BAKERSFIELD, CA. — A video circulating on social media appears to show the founder of Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue, Zach Skow, pushing a puppy.
The Facebook live video was initially posted on the Marley's Mutts Facebook page in May. Animal rights activist, Emily Hanson, recorded the video off of Facebook and re-posted it earlier this month.
It now has more than 18,000 views.
Marley's Mutts Director of Operations Mike Lightfoot said Skow was "feeling sick that day" and that the incident is not indicative of how they treat animals. Lightfoot said the Marley's Mutts board committee is aware of the video, but would not specify when they found out about it.
Skow issued the following statement:
"It was an imperfect decision in the midst of trying to balance a lot of things at the end of a very hard day. I messed up and I own up to it. I just hope that people look at the breath of all of our work, my work in this field and understand that this is not indicative of my heart and how I operate."
In addition, Mark Fox, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Marley's Mutts issued the following in defense of Skow:
"Back in May, Zach did push a puppy away from his face. During the video, he was not feeling well, but we do not offer that as an excuse. He spent weeks meticulously caring for this puppy and he is deeply sorry for his action. Zach’s life is dedicated to rescue and it will continue to be dedicated to rescuing and caring for animals. This incident was not typical of Zach’s behavior and it will not be repeated. Zach and Marley’s Mutts want to thank everyone for your continued support."
Below is the full version of the video as it appeared on the Marley's Mutts Facebook page:
