A Scandal Broke Out Around "Dodo Pizza" Because Of A Stray Dog
- 24.02.2026, 18:25
The Belarusian branch of the network has also spoken out.
Russian pizza chain Dodo Pizza has found itself at the center of a scandal after the story of a courier's dismissal in Chelyabinsk, writes "Online".
According to media and social media users, an employee named Mikhail was stripped of his job after he covered a stray dog that lived near the pizzeria with a plaid. The incident occurred in freezing weather at a temperature of about minus 20 degrees Celsius.
The dog, which managed to nickname Dodobonya, became a real mascot of the Chelyabinsk institution, employees and visitors began to take care of it.
At some point, however, the new manager of the establishment forbade the employees to feed and keep the dog warm: social networks circulated a screenshot of a message allegedly written by the girl in the work chat, where she reminded that whoever tried to shelter the animal near the establishment would "follow the dog".
After news of the courier's firing spread across social media, Dodo Pizza issued an official comment. In it, representatives of the brand explained that "even before the situation with the dog, the termination of relations with the courier was planned." According to Russian media, Mikhail was officially fired allegedly for repeated absenteeism and property damage.
This position of the company did not satisfy users and caused only a greater wave of criticism. Calls for a "repeal" appeared online. The founder of the network Fedor Ovchinnikov eventually reacted to the public outcry. He on behalf of the brand apologized to Mikhail, promising to pay his salary without deductions and fines. The entrepreneur also called for an end to the harassment of the manager, who was suspended.
Dodobonya was moved to a shelter. The company said that they will pay for its maintenance and treatment until new owners are found for the animal. In addition, Ovchinnikov announced plans to make all pizzerias of the chain pet-friendly. Mikhail was offered a new position - curator of programs to support animals.
- I want to say that all these decisions were made not under pressure, but from the heart, - added the businessman.
The situation was echoed in Belarus. Belarusian chain "Dodo Pizza" published a message in Threads, in which it stated that a percentage of all proceeds for February 23 will be sent to a dog shelter. The company promised to later disclose the collected amount and publish a photo report on its transfer in social networks.
The reaction of users was divided. Some commentators said that, despite the initiatives of the Belarusian branch, the reputation of the brand was seriously damaged and they intend to abandon its products. Others, on the contrary, noted that local establishments should not be responsible for the situation in Chelyabinsk, to which they have no direct relation.