Latest news with #ClassyCritters
News.com.au
26-07-2025
- News.com.au
Dog groomer caught on video doing the unthinkable
This article contains graphic content. A pet groomer from North Carolina was caught on video punching and slapping dogs and slamming one scared pooch against a wall while at work, authorities have said. Kirsten Rhea Taylor, 28, was arrested on Thursday in Mooresville, near Charlotte, and charged with four counts of animal cruelty. Animal Services received reports and video footage showing abuse by a female employee at a pet grooming business, which was later identified as Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa. The video was captured and posted to Facebook by a concerned co-worker and subsequently went viral with over 20 million views. It shows the dog groomer 'repeatedly striking and mishandling' clients' pooches during routine grooming sessions. One clip shows the employee punching one dog five times while drying them, while another shows a dog repeatedly being hit and pushed against the wall. In another, the worker spins a dog around by its neck and slaps it multiple times. Taylor was identified as the employee in the footage, according to the Iredell County Sheriff's Department. Police said that at least four dogs belonging to clients who had them in for grooming were seen being treated in an aggressive and abusive way. The investigation remains ongoing, with witnesses being interviewed, affected pet owners contacted, and further evidence gathered. Sheriff Darren Campbell said in a statement: 'This case highlights the critical importance of co-ordinated responses in matters involving animal cruelty'. 'We will always take allegations of animal abuse seriously and will hold offenders accountable,' he continued. Pam, the owner of Classy Critters has since confirmed that Taylor is no longer with the business, as reported by Local 3 News. She condemned the staff member's behaviour, calling it 'unacceptable' and saying she has 'zero tolerance' for any abuse with the animals in her care. 'It breaks my heart that this happened,' she said. Taylor's bail has been set at $10,000 (~$15,000 AUD).
New York Post
25-07-2025
- New York Post
Dog groomer caught on video punching pooches, slamming one pup against wall: authorities
A North Carolina pet groomer was caught on video punching pooches and slamming one cowering pup against a wall while at work, authorities said. Kirsten Rhea Taylor, 28, was arrested Thursday in Mooresville and charged with four counts of felony animal cruelty after she was identified as the employee seen brutalizing dogs at a local grooming business, Classy Critters, according to the Iredell County Sheriff's Department. 3 Kirsten Rhea Taylor, 28, was arrested Thursday in Mooresville, NC, and charged with four counts of felony animal cruelty after she was fingered as the employee seen brutalizing dogs at Classy Critters. Iredell County Sheriff's Office Advertisement Iredell County Animal Services was notified of the troubling footage, which was recorded by a concerned coworker and posted to Facebook, prompting the probe. The clips showed Taylor 'repeatedly striking and mishandling dogs during grooming sessions,' according to the sheriff's office. One video allegedly showed Taylor punching a dog several times while grooming it, and other footage captured a cowering pup repeatedly being hit and slammed against the wall. Advertisement 3 The clips show Taylor 'repeatedly striking and mishandling dogs during grooming sessions,' authorities said. The Kris Kelly Foundation At least four separate dogs belonging to clients who brought them in for routine care were seen being treated in an aggressive and abusive manner, police said. The suspected animal-abuse case was handed over to the sheriff's office because of the severity of the allegations, and arrest warrants were secured for Taylor, officials said. 'This case highlights the critical importance of coordinated responses in matters involving animal cruelty,' Sheriff Darren Campbell said in a statement. Advertisement 3 Footage allegedly shows Taylor punching one pooch several times while grooming it. The Kris Kelly Foundation 'We will always take allegations of animal abuse seriously and will hold offenders accountable,' Campbell said. The owner of Classy Critters has since confirmed that Taylor no longer works at the facility, Local 3 News reported. Advertisement Taylor's bail has been set at $10,000
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Yahoo
Former Mooresville pet spa employee accused of ‘disturbing behavior' charged with animal abuse
MOORESVILLE, N.C. () — A former employee at a pet spa was charged with felony animal abuse Wednesday after reports of 'disturbing' behavior at the Mooresville business. According to the Iredell County Sheriff's Office, deputies were alerted on Monday of an alleged case of animal cruelty. Three days before, county Animal Services received reports and video footage of abuse by an employee at Classy Critters off Brawley School Road. Deputies say the video, captured by a coworker, reportedly depicts the employee repeatedly striking and mishandling dogs during grooming sessions. These dogs were verified to be clients' pets brought in for routine care. Iredell County Det. Sgt. P. Irwin immediately conferred with Animal Control officers and reviewed the submitted evidence. The sheriff's office says the videos revealed 'troubling behavior' involving at least four separate dogs being treated in 'a clearly aggressive and abusive manner.' The employee was identified as 28-year-old Kirsten Rhea Taylor, of Mooresville. Based on video evidence and corroborating witness statements, Irwin obtained arrest warrants charging Taylor with four counts of felony animal cruelty. Mooresville police arrest two after high-speed chase on I-77 The owner of Classy Critters says the actions on the video were 'addressed immediately' and the employee no longer works there. 'I have zero tolerance for any type of abuse with the animals in my care,' she said. '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.' The investigation remains ongoing. Additional charges may be forthcoming as investigators continue to interview witnesses, contact affected pet owners and compile further evidence. After being booked in the Iredell County jail, Taylor was released on bond Wednesday. Sheriff Darren Campbell detailed how Animal Services is a separate department from the sheriff's office. 'This case highlights the critical importance of coordinated responses in matters involving animal cruelty,' Sheriff Darren Campbell said. 'While we maintain a strong working relationship with Animal Services and appreciate their role in this investigation, it's important for the public to understand that the Sheriff's Office does not oversee Animal Control operations in Iredell County. Since Animal Control is a separate department, certain investigative actions and responses must follow a referral process. We will always take allegations of animal abuse seriously and will hold offenders accountable.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
