Latest news with #petlawsuit
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Heartbroken Nicola Peltz claims dog groomer 'caused the death' of both her dogs Nala and Frankie
Grieving heiress Nicola Peltz is claiming that the groomer responsible for the death of her chihuahua Nala is also to blame for the death of her French bulldog Frankie, can reveal. And she has enlisted the services of a high-powered celebrity attorney known as 'Mad Dog' in her legal battle against the New York pet grooming company she claims is responsible. The grooming business at the center of the controversy, HoundSpa LLC, along with its owner Deborah Gittleman and groomer Jony Ceballos, have denied all allegations. In her lawsuit, she alleges Ceballos' history of 'intentional and malicious abuse of dogs' caused the death of her dog Nala and that when she went into the van, she was a 'healthy, happy dog' but returned in 'severe physical distress'. Veterinary records revealed eight-year-old Nala suffered from fluid in her lungs, neurological issues and a dangerously rapid heart rate before her untimely death. Nicola, 30, was recently ordered to appear for her deposition by October 30 of this year. Now the billionaire heiress, AGE, wife of Brooklyn Beckham, has doubled down on her accusations, asserting that HoundSpa is to blame for not only Nala's death but also her French bulldog Frankie and for injuring her brother's dog Banksy, according to court documents obtained by Renowned Hollywood lawyer Marty Singer, not so affectionately known as 'Mad Dog,' has been hired to prove the company's negligence as he's represented other A-listers such as Kim Kardashian and Michael Jackson. The NY Supreme Court has ordered that both parties disclose vital documents. Nala's necropsy report must be produced by Nicola by July 1 and the grooming company's insurance documents by May 30. That same document, obtained by also revealed that a judge has requested Nicola's presence in court for a deposition before October 30. In Nicola's lawsuit, which was filed in July of last year, she alleged that Ceballos caused the death of her 'healthy dog' by 'intentional and malicious abuse', claiming that this isn't the first time there's been a complaint against him. She called the firm and Ceballos' conduct 'severe and outrageous' after discovering Nala 'was in serious physical distress with her lungs full of water, chest pulsating and hyperventilating'. When her dog's health began to crash after the routine grooming appointment, she was rushed to the vet, but within a few hours, the small pup passed away. The star said she has been left in emotional distress over the ordeal, especially given she witnessed Nala's death, and that her other dog Angel screams and shakes in terror when left alone after a grooming at the same place. However, from this tragedy also came another bombshell revelation for Nicola, who claimed it was after the death of Nala that she 'understood' Ceballos was also to blame for her French Bulldog Frankie's death in 2021. 'In the summer of 2021, Nicola had used HoundSpa to groom her French bulldog, named Frankie. Ceballos was the groomer whom HoundSpa sent for Frankie's grooming. 'Upon returning from his grooming with Ceballos, Frankie was in visible physical distress, repeatedly stumbling as if he had been sedated. The actress said that after taking him to multiple neurologists, one found that Frankie had fluid in his brain following up with a question on whether or not he had been in an accident. His worsening health caused the Frenchie to have his eye removed when part of his brain 'started concaving on itself' and he died a few months later. 'Nicola cried and cared for her dog – not at that time suspecting that an individual charged with caring for her dog would have hurt him.' She adds that another dog Angel still suffers from trauma after being groomed by Ceballos 'and has developed a fear of being left in a room alone and whenever left in a room alone, she starts to shake and scream in apparent terror'. Nicola also stated that her brother and his girlfriend's dog Banksy, who suffers from skin allergies, had a 'traumatic' experience with the groomer when he let the medicated allergy shampoo get into her eyes, causing them to be 'completely shut'. Despite the couple repeatedly warning Ceballos to avoid getting it in their eyes, Nicola claimed he 'showed clear frustration' and 'rushed the conversation'. In the aftermath of that grooming, Banksy's eyes were 'red and irritated, and had puss coming out of them'. But after they complained to Gittleman about Ceballos, no action was allegedly taken. In line with Nicola's claims, there are a slew of negative Google reviews on the company's page, such as from dog owner Lauren Krasne who alleged that her dog left the appointment with razor-inflicted cuts on her chest and stomach. 'Hound Spa was by far the worst grooming job my dogs have ever gotten. My younger dog came back to me with cuts from the razor on her chest and stomach and the groomer did not say anything about it,' Krasne raged in her review. 