FAMILY SAYS VET KEPT THEIR PUG ALIVE AFTER PAID EUTHANASIA

Rebecca Belote says she paid Senoia Animal Hospital in Georgia to euthanize her 4-year-old pug, Cha Cha, after staff diagnosed the dog with organ failure and diabetic ketoacidosis and suggested putting her down. Belote says she later spotted Cha Cha on social media and learned a clinic staff member had taken the dog home instead, according to Globe.

Police announced on October 23, 2026 that no criminal charges will be filed against the veterinarian and veterinary technician involved, FOX 5 Atlanta reported.

Belote paid for the euthanasia in March 2026 and received paperwork indicating it had been done. She told WSB-TV that she saw a photo of Cha Cha while scrolling online and recognized her.

A former clinic employee then told Belote that Cha Cha was living with a staff member. When she took her complaints to the hospital, managers reportedly denied the dog was alive.

Belote says the husband of an employee later confirmed to her that Cha Cha was with his wife and in good health. The dog was eventually euthanized, which Belote believes was done to cover up what had happened.

This is the second such allegation against the clinic. The family of Annie, a cat they had since 2006, paid nearly $300 in February 2025 to have her euthanized and cremated, PEOPLE reported. Annie was 19.

The family later learned she was alive and living with a veterinary technician. Annie was euthanized on August 13, 2026, per the family’s wishes.

Her owner, Brian Jagt, told PEOPLE a veterinarian had told him, “Don’t worry, we will handle it.” He also said the technician “had the nerve to post a picture of her holding Annie on both her Facebook page but also on the Senoia Animal Hospital website.”

Clinic owner Robert Baggett described the employee’s decision to keep Annie as “a mistake made out of compassion,” PEOPLE reported.

Capt. Jason Ercole of the Senoia Police Department told FOX 5 the conduct did not amount to a crime.

Police referred the matter to state regulators. FOX 5 reported that any further legal action would rest with the pet owners in Coweta County civil court.

WSB-TV reported that Belote said she has filed a complaint with the state veterinary board and that the solicitor general is investigating.

The hospital, through its attorney, told FOX 5: “With the developing issues at this time, we have advised (them) not to make any statements regarding these issues – the Hospital has decided to follow our advice. Senoia Animal Hospital looks forward to providing excellent care to its clients and the community.”