Overview

• Mark L. Miller, 62, was charged July 14 in Dudley District Court after a dog sitter he hired via an app accused him of blocking her exit from his home
• The sitter reported arriving at 25 Belmont St. on July 11 to find the house dark and empty of animals before Miller spread his arms to prevent her leaving and urged her upstairs
• Court documents state Miller told her “I don’t bite,” but she fled to a police station when he briefly moved away from the door
• Miller pleaded not guilty and remains held on cash bail while his attorney says he looks forward to proving his client’s innocence at trial
• The case has revived scrutiny of safety and vetting standards on pet-care platforms such as Rover and Wag!