Hollywood police investigate Frenchie’s death after family says pet sitter left him in crate outside for hours

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Hollywood police have opened an investigation into the death of a 4-year-old French Bulldog whose owners said was left in a crate outdoors for hours by a pet sitter.

Read more Reward offered for 5th suspect wanted in deadly North Lauderdale shooting

Leer en español

Police confirmed that a report was made Tuesday after the Frenchie was found dead at a home in the 6600 block of Atlanta Street.

The owners of the Frenchie named Prince said he was being watched by a pet sitter found on Rover.com when he was left in a crate outside in the summer heat. They said Prince was in good health prior to his death.

Prince’s owner, Kaylynn Ackeret, was heartbroken when she found out.

“I didn’t really know what to say,” she said. “I just started crying and I got off the phone.”

Ackeret said a friend went to pick up Princes body.

“They told me they left him in a kennel,” she said.

Hollywood police confirmed Wednesday that officers are at the home investigating what led to the dog’s death, and are also working with City of Hollywood Animal Control.

Read more Woman flees Hollywood police with child in car, crashes head-on into cruiser, cops say

“We understand the concern from community members and are working to gather as much information as possible to determine exactly what occurred,” HPD posted on social media. “We remain committed to this investigation and will provide updates as soon as the information becomes available.”

Rover also released a statement to Local 10 News about Prince’s death.

“Most of us at Rover are pet parents ourselves, and we can only imagine the heartbreak and stress Prince’s family is experiencing,” the statement read. “Upon learning of this incident, our 24/7 Trust & Safety team launched a thorough investigation. The account of the sitter involved has been deactivated without the option to appeal, meaning they cannot communicate or book new stays with pet parents via Rover. We have also refunded Ms. Ackeret’s stay and offered to reimburse all eligible veterinary and aftercare costs through the Rover Guarantee.

“Safety incidents on our platform are extremely rare — over half a million stays have been booked by pet parents in the Miami area, with more than 98% of reviewed stays receiving five stars. Prince’s death is truly heartbreaking, and it’s one we’re handling with the seriousness it deserves.”

Read more Several candidates vying for Broward County School Board District 6 seat