Dog Care Provider in Knoxville Faces Outrage Amid Past Allegations of Neglect and Abuse

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Shocking Tale: Dog Care Gone Wrong

It’s a quiet day in Knoxville, but lurking behind the ordinary is a troubling story that’s catching the attention of many in the community. A woman from Canada, Jessica Kippen, has recently moved to this area and is now offering her dog-care services, despite serious allegations from her past. Now, you might be wondering why this is raising eyebrows—well, let’s dive in.

A Troubling Background

Jessica’s connections to animal care have been put under a critical lens after several pet owners from Ontario have accused her of neglect, abuse, and even causing the deaths of their beloved pets. The Provincial Animal Welfare Services in Ontario is currently investigating her past actions, which date back to 2021. As of Monday, no criminal charges have been filed against Kippen in Canada or here in Knox County.

One client’s story paints a heartbreaking picture. Michelle Schindel shared how her dog, Jetta, was left in Kippen’s care despite having a serious health condition. Jetta, who had a brain tumor, was supposed to be kept on medication, but when Michelle and her family returned, Jetta was not the same. “She basically escalated what was coming. Not giving her meds and starving her, and dehydrating her,” Michelle explained emotionally. Sadly, four months later, the family had to make the difficult decision to put Jetta down.

More Heartbreaking Accounts

But Jetta isn’t alone in this tragic narrative. Carla Ongaro, another Ontario resident, had a similar experience. After leaving her two dogs with Kippen, upon picking them up, one needed immediate veterinary attention. Her dog Stormy was found to have serious health issues, including a Streptococcus and E-Coli infection. Overwhelmed with the condition her dog was in, Ongaro asked Kippen what had happened, only to be met with vague explanations.

Then there’s Cassandra Almeida, who trusted Kippen with her rescue dog, Sammy. Unfortunately, Cassandra received the heartbreaking news that Sammy had stopped breathing during his stay. “Something didn’t sit right. Something told me to dig deeper,” she said, reflecting on her suspicions after learning about Sammy’s passing.

Investigative Developments

These accounts sparked outrage in Ontario, leading to protests and further investigations into Kippen’s dog care practices. A former employee even shared a complaint, complete with photographs, revealing the alleged neglect and abuse pets experienced in her care. Authorities confirmed that Kippen has faced several administrative penalties between 2021 and 2023 for not maintaining sanitary conditions and operating without a license.

While the investigation is unfolding, Kippen has seemingly tried to start fresh in Knoxville. Reports indicate that she’s now offering dog care services through a platform called Rover, and even has business cards printed for “Howler Homestead,” which many suspect connects back to her boyfriend’s home.

Community Reaction

As you can imagine, the Knoxville community isn’t taking this lightly. Flyers with messages like “dog killers” are popping up near Kippen’s residence, stirring conversations among locals. People are understandably worried—how could someone with such an alarming background be allowed to care for pets in our neighborhood?

In a twist of fate, Kippen did respond to inquiries sent to her, stating that she didn’t want her words twisted, but has since not elaborated on the accusations. Meanwhile, Rover has taken action to remove any profiles linked to Kippen, citing that they intentionally bypassed review processes.

A Call for Awareness

The situation begs the question: What laws exist to protect our pets? Many feel that current legislation treats animals as property, leaving them vulnerable to abuse without proper criminal charges. As more and more people become aware of Kippen’s history, the focus on animal welfare is intensifying.

As this story continues to evolve, it serves as a reminder to carefully consider whom we trust with our furry family members. Let’s work together as a community to ensure our pets are kept safe and sound.