Aaron Phypers slams ex Denise Richards over accusations related dog

Aaron Phypers is pushing back against Denise Richards’ claims that he had their senior dog put down without her consent, saying the actress has had no relationship with the pet in years.

Speaking to PEOPLE, Phypers said Richards “hasn’t interacted with the animals in two years and never has wanted knowledge or wanted to give her permission to any type of care for the animals.” 

His response comes after Richards accused him of making the heartbreaking decision to euthanize their dog, Melanie, without telling her.

The dispute erupted after Richards visited the Calabasas, California, home where Phypers is staying with his parents. The visit, made to collect her other dogs, came despite an existing temporary restraining order against Phypers. 

Police were called to the property following the encounter. Richards’ lawyer, Brett Berman, insisted she did not violate the order, explaining she had confirmed beforehand that Phypers would not be there.

A source close to Phypers dismissed Richards’ accusations as “100 percent, absolutely false.” 

Another insider told PEOPLE there were “extenuating circumstances” surrounding Melanie’s condition, describing the dog as “a sweet elder” who had late-stage cancer. 

According to the insider, the veterinarian advised that the “few days she had left being in pain” would be better met with ending her suffering, adding, “It was a painful decision. To say she was ‘put down’ is hurtful.”

Richards, 54, was granted a restraining order against Phypers amid their contentious divorce, alleging he was physically abusive during their marriage, accusations Phypers has denied. 

The 52-year-old filed for divorce on July 7 and has made his own claims, accusing Richards of having an addiction to Vicodin and alcohol and alleging she had an affair with her Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test co-star Rudy Reyes.