Dog News

Pet Groomer Caught on Tape Abusing Dogs Gets the Boot

by Katherine

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130618 groomer
Stock image – woman in this picture is not the accused animal abuser

On June 13, 2013, a pet stylist from Fur Kids Daycare in Calgary, Canada, was fired after she was caught on tape abusing dogs.

The video shows the abuser using a brush to hit a pet client while the innocent animal cowers to protect himself from the blows. On a separate clip, the abuser is also seen using a vacuum cleaner pole to drag a dog out of its kennel.

A Global News report says the tape was secretly recorded by former employee Trina Riel.

“It’s absolutely disgusting,” said Riel. “There were days when I would end up tearing up in the grooming room. I’d have to go outside and say I was going on a break, and I would just hide my face.”

Dean Miles, owner of Fur Kids Daycare, spoke with the Calgary Herald and said this was the first time any allegations of abuse have been brought against his employees.

“The safety of our dogs is the most important thing because that’s our business,” said Miles.

The Calgary Humane Society has opened an investigation against the pet groomer and is asking the public to come forward if they believe and have evidence of their animals being abused by the same person.

“The number of calls we’ve received has been overwhelming,” said Christy Thompson, general manager of community relations for the Calgary Humane Society. “Calgary and the public have been completely outraged by the video. Anybody who believes that their animal has been in contact with this particular groomer, please give us a call. The more evidence we have the better.”

To contact Calgary Humane Society call 403-205-4455.