TULSA, Okla. — Earlier this year, FOX23 told you about A video of an employee at a Tulsa doggie care dragging an animal around the facility.
The video was recorded in December 2020 and leaked to the public in January. It was viewed thousands times. Local dog owners should be concerned about the welfare of their pets.
Viewers also expressed outrage at the footage, calling it disturbing, disgusting, unacceptable and difficult to watch. Paws on Pearl’s owners issued a statement in January saying that it was an isolated incident, and that the man was not employed.
Paws on Pearl stated that they also provided a statement and installed cameras and a live stream so owners could monitor their pets throughout the day. They ensured that all employees had completed background checks and were trained with a certified dog handling course.
Advocates began protesting outside the business despite the changes. Expose Paws on Pearl was a Facebook page that received hundreds of interaction. These advocates now work with Paws On Pearl to ensure that the kennel runs smoothly.
The Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma supports the shift. They are working with Paws on Pearl in order to create an independent review panel that will extend to daycare and ensure that current practices are acceptable.
Tamara Lebak founded the Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma. She spoke about Paws On Pearl and the positive changes it has brought.
Lebak stated that they are interested in not only solving the problem but also making sure it never happens again in Oklahoma.
The panel will consist of three business representatives and three dog owners. The panelists will include animal rescue specialists, business experts, and clients from Paws on Pearl.
Unannounced visits will also be conducted by the panel. They will investigate kennel practices and best practices, as well as the ratio of employees to dogs and staff training.
This panel is hoped to be a model for pet care in Oklahoma.
Amanda Thompson is a former client at Paws on Pearl. She is now a member of the panel.
My goal is for my dog to return home. People have asked me whether I would allow my dog to return home. Thompson said that I would bring my dog back here once I feel I have done my job. That is how passionate I am about it.
Michael Toburen, the owner of Paws On Pearl, made a statement to FOX23
Paws on Pearl has agreed that it will help to create and work with an impartial review panel. The panel will work together to create and monitor the best kennel practices and standards. The panel will include kennel and rescue specialists, business experts, and clients of Paws on Pearl. They will be supported by the Oklahoma restorative justice institution. They will discuss best practices, animal-to-handler ratio, training, and monitoring the facility for any agreed upon changes. As part of our commitment to improve transparency and communication to our clients as well as the community, we continue to make changes at Paws on Pearl.
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