
A family in Greater Manchester has been left utterly devastated and demanding justice after their beloved pet dog was returned from a walk dead inside a holdall bag.
In a story that has shocked the nation, the Wharmby family entrusted their two-year-old Cockapoo, Luna, to a professional dog walker found through a popular app. What should have been a routine outing turned into a unimaginable nightmare.
The walker, who had taken Luna and several other dogs to a nearby beauty spot, reportedly claimed the lively pet had simply "collapsed and died" during the walk. However, the family's horror was compounded by the callous manner in which the situation was handled.
"She was zipped up in a bag, dead," recounted a heartbroken family member. "We were just handed this bag with our beautiful girl inside. There was no dignity, no compassion."
The distraught owners are now questioning the official explanation, pointing out that Luna was a young, healthy dog with no known underlying health conditions. They believe the walker's negligence and a potential lack of supervision may have played a direct role in their pet's tragic death.
A System Failure
This incident has raised serious concerns about the lack of regulation within the professional pet care industry. The dog walker was operating via a well-known platform, yet the family feels the vetting process failed them completely.
"Anyone can sign up and say they're a professional," the family stated, highlighting a gap in the system that allows individuals to care for vulnerable animals without verified qualifications or proven experience.
Seeking Answers and Change
The Wharmby family's grief has now turned into a campaign for accountability. They are not only seeking answers for Luna's sudden death but are also calling for stricter industry regulations to prevent such a tragedy from happening to another family.
They have reported the incident to the relevant authorities and are urging for a thorough investigation into the practices of the dog walking service involved.
This heartbreaking case serves as a stark warning to all pet owners about the importance of extreme diligence when choosing someone to care for their beloved animals. It is a tragic reminder of the trust we place in others and the devastating consequences when that trust is broken.