Couple Claims Levittown Petco Trainer Caused Dog's Death

A couple is furious at Levittown Petco after they said a trainer is responsible for the death of their 6-month-old bulldog.

According to multiple reports, Michelle and Michael DiMaggio brought their dog Sophia Belle to the Petco in February for obedience training. During the class, they said that the trainer pulled too hard on her leash, lifting the dog off the floor and choking her.

The dog wasn’t breathing and the couple tried to revive her on the spot, but rushed her to a vet where she then died, according to reports.

Petco said in a statement that they believe the trainer acted appropriately:

"After a thorough investigation, including review of the training class and conversations with all parties involved, we are confident our trainer and associates acted appropriately, responded quickly and in a caring manner focused on the health and best interest of Sophia Belle.

…we investigated this claim seriously and found that all evidence in this case showed no signs of undue force or any injury related to the trainer’s actions.  The trainer involved in this case is a highly qualified, experienced and caring young woman who has been raising and training dogs since she was a young girl, and she too has been devastated by this incident." 

The couple created a Facebook page “In Memory of Sophia Belle” but it has since been taken down.

Watch the video report at CBS news here.