibility,” he said in a statement.

The congressman added that the legislation would provide families with a path to justice when their pets suffer harm or neglect, while strengthening accountability for unlawful euthanasia at rescues and shelters. White and Fedyk said they were grateful that Dunkin’s story could help protect other animals and prevent other families from experiencing a similar loss.

“Nothing will ever bring Dunkin back, but knowing that his story could help protect other animals and spare another family from experiencing this pain means everything to us,” the couple said. Dunkin’s Law would apply prospectively and would not determine liability in the ongoing investigation into Miranda’s Rescue.

The bill is expected to be referred to the House Committee on Agriculture as Gallagher seeks support from other lawmakers.