'Do not put your dogs in a dangerous situation and use them. Another reviewer, Carmen Santos said they would give a 'minus one' rating if they could after her three dogs were treated by Ceballos, saying that they 'would shake when they would see Johnny [sic]', who had a 'strange/bad vibe' and 'wasn't friendly'. Santos also added that the firm uses the car park of Northwind Kennels, in Bedford, whose owner Penny Berk was arrested last year on seven counts of animal cruelty. Another dog owner, Carmen Santos alleged that Ceballos has a 'strange/bad vibe' and that her dogs were terrified of the grooming, shaking every time they would see him. She also alleged that after she brought up her concerns to the owner, Ceballos remained on staff Santos adds: 'The fact that she was using the parking lot of Northwind Kennel - whose owner just got arrested two weeks ago for animal cruelty - is no coincidence. They are probably both in collusion. STAY AWAY from HOUND SPA.' It's alleged that Berk failed to properly treat a Bernese Mountain dog and her four puppies, who had to be put down, along with two other hounds. Berk had been investigated for a year by the SPCA Westchester Humane Law Enforcement Unit. It appears Santos is correct as HoundSpa's Facebook and website still gives the same address as Northwind Kennels. Although its FB page hasn't been updated for two years HoundSpa is now based in nearby Mount Kisco. In Nicola's complaint, she mentioned another awful review. 'Gittleman should never have allowed Ceballos to continue to groom pets after receiving multiple customer complaints concerning his mistreatment and abuse of animals. 'For example, a former customer described using HoundSpa to groom her puppy as a "Horrible experience []". 'The customer stated how the groomer "Jonny . . . mishandled the puppy (in front of several witnesses) in such a horrific manner the pup peed as he grabbed them!", that "all [of the puppy's] desensitization training has been replaced by trauma". 'The reviewer continued that following her dog's grooming, the "poor pup has been left traumatized just seeing the van". 'The customer also stated that she "can only imagine the treatment being done inside the closed van" and that she is "genuinely concerned for the well-being of [HoundSpa's and its groomer's] own dogs if this is the treatment they are receiving". 'She ended by saying she "highly DO NOT recommend them for the sake and love of your pets".'
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Brooklyn Beckham's wife Nicola Peltz ordered to appear in court amid feud with David and Victoria
Nicola Peltz has reportedly been ordered to appear in court after the death of her dog Nala. The chihuahua fell ill after a mobile grooming session in New York. She later died after being rushed to an emergency vet. The actress then filed a lawsuit against HoundSpa in the Supreme Court of the State of New York in Westchester County. According to court documents seen by InTouch Weekly, a judge has requested Nicola's presence in court for a deposition before October 30 after the dog groomer denied any wrongdoing. The lawsuit layed blame against dog groomer Jony Ceballos who Peltz alleged has a history of 'intentional and malicious abuse of dogs', according to TMZ. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Nicola alleged Nala was left injured and in severe physical distress after a routine grooming in HoundSpa's mobile van. The actress will reportedly have to authorise the release of medical records related to Nala's death. MailOnline has contacted representatives of Nicola Peltz for comment. Veterinary records indicate that the dog had fluid in her lungs, neurological problems, and a rapid heart rate before her death, though the exact cause of these issues remains unknown. Nicola was also reportedly taking legal action against HoundSpa owner Deborah 'Deb' Gittleman for keeping Ceballos on staff, despite there reportedly being past complaints about his behavior towards animals. The star said she has been left in emotional distress over the ordeal, especially given she witnessed Nala's death after rushing her to the vet following the grooming. The outlet also reported that Nicola's other dog Angel screams and shakes in terror when left alone now, following a grooming treatment. The court appearance comes amid Nicola's 'feud' with her husband Brooklyn Beckham's parents David and Victoria. The pair tragically lost their pet chihuahua Nala in 2024 with the actress then taking legal action against the groomer who treated the pooch before she died Their eldest child and his actress wife are understood to be at the heart of a bitter fallout with his family, who are based in the United Kingdom while they reside in Los Angeles. But the 26-year old influencer appeared to make his feelings clear in an Instagram video shared on Sunday, in which he pledged his unwavering loyalty to Nicola, 30 - the daughter