SARASOTA — The owner of a Sarasota dog grooming business is facing animal cruelty charges.
Sarasota police were investigating a possible financial crime at Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming on South Tamiami Trail when current and former employees reported that Diana Stevens, 41, was a dog. He said he was told that he was abusing some of the dogs and cats. Spokeswoman Cynthia McLaughlin said the surveillance video discovered by detectives made her “sick.” “The dogs are obviously scared and clearly in distress,” McLaughlin said.
According to a Sarasota police affidavit based on video and employee testimony, Stevens pulled the dog by the neck while it was on a grooming rope, hit the dog in the face with a nail clipper, and then struck another dog in the face. It is said that he strangled her and shook her while screaming.
McLaughlin said he has not been able to contact all of the affected pet owners. She encourages anyone who uses this particular location and notices any physical or psychological effects on their pets to contact Detective Jessica Sullivan, who is continuing to investigate the incident.
Woof Gang, a national pet chain based in Orlando, announced it has canceled its Stevens franchise. Here is their statement:
The charges against Ms. Stevens, a former franchisee who independently owned and operated one store in Sarasota, violate every principle of Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming's mission and strict operating procedures. Wof Gang Bakery & Grooming has a zero-tolerance policy against abuse of any kind. We would like to make it clear that Woof Gang does not condone, condone, or in any way support such behavior. While we cannot comment on the details of the police investigation, we can confirm that we were contacted by the Sarasota Sheriff's Department and immediately took steps to terminate Stevens' franchise agreement. This location is not authorized to operate as a Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming location and is currently in the process of being rebranded.
We emphasize that all Wof Gang stores are independently owned and operated. This incident does not reflect the high standards of love and care for pets that our brand, our franchise owners, or his Woof Gang represent in all of our other locations. As fellow pet owners, we are dedicated to the spirit and bond we share with our pets, and have always made health and safety our top priority. Our thoughts are with the community and, most importantly, the pets and pet owners involved.
Listen to Cynthia McLaughlin's interview below.
Photo: Kamba
