Dog groomer accused of abusing animals

CANADA -- A groomer at a downtown dog daycare and grooming facility was fired Thursday evening after allegations of animal abuse surfaced late last week, the daycare’s owner confirmed.

Dean Miles, who owns Fur Kids Daycare, said he was shown videos last Friday that showed the groomer apparently striking a dog and trying to force another out of a kennel using a vacuum cleaner.

When the dog pulls its paw away from her, she smacks
the dog in the head several times

The videos were allegedly taken last Tuesday by a former employee, who was also the groomer’s apprentice, Miles said.

She jams the vacuum cleaner hose into the pet crate
repeatedly stabbing the poor dog with it.

As the dog runs past her and out of the crate, she hits it

“The safety of our dogs is the most important thing because that’s our business,” Miles said. “When things like this happen, you’ve got to react to it.”

This is the first time there have been any allegations of animal abuse at the daycare, said Miles.

She then chases the dog down and grabs it

The Calgary Humane Society is currently investigating and has seen “several” videos, said Brad Nichols, head of the Calgary Humane Society’s protection and investigations department.

“We’re looking at the video, we’re gathering statements, and once we have everything compiled, we’ll send it to the Crown prosecutor’s office for an opinion on appropriate enforcement action, if any,” Nichols said.

(Calgary Herald - June 14, 2013)

Update to story: The woman, identified as Mariko Dormer, has been charged with cruelty to animals.