JACKSON COUNTY, MI — The Jackson County Animal Shelter and Animal Control are investigating the discovery of dead dogs found in a freezer at The Parlour of Jackson.
The general manager discovered approximately six dead puppies, five dead adult dogs and some black bags containing severed animal ears when he opened the freezer Sunday, May 25, in the business’ back garage, new owner Scott Pienta said.
Someone using the garage space had tipped off the manager and Pienta’s son that the freezer might have “something” in it, Pienta said.
Pienta took over the restaurant, 1401 Daniel Road, two months ago, and the garage was filled with old kitchen equipment and personal items of a previous operator, Janet Parker, Pienta said.
Parker did not immediately respond Tuesday to request for comment.
Pienta said he’s been attempting to get Parker to remove the items, along with things she allowed others to store there, he said.
“My frustration has been growing, and now it reached its limit,” Pienta said.
Pienta instructed the general manager to call Jackson County Animal Control, and officers came on site and collected the evidence.
Jackson County Animal Shelter Director Lydia Sattler said staff began investigating Tuesday morning.
She did not have further information. Once staff know more, they will provide an update, she said.
“I don’t know what she was using it for, whether it was taxidermy purposes, I don’t know,” Pienta said. “The frustration is for her not to get these things and leave these animals at my place of business knowing they were in there.”
Pienta, owner of boutique HMN Style in downtown Jackson, purchased The Parlour just months after he bought Jackson Coney Island. Pienta’s goal is to restore it to its former glory, he said.
Related: Parlour’s new owner combining ice cream and coney dog traditions
Pienta envisions adding offices upstairs, upgrading kitchen equipment and installing booths for families. Part of the renovations includes using the garage for storage, a retail area to purchase baked goods and to park vehicles.
Pienta bought the restaurant from former owners Mark Cooley and his wife Trace. In 2024, the Cooleys signed a lease-to-own agreement with Parker, who also owned Sweet Scoops, Elements Juice Bar and Dog Works, a pet grooming business, in Jackson. Mark Cooley said this fell through due to lack of funds.
Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Jackson” daily newsletter.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
