CNN — Several Las Vegas dog owners are accusing a groomer of mistreating their pets.
Makisha Davis is one of the people who says her dog, Tuffy, was injured while being groomed at Lucky’s Pet Grooming and Boutique.
“I just imagined what happened to my dog. I think he was hit on his back or forced to sit down. They did something to him,” Davis said.
Tuffy, a 4-year-old maltese yorkie mix, has been a client at the grooming salon for years, but in December, Davis said her dog became paralyzed while in the shop.
“What did you do to my dog?,” Davis asked the owner in a video he shot at the salon.
“I look at his legs and his legs are straight, not a bend in them,” Davis said.
After asking staff, Davis said he didn’t get a straight answer.
“The woman said you gave her to us like this and I was like no, no. I didn’t give my dog to you like this,” Davis said.
A visit to the vet determined that 4-year-old Tuffy had a ruptured disk in his back. Davis said the vet said her surgery would cost upwards of $10,000.
“I had to make a decision to put him in,” Davis said.
‘Lack of evidence’
Davis reported the incident to animal control, but was told nothing could be done due to a lack of evidence.
A Las Vegas television station contacted animal control for the City of Las Vegas and received this response regarding the incident:
“Animal Protective Services was contacted after the owner elected to have the animal humanely euthanized by their veterinarian. The animal was given to the owner’s groomer without the animal stepping on the floor. Animal Protection Services investigators cannot determine at this time whether the animal was able to use its hind legs upon arrival at the processing facility. At this time, there is no evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the animal injured in the repair facility.”
Other clients of Lucky’s Pet Grooming and Boutique, say they have had similar experiences with their pets being injured at the store.
“If I could have achieved justice the day I asked for justice, there would not have been a second, third, fourth victim because there were more victims than just my dog,” said Margarita Bicana.
Bicana said her dog, Turbina, entered the facility in perfect health, but came out with a fractured lower jaw.
A Google search reveals that the once highly rated store is now overrun with 1-star reviews. Some owners have shared photos, videos and comments of what happened to their dogs.
“It’s just habitual behavior that they get away with,” Davis said.
Spread awareness
Davis blames herself for not realizing something was wrong sooner and plans to take action and spread awareness, in hopes that no other pet or pet owner will have to go through what she went through.
“There will be consequences and when the consequences come, they will know what they are,” Davis said.
The television station spoke with the owner of Lucky’s Pet Grooming and Boutique. He decided not to go on camera but said the allegations were false.
The station also followed up with animal control and asked about previous investigations. The City of Las Vegas is reviewing the request.
