http://www.kcra.com/r-video/26501014/detail.html

Local dog trainer suspected of animal abuse
January 7th, 2011 12:36 pm
A formal complaint filed against a Northern California dog trainer alleges that he mistreated a dog in his care. The trainer was also cited for not having the necessary license for a commercial animal establishment.

KCRA reported last night that Regina Collins left her 12-week old puppy Chance with Ridley K9 Academy for several days in order to be trained. Collins is from El Dorado Hills; the Academy’ website states that they also service clients in Sacramento and Placerville.

When she picked Chance up, the dog reportedly would not come to her. Collins says that she asked Academy owner Garrett Ridley what he had done to her dog.

Ridley allegedly told Collins not to touch the dog because Chance was “in trouble”.

Collins took the puppy to veterinarian Lee Kaplow DVM for a thorough exam. According to KRCA, the vet observed that Chance was covered in urine, was dehydrated and that his eyes were hemorrhaging. Kaplow reported that this would be consistent with a dog having been restrained by the neck with high pressure.

El Dorado County Animals Services received the formal complaint from Collins and are investigating Ridley for crimes against animals, California Penal Code 597.

Animal Services has had no prior complaints filed against Ridley, according to acting Public Information Officer Kristine Oase.





You might want to take your dog elsewhere to be trained until the DA is done with him........

http://www.examiner.com/pet-rescue-in-sacramento/investigation-heats-up-ridley-academy-abuse-case


"Investigation heats up in Ridley Academy abuse case

Results from an investigation into Garrett Ridley’s dog training operation will soon be turned over to the El Dorado County District Attorney. One customer alleged that Ridley mistreated a dog in his care, and other former clients are now coming forward with their own abuse allegations.

Ridley K9 Academy offers services in Sacramento and Placerville. According to a KCRA report last night, El Dorado County Animal Services is asking customers in both areas to contact them about their experiences with Ridley.

The initial complaint came when a dog was returned home after being boarded and trained by Ridley for several days. The owner was concerned about the dog’s appearance and skittish behavior and took him to a veterinarian to be checked out.

Lee Kaplow DVM observed that the dog was covered in urine, was dehydrated and that his eyes were hemorrhaging. Kaplow reported that this would be consistent with a dog having been restrained by the neck with high pressure.

Another customer has come forward regarding her dog’s one-week stay at Ridley’s training facility. Dorthea La-Barr told KCRA that her dog was brought back to her afraid, dirty and having lost weight.

Several other clients of Ridley K9 Academy have said that Ridley would not allow them to come to or see his facility. Ridley allegedly insisted that he pick up and deliver the dogs back to their homes himself.

Animal welfare organizations and veterinarians recommend that owners should always check out a facility in person before allowing their animal to be boarded or trained.
El Dorado County Animal Services are investigating Ridley for crimes against animals, California Penal Code 597. The trainer was also cited for not having the necessary license for a commercial animal establishment.

Ironically, Ridley K9 Academy won 4th-place honors in KCRA’s 2010 A-List contest. Viewers voted Ridley to be in the top five businesses under the category of “Best Training”."

Collins also alleges that Ridley informed her he'd put a "shock collar" on the puppy because he "refused to take walks with him".

Definitely not a good situation.

I am still baffled that someone would send their animal to a facility that they'd never seen with someone they basically didn't know....(I know they probably did based on his previous reputation, but....)

Is it just me?

I think it is a red flag if someone tells me that I can't see a dog or the kennel.

 Quote: Lindsay Janes

I think it is a red flag if someone tells me that I can't see a dog or the kennel.

Exactly right! If a kennel tells a potential client that, it's time to walk!