CNN — Several dog owners in Las Vegas are accusing a groomer of abusing their pets.
Makisha Davis is one of the people who claims her dog Taffy was injured while being groomed at Lucky's Pet Grooming and Boutique.
“Right now I can only imagine what happened to my dog. I think they slapped her on the back or tried to force her to sit. They did something to her.” said Davis.
Taffy, a 4-year-old Maltese Yorkie mix, had been a customer at the grooming salon for years, but in December Davis claimed her dog became paralyzed while at the store.
“What did you guys do to my dog?” Davis asked the owner in a video shot at the salon.
“When you look at her legs, her legs are straight, not bent at all,” Davis said.
Davis said she asked staff questions but did not receive a direct answer.
“The woman says you gave her to us like this, and I'm like, 'No, I'm not.' I didn’t give my dog to you like this,” Davis said.
A veterinarian's examination revealed that 4-year-old Taffy had a ruptured disc in her back. Davis said her veterinarian told her that her surgery would cost more than $10,000.
“I had to make the decision to put her down,” Davis said.
“There's a lack of evidence.”
Davis reported the incident to animal control, but was told nothing could be done because there was no evidence.
A Las Vegas television station contacted the City of Las Vegas Animal Control and received the following response regarding the incident:
“Animal Protection was contacted after the owner opted for humane euthanasia by a veterinarian. The animal was handed over to the groomer by the owner without ever stepping on the floor. Animal Protection Investigators At this time, we are unable to determine whether the animal will have use of its hind legs upon arrival at the grooming facility. At this time, there is no evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that this animal was injured at the grooming facility.”
Other customers of Lucky's Pet Grooming and Boutique claim to have had similar experiences with their pets being injured at the store.
Margarita Bicana said, “If I had received justice the same day I asked for it, there would not have been a second, third, fourth victim, because there are other victims besides my dog.'' There are a lot of them,” he said.
Bikana said her dog, Tarbina, entered the facility in perfect health but left with a fractured lower jaw.
A quick Google search shows that once highly rated establishments are now overwhelmed with one-star reviews. Several owners shared photos, videos and comments about what happened to their dogs.
“It's just behavior that they've become accustomed to,” Davis said.
spread awareness
Ms. Davis blames herself for not realizing something was wrong sooner, and hopes that other pets and pet owners don't have to go through what she went through by taking action and becoming aware. I intend to spread the word.
“There's going to be a consequence, and when it comes, they're going to know exactly what it is,” Davis said.
The TV station spoke to the owner of Lucky's Pet Grooming and Boutique. Although she chose not to appear on camera, she said her allegations are not true.
The agency also followed up on animal control and reviewed previous investigations. The City of Las Vegas is considering the request.
