Dozens gathered outside Camp Canine in Santa Barbara to protest after an English bulldog named Bruce reportedly drowned while in the facility’s care. The family says they were not notified beforehand and were shown Bruce’s body in a plastic tub; staff allegedly said he ended up in the large-dog yard where two unfenced pools are located. The Santa Barbara Police Department’s Criminal Investigative Unit and Animal Control Team are investigating, and Camp Canine has temporarily suspended operations while reviewing procedures. The daycare apologized on Instagram and the family has launched a GoFundMe for memorial costs.
Community Protests After English Bulldog 'Bruce' Allegedly Drowns At Santa Barbara Daycare
The owner of an English bulldog reportedly drowned while in the care of a Santa Barbara doggy daycare broke down in tears during a protest held Wednesday outside the business.
Ashley Merz of Ventura (pictured) in tears over Bruce's devastating drowning. David Buchan for Ca Post
Protest Draws Dozens Calling For Answers
Ashley Merz of Ventura joined dozens of supporters outside Camp Canine to demand transparency and accountability after her dog, Bruce, reportedly drowned on Sunday. Protesters carried signs bearing #JusticeForBruce and photos of the bulldog as they gathered to honor the dog and to support the family as they seek answers.
Bruce (pictured) on the #JusticeforBruce signs that protesters carried. David Buchan for Ca Post
Family's Account And Video Footage
The family says they arrived at Camp Canine to pick up Bruce and were told he had allegedly drowned in one of the facility's pools. They say they were not notified in advance and were shown Bruce's body lying in a plastic tub. According to the family, staff later said Bruce had somehow ended up in the large-dog yard — an area with two unfenced pools — even though employees reportedly acknowledged he should not have been there.
Protesters at Camp Canine, the doggy daycare where Bruce drowned. David Buchan for Ca Post
“We will gather to honor Bruce and stand in support of his family as they seek accountability following his tragic death while in the care of Camp Canine,” read a Facebook post announcing the demonstration.
Video circulating from the scene captured the heartbreaking moment a man identified as Chris was told what had happened to Bruce. The footage appeared to be recorded by another patron at the facility.
Ashley Merz of Ventura during the protest seeking accountability for Bruce's death. David Buchan for Ca Post
Investigation And Facility Response
The Santa Barbara Police Department responded after receiving a report of the drowning. Its Criminal Investigative Unit and Animal Control Team are investigating the circumstances surrounding Bruce’s death.
Camp Canine temporarily suspended daycare operations after the incident while it reviews its facility, safety procedures and emergency response protocols. In an Instagram post, the daycare’s general manager apologized to Bruce’s family, saying the facility had “failed in our responsibility to keep their dog safe” and offered condolences.
Family Reaction And Fundraising
Bruce had reportedly been attending and training at Camp Canine for about six months. The family says they remain devastated both by Bruce’s death and by how the situation was handled afterward. A family member launched a GoFundMe to help cover cremation and memorial expenses.
The investigation is ongoing and authorities have not released a determination of fault. Community members and protesters continue to seek greater transparency from the daycare while the police and animal control complete their review.
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