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  • "I can't imagine the suffering and pain that Dusty went through. I hope these irresponsible women are never allowed anywhere near animals ever again. There are so many dog groomers in operation now, how many actually have any training in what they do? They should have to be licensed. We have only ever had our dog clipped once and I stayed with her during the whole procedure. The groomer didn't have much patience and I hate to think how our dog would have been treated had I not been there. In the end, the groomer gave up and we ended up having to finish off her trim at home. We now only groom her ourselves, although it takes time at least she is in safe hands. RIP Dusty and our condolences to Dusty's family."
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Dog groomers guilty of burning pet

3:00pm Friday 18th January 2013 in News

TWO groomers, who left a dog to burn under an industrial hairdryer, have been fined £1,000 each.

The dog, a Lhasa Apso called Dusty, later died from its injuries.

Jacqueline Ward, 44, of Little Bentley, Basildon, ran a dog grooming business in Towers Road, Grays, when Dusty was taken in to be groomed in July 2012.

Basildon Magistrates’ Court heard how the 12-year-old canine was bathed and clipped and afterwards was place into a metal dog crate with an industrial dog hairdryer pointing at him.

But Victoria Ellis, 38 of Scott Road, Chadwell St Mary, left Dusty in front of the dryer while she wandered off to answer a call.

She returned to find Dusty was suffering with burns to his skin.

Ward told Dusty’s owner the dog had suffered a “small burn” and to put cream on it. But Dusty deteriorated over the next few days and was eventually put down.

Ward and Ellis were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. They were both fined £1,000, ordered to do 120 hours of community service and told to pay £250 compensation.

The RSPCA, which brought the prosecution, called for licensing in the dog grooming industry.

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