The Chekhov City Court in the Moscow region declined to consider placing the two owners of the Dogtown dog hotel under house arrest. Investigators suspect them of animal cruelty and fraud, but for now they have been released without any preventive measure.
According to the regional Investigative Committee, the women promised clients special care: only a small number of animals in each room, attentive treatment and proper living conditions. Investigators say they charged an average of 5,000 rubles per day, while some dogs stayed there for two to three months.
Investigators said the dogs were kept in cages that were far too small, about 30 animals were housed in the facility at one time, and owners were not told that electric shock collars were being used.
The case became public in early September after REN TV aired footage showing unsanitary conditions, cramped cages and rough treatment of animals. A video released by investigators features Dogtown owner Karina Gitinomagomedova (Volkova). Fifteen dog owners have been recognized as victims in the case.
Among Dogtown’s clients were blogger Eldar Dzharakhov and singer MONA (Darya Kustovskaya). They said their dogs returned from boarding in a state of severe stress, while the promised training results were never achieved. Kustovskaya said that on September 4 she and Dzharakhov went to free the animals and found more than 20 dogs there.
Other owners told Novaya Gazeta Europe about serious consequences. Rodion Provodin said his corgi Buddy died from pneumonia caused by pasteurellosis and mycoplasma, while his second dog, Loki, survived after treatment. A woman identified as Anna said her dog came back thinner, mentally distressed and afraid of people, loud sounds and sudden movements. Another client, Irina, said her corgi was returned only after a month instead of two weeks, following messages that the dog had tested positive for mycoplasmosis.