The pet groomer allegedly lost control of the poodle before it died in the accident
A local pet groomer is currently facing charges of negligence after allegedly losing a poodle under his care.
The poodle was hit by a taxi, and died at the age of three and a half.
Taking to Facebook to share about the incident, the poodle’s owner said the groomer had sent a refund of S$160 and an apology to make up for the tragedy.
Pet groomer accused of negligence against poodle
The owner shared that she sent her poodle, named “Emma”, to the groomer for the first time.
The poodle reportedly escaped the groomer’s grip and made a run for it, before crashing into a taxi a few kilometers away.
He likely died shortly thereafter, succumbing to his injuries.
The owner added that the groomer blamed the incident on the poodle’s loose harness. In addition, they allegedly called Emma crazy and said she tried to bite those who were taking her home.
He then asked how the poodle’s loose harness was his fault.
Responding to the claim of the poodle being naughty, he pointed out that he has gatherings at his home with more than 100 guests, including children.
It didn’t seem to be an issue then, with guests finding Emma “lovely”.
“I can’t imagine the ordeal Emma went through with this man to make her the way she is,” concluded the owner. “To think he was treated before his sudden death. It’s unbearable and heartbreaking.”
Groomer’s apology “unsigned and impersonal”
The owner shared that the groomer sent an “unsigned and impersonal” letter of apology as well as a full refund of S$160 for their service as compensation.
“There is no sense of integrity in apologizing,” the owner said.
The letter shows the pet sitter apparently getting the dog’s name wrong, repeatedly referring to Emma as “Emma’s dog”. The owner wrote:
So much for professionalism, it can’t even be determined who was sent for repairs and who died.
Adding that the entire family was devastated, the owner said she was suffering “sleepless nights” and an “endless flow of tears and mental anguish.”
“Emma sleeps with me every night,” he added. “The bed feels empty, including the great loss in my heart!”
Reports filed against the groomer
On the morning of May 2, the owner said he contacted the organizer, seeking a formal response from their lawyers regarding the matter.
In response, the settlement service reportedly replied: “Your lawyers can deliver it to me, you have my address.”
The Straits Times (ST) reported that the family decided to lodge a complaint about the incident with the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) and the police.
AVS group director for industry standards and regulations Jessica Kwok told ST that AVS is looking into the case.
In addition, the National Parks Board (NParks) will investigate the incident. For cases where there is “evidence suggesting that a pet has suffered injuries or death”, it will take action against the operators.
News in MS contacted the OP, the repair service, and NParks for more information on the matter.
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Featured image taken from Facebook.
