A DOG groomer has been sacked after a video appearing to show her being abusive to animals went viral.
Bosses at the groomer’s described the clip that’s surfacing as unacceptable and a probe is underway.
Shocking footage, seen by The U.S. Sun, shows an employee appearing to hit the animals.
At Classy Critters Resort and Spa in Mooresville, North Carolina, a worker was caught on video hitting one animal and forcefully slamming another onto a table. This incident was reported by CW affiliate WCCB-TV.
The video was reportedly captured by another staffer.
The owner of the groomer’s, only known as Pam, said the incident “breaks her heart,” according to a Facebook post.
“This behavior is totally unacceptable, and it was addressed immediately this employee no longer works at Classy Critters,” she added.
“I have zero tolerance for any type of abuse with the animals in my care.
“I have made this clear with my employees.
“This has been my mission in life for over 40 years, and I absolutely cherish what I do. I love and deeply care for all the animals, and it truly breaks my heart that this occurred.”
“I hope that the actions of one bad egg does not reflect on Classy Critters and the entire staff.”
Pam said her staffers give “120% love” to the dogs they take care of.
The woman accused of being abusive has been reported to cops and the local animal control unit.
Police are yet to make any arrests.
But, a representative for Iredell County Animal Services say the investigation into the video is underway.
The agency said it takes animal abuse allegations seriously.
The video, which circulated online and has been watched more than one million times, sparked fury.
Statement from the owner of Classy Critters
A VIDEO has gone viral showing a dog groomer allegedly being abusive to animals. The owner of the grooming facility has issued a statement.
“Regarding the video circulating on social media, such behavior is completely unacceptable. The issue was addressed immediately, and the employee involved no longer works at Classy Critters.”
“I have zero tolerance for any type of abuse with the animals in my care. I have made this clear with my employees.
“This has been my life mission for over 40 years and I absolutely love what I do, I love and care deeply for all of them and it breaks my heart that this happened.
“ I hope that the actions of one bad egg does not reflect on Classy Critters and the entire staff.
“We give a 120% every day to love and care for all the pets.
“ I have always had a 5 star review until this happened and the majority of the dogs coming here they get so excited before they even make it to the parking lot and can not wait to get in the door, we love it.
“She has been reported to the Animal control and sheriffs office.
“I do thank everyone for all your concerns and just want to let you know this has been addressed.“
Source: Facebook
A Change.org petition calling for the grooming facility to be shut down has since been launched.
More than 1,500 people have signed the petition.
Classy Critters offers daycare and grooming services.
The services offered to pets include baths, nail trimming, ear cleaning and teeth brushing.
The facility has artificial turf yards and indoor playrooms for dogs to enjoy.
The U.S. Sun has approached Classy Critters for comment.
