Former Seattle kennel worker pleads guilty in dog's beating death

Dejean Bowens sentenced to maximum 3-month penalty for felony animal cruelty, as victim's family calls for tougher laws

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:48am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a dog's collar against a pitch-black background, the harsh flash lighting creating a stark, gritty aesthetic that conceptually represents the tragedy of a pet's violent death.A shocking case of animal cruelty at a Seattle kennel has sparked renewed calls for stronger laws to protect beloved family pets.Seattle Today

A former employee at a Seattle dog boarding facility, Dejean Bowens, has pleaded guilty to one felony count of animal cruelty in the first degree for beating a dog named Mitch to death while the dog was in his care. The victim's family gave emotional statements in court, and the judge acknowledged the lack of adequate sentencing options under current state law.

Why it matters

This case has sparked renewed calls to strengthen Washington's animal cruelty laws, as the maximum sentence of 3 months was seen as insufficient given the severity of the crime and the deep emotional impact on the dog's family. It highlights the need to better protect pets, which are often considered part of the family, through tougher legal penalties for those who commit such acts of violence.

The details

Bowens, a 20-year-old former employee at the now-closed Lazy Dog Crazy Dog kennel in Ballard, pleaded guilty to beating Mitch, a black Labrador, to death while the dog was in his care at the facility. The victim's family, Neela and Anthony Brocato, gave emotional statements in court describing Mitch as their 'shadow' and 'baby boy' whose absence is felt every day. Judge Ken Schubert acknowledged that he was 'at a loss' as to why Bowens committed the 'inexplicable' act of violence, but was limited to the maximum 3-month sentence allowed under current state law for the felony conviction.

  • Bowens pleaded guilty in court on April 8, 2026.
  • Mitch was staying at the Lazy Dog Crazy Dog kennel so the Brocato family could welcome home their newborn baby.

The players

Dejean Bowens

A 20-year-old former employee at the Lazy Dog Crazy Dog kennel in Seattle who pleaded guilty to one felony count of animal cruelty in the first degree for beating a dog named Mitch to death while the dog was in his care.

Neela and Anthony Brocato

The owners of Mitch, the black Labrador who was beaten to death by Bowens at the kennel. They gave emotional statements in court about the devastating impact of Mitch's death on their family.

Judge Ken Schubert

The Superior Court judge who sentenced Bowens to the maximum 3-month penalty allowed under state law, acknowledging that the sentence felt insufficient given the severity of the crime.

Casey McNerthney

A spokesperson for the King County prosecuting attorney's office, who said changing the law is the only way to increase the penalty and that the office would support such an effort.

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What they’re saying

“You not only killed Mitch, but you destroyed the lives of everyone who loved him. I hope you understand this.”

— Neela Brocato

“He was our shadow, our good morning, and our good night. He was our baby boy.”

— Anthony Brocato

“I'm not asking for forgiveness, I don't ask for mercy or anything. I just would like to be able to have been able to say this in front of everyone, you know, is I really am sorry, and whatever judgment comes here today, I'm accepting it.”

— Dejean Bowens

“We do the special things for dogs because our society loves them so much. Everyone knows someone that has a black lab. That was my dad's dog. So I just don't understand. I am at a loss.”

— Judge Ken Schubert

What’s next

The Brocato family said they plan to work for changes to Washington's animal cruelty laws to increase the penalties for such crimes.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for stronger legal protections for pets, which are often considered beloved members of the family. The victim's family is rightfully calling for legislative reforms to ensure more appropriate punishments for those who commit acts of violence against animals.