A dog trainer in Missouri has been cited for animal abuse, reports The Kansas City Star. Matt Fiala was captured abusing a German Shepherd in a video shared on social media that went viral. Fiala faces multiple citations, including animal abuse and operating a business and boarding facility without a license.
Video shows dog trainer kicking crate of German Shepherd
The video posted on Facebook shows Fiala putting the dog in a crate, following which he throws water on the animal. When the canine tries to escape, he turns the crate upside down. He also kicks the door of the crate multiple times, scaring the pup. The man who shared the video captioned it with a warning for all dog owners, saying, “This is A1 Kansas City Dog Training. Beware where you leave your dog.”
“If you’re an animal lover like I am, it’s awful to watch,” Pleasant Hill Police Chief Tommy Wright said. “It’s appalling.” According to police, Fiala used to live in Kansas City for a year. What’s more, he is listed as a dog trainer by numerous websites. Authorities also shared that he runs a dog training service, Advanced Canine Training. The website for the business, however, no longer seems to exist.
Authorities are currently looking to get in touch with Fiala’s former clients. “We need people that are willing to stand up for the animals,” Wright said. “People that are willing to testify what they experienced or saw.”
Continuing, he shared, “We have to protect our animals, and to do that we have to have people that are willing to cooperate and be part of the process.”
Wright further provided advice for pet owners looking for dog trainers by saying, “Do your research, dig into these trainers, and see what you’re getting.” Moreover, he added, “Make sure that you go to a reputable one.”
“One that’s been around for a long time and has a reputation of doing good work and doesn’t have allegations of abuse against it,” Wright continued.
As per authorities, the investigation is currently ongoing.
