Dodo Pizza Founder Apologizes After Employee Fired for Sheltering Stray Dog Sparks Backlash - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The founder of Dodo Pizza, Russia's largest pizza chain, has apologized after the company faced significant backlash following the firing of an employee who helped a stray dog during freezing weather in Chelyabinsk. The delivery driver, identified as Mikhail, was dismissed after wrapping a stray dog, nicknamed "Dodobonya" by staff, in a blanket to protect it from the harsh cold. This act led to public outrage and a surge in one-star reviews on Dodo Pizza's app, prompting the founder, Fyodor Ovchinnikov, to issue a public apology.
In response to the backlash, Ovchinnikov announced that all Dodo Pizza locations in Russia would become pet-friendly and pledged long-term support for animal shelters. He also offered to rehire Mikhail, potentially in a role focused on animal welfare initiatives. The founder additionally called for an end to harassment of the manager who fired Mikhail, though she was temporarily suspended from work.
This incident highlights the growing public scrutiny over corporate policies and employee treatment, particularly in situations involving compassion and social responsibility. It underscores the importance of ethical decision-making in businesses, especially when balancing company rules with humane actions during crises like extreme weather conditions. The controversy also reflects broader societal concerns about animal welfare and the role of corporations in addressing such issues.
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 2/25/2026