A 60-year-old dog trainer in Tacoma is facing felony charges after security footage allegedly captured him intentionally forcing two aggressive dogs to fight at a local training facility. The incident, which occurred in late 2025 at the PacwestK9 facility, resulted in two counts of first-degree animal cruelty filed this week.
Key Details of the Allegations:
- Inciting the Attack: According to court documents, security video from November 11, 2025, shows the trainer sitting with several dogs and repeatedly stating he “needed a fight.” He then allegedly released a Doberman named Thanos from his kennel to confront a Labrador mix named Nino, despite knowing the two dogs were hostile toward one another.
- Physical Restraint During Conflict: The prosecution claims that as the dogs began to growl, the trainer held the Doberman to the ground, allowing the Labrador to bite the restrained animal’s leg. The dogs eventually engaged in a violent, two-minute struggle that the trainer was unable to stop.
- Conflicting Stories: Initially, the trainer told a coworker that the Doberman had accidentally escaped and attacked the other dog. However, after reviewing the surveillance footage, the facility manager determined the account was false and reported the incident to the police.
- Injuries Sustained: Both dogs suffered significant puncture wounds. Thanos sustained injuries to his legs and feet, while Nino was bitten on the neck and face. The trainer also reportedly suffered a bite to the arm during the melee.
The facility manager has since cooperated with investigators, providing the security tapes and witness statements. The case has sparked outrage in the local community, highlighting concerns over the lack of regulation and oversight in the professional pet training industry.
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