Highlights
- A groomer at Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa was filmed appearing to abuse dogs.
- The employee has been fired and is now under investigation by animal services.
- Viral videos sparked public outrage and prompted a petition to shut down the business.
- The business owner condemned the behaviour, calling it "totally unacceptable".
- No arrests have been made as the investigation remains ongoing.
Groomer filmed appearing to abuse dogs at Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa
An employee at Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa in Mooresville, North Carolina, has been dismissed and is under investigation after several videos surfaced allegedly showing her abusing dogs during grooming sessions.
The videos, reportedly recorded around a month ago by another employee who wished to remain anonymous, were posted to Facebook on Friday. They quickly went viral, receiving over one million views collectively.
In one clip, the groomer appears to slap and possibly punch a dog. Another video shows her lifting a dog and forcefully slamming it onto a grooming table.
Public backlash and investigation underway
The footage triggered widespread condemnation from viewers and pet owners. A Change.org petition calling for Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa to be shut down has since gathered over 1,000 signatures.
Iredell County Animal Services has confirmed that the employee and the business are now subjects of an ongoing investigation. In a statement to local media outlet WCCB, the agency said:
“An active investigation is currently underway, and the matter remains open and ongoing. At this time, no arrests have been made.”
The groomer’s identity has not been publicly disclosed.
Business responds to viral footage
The owner of Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa posted a statement to Facebook the day after the videos were widely shared. She condemned the employee’s actions, describing them as “totally unacceptable,” and confirmed the individual is no longer employed at the business.
“I hope that the actions of one bad egg do not reflect on Classy Critters and the entire staff,” she wrote.
Although some customers have pledged to continue using the service, others have expressed concern about animal welfare standards at the facility.
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