Penalize Groomer Who Allegedly Scrolled Her Phone While Dog Died Hanging From Table

Target: Kenneth A. Cusick, District Attorney of Galveston County, Texas

Goal: Prosecute the groomer charged with felony animal cruelty after a 5-year-old goldendoodle allegedly died hanging from a grooming table by his collar while she was on her phone.

A deeply shocking case has emerged from a Texas pet boarding and grooming facility, where a 5-year-old goldendoodle reportedly died after becoming suspended from a grooming table by his collar while the groomer was on her phone. According to authorities, the groomer was on her mobile device while the dog was struggling and hanging from the table — a position that would have caused the animal significant distress and, ultimately, death. The groomer was fired by the facility following the incident and subsequently arrested on a third-degree felony charge of cruelty to a non-livestock animal, with a $50,000 bond set for her arrest. Detectives obtained the felony warrant in February and the accused was arrested approximately a month later at a hotel near the scene.

According to a statement from the facility, the actions of the groomer were a “direct violation of safety protocols” and did not reflect the values of the business. The facility expressed that its “hearts continue to go out to the family affected by this tragic loss.” However, for the family of this dog — who entrusted their pet to a professional grooming service believing he would be safe — no statement can undo the loss of a beloved five-year-old companion animal who seemingly died in preventable circumstances while the person charged with his care was looking at a screen.

Pet grooming facilities hold a position of profound trust — owners leave their animals in the care of strangers, often for vulnerable procedures. When that trust is betrayed through inattention that results in an animal’s death, the full weight of felony animal cruelty law must apply. The District Attorney of Galveston County must ensure that the accused faces the maximum available felony sentence and that this case sends a clear message to the grooming industry about the duty of care owed to every animal in its custody.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear DA Cusick,

We are writing to urge the fullest possible prosecution of a groomer charged with felony animal cruelty following the death of a 5-year-old goldendoodle who reportedly became suspended from a grooming table by his collar while the groomer was on her phone. According to authorities, the groomer was on her mobile device while the dog was struggling — and the animal died. She was subsequently fired by the facility and arrested on a third-degree felony charge of cruelty to a non-livestock animal, with a $50,000 bond. The facility itself confirmed her actions were a direct violation of its safety protocols.

We are deeply troubled by the alleged facts of this case. A living, breathing animal — someone’s beloved companion — reportedly died in preventable circumstances because the person responsible for his safety was distracted by her phone. This is seemingly not a case of an unforeseen accident. It is, according to the charges filed, an act of criminal cruelty — one that cost a family their dog and that deserves to be treated with the full seriousness of a third-degree felony.

We respectfully demand that your office pursue the maximum available sentence and that any conviction include a permanent ban on the accused’s employment in any animal care, grooming, or handling capacity. A 5-year-old dog allegedly died on a grooming table while the person responsible scrolled her phone. That dog, and the family who loved him, deserve justice. We ask that your office deliver it.

Sincerely, 

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Gullpavon