Dog Strangled to Death at Groomer: What Guardians Need to Know

A dog died after being strangled at a grooming facility, exposing potential animal abuse risks. The incident has raised concerns about pet safety and oversight in grooming businesses.

Fourteen-month-old Abigail was strangled to death at Your Dog’s Best Friends, a grooming and boarding facility in Alexandria, Virginia. Surveillance video showed then-groomer Kevin Sanders grabbing Abigail by the snout, jerking the restraint around her neck, forcing her head down and putting her in a headlock. Prosecutors concluded Abigail died from strangulation. Sanders pleaded guilty to one felony count of cruelty to animals. A judge convicted him of four misdemeanor counts of animal abuse. He received a five-year prison sentence with three years suspended. Whistleblower Jackie Long, who worked at the facility for more than 14 years, told 7News she had reported “four or five” other employees for what she considered abusive treatment of dogs. She believes Abigail might still be alive if management had acted on her warnings. The business owner denies receiving those complaints. Additional surveillance video reviewed by 7News showed dogs dangling from grooming tables by their neck restraints and employees dragging dogs across the floor. One employee grabbed a dog in a wrestling-style hold before throwing the animal. According to the report, some of these abuses occurred after Abigail was killed. PETA tracks reports of dogs injured or killed during routine grooming appointments. In Seattle, a woman discovered someone had cut off her dog’s ear and glued it back in place. In Ohio, a 5-year-old poodle died after a grooming appointment left him with severe swelling in his neck and throat. A necropsy attributed his death to physical force applied to his neck. At a Missouri veterinary office, a groomer allegedly threw an 8-pound dog against a wall with such force that she died. The safest option is to learn to groom your dog at home. You know your companion best and can move at their pace. If you need professional help, consider a mobile groomer who will come to your home and allow you to remain with your dog. If you must use a salon, research the groomer and business first. Check the Better Business Bureau and search online for complaints. Look for an experienced groomer who understands animal behavior. Tell them you intend to stay with your companion. A groomer with nothing to hide should welcome you. If they refuse, take your dog and leave.

Read source: PETA