Santa Barbara Dog Daycare Suspends Operations After English Bulldog Drowns in Pool

Camp Canine, a dog daycare and boarding facility on Santa Barbara's Eastside, has temporarily halted daycare operations following the drowning death of Bruce, a one-year-old English bulldog. The Santa Barbara Police Department is actively investigating the incident, which occurred on Thursday afternoon at the facility located at 803 East Montecito Street. The case involves questions about safety protocols, staff supervision, and emergency response procedures at the business.

What Happened

Bruce, who had attended and trained at Camp Canine for six months, drowned sometime between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Thursday. His owners, Chris and Ashley Merz of Ventura, arrived at approximately 3:30 p.m. to pick up their dog and were informed of his death by facility staff. According to family members, the owners were not contacted immediately after the incident occurred and discovered Bruce's body presented in a plastic storage container in a vehicle on the facility grounds.

The facility houses separate yards for small, medium, and large dogs. The large yard contains two unfenced pools. According to the family, Bruce was typically placed with smaller dogs due to his breed and size, yet he was found in the large yard where the drowning took place. Camp Canine's management acknowledged to the family that Bruce should not have been in that area.

Official Response and Investigation

The Santa Barbara Police Department responded to the scene at approximately 4:45 p.m. on July 16. Officers interviewed the dog's owners and employees present during the incident. The Criminal Investigative Unit and Animal Control Team are now handling the active investigation. Camp Canine's general manager and co-owner, Jayne Sigman, released a statement acknowledging responsibility and expressing remorse for the loss. She announced that the facility is conducting a comprehensive review of its safety procedures and emergency response protocols to prevent similar tragedies.

The family has created a fundraiser to cover cremation and memorial costs while seeking legal counsel to understand their rights and obtain answers about what occurred. Video footage from the scene, captured by another patron, shows the emotional distress experienced by the family upon learning of Bruce's death.