SARASOTA — The owner of a Sarasota dog grooming business is facing animal cruelty charges.
Sarasota police said they were investigating potential financial crimes at Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming on South Tamiami Trail when current and former employees told them 41-year-old Diana Stevens was abusing the some of the dogs and cats. Public information officer Cynthia McLaughlin said she saw the surveillance video found by detectives and it leaves her “feeling sick.” “The dogs were visibly scared and they were clearly in distress,” McLaughlin said.
According to a Sarasota police affidavit based on video and employee accounts, Stevens pulled a dog by the neck while it was in a grooming noose and hit the dog in the face with nail clippers, and choked and shook another dog. while screaming in its face.
McLaughlin said they have not yet reached all owners of affected pets. She urges anyone who has used this particular location and has noticed any physical or psychological effects on their pet to contact Detective Jessica Sullivan, who continues to investigate the case.
Woof Gang, a national pet chain based in Orlando, said it revoked Stevens’ franchise. Here is their statement:
The allegations against Ms. Stevens, a former franchisee who independently owned and operated a location in Sarasota, violated every tenet of our mission at Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, as well as our strict operating procedures. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse of any kind. We want to make it clear that Woof Gang does not condone, condone, or in any way endorse such behavior. While we cannot comment on the details of the police investigation, we can confirm that we have contacted the Sarasota Police and taken immediate action to terminate the franchise agreement of Ms. Stevens. This location is no longer authorized to operate as a Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming location and is currently in the process of being unbranded.
We emphasize that all Woof Gang locations are independently owned and operated. This incident does not reflect on our brand, our franchise owners, or the high standards of love and care for pets that Woof Gang represents at all other locations. As fellow pet owners, we focus on the spirit and bond we share with our pets and always make health and safety a top priority. Our thoughts are with the community and, most importantly, the pets and pet owners involved.
Listen to an interview with Cynthia McLaughlin below:
Image: Canva
