Dead pets intended for cremation found in storage unit, police say

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV/Gray News) - A police department in Colorado confirmed dead pets intended for cremation were found in a storage unit.

According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, the dead pets were found in a storage unit at Extra Space Storage. Police said they received a report that said they smelled what they thought was a dead body in the storage unit next to theirs.

Officers received permission to enter the unit and, upon investigation, police said they found a cooler with dead animals inside. Police did not confirm how many pets were found.

The officers then got in touch with the renter of the unit, who police said runs a cremation service for pets. According to police, the animals were supposed to be part of a communal cremation that was never completed.

The bodies have since been removed from the storage unit.

On Friday, a spokesperson with the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region confirmed the unit is connected to an individual named Marcus Williams. KKTV said that is the same name that viewers, concerned pet owners and a Colorado Springs veterinarian.

Doctor Melissa Vollaire of Transitions Veterinary Service in Colorado Springs said she had recently partnered with Williams for cremation services for pets that were in her care. Vollaire said she terminated her partnership with Williams in August after what she said were several red flags.

Vollaire said after she terminated services with Williams, she had at least six uncremated dogs that were returned to her. The bodies were neither frozen or refrigerated and were decomposed and barely recognizable.

The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region said its team is working to identify the animals using available information and is planning to contact affected families directly.

The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region recommends anyone who believes their pet was impacted to contact the veterinary clinic or facility where your pet’s aftercare arrangements were made.

At this time, police say this is not a criminal investigation.