A PetSmart groomer has been arrested for animal cruelty after a 1-year old Dachshund died while in his care. Henry had been brought in for a simple grooming appointment and ended up with two broken ribs and a punctured lung, as revealed by post-mortem X-rays.
Even though an on-site vet was brought in to tend to the dog after he started bleeding from his mouth and gasping for breath, Henry’s life could not be saved.
NBC Bay Area reports this isn’t the first time a dog has died in the care of a pet store.
Lucy’s Law, which would have licensed and regulated the grooming industry, was proposed in 2012, but was rejected by California’s legislature. The California Professional Pet Groomers Association is against the legislation because they feel that carelessness and stupidity cannot be fixed by licensing.
PetSmart has not taken a position for or against the California legislation, but said in a statement Monday it is “heartbroken over the loss of Henry” and has suspended groomer Juan Zarate.
Our deepest condolences go out to Henry’s family. May he rest in peace.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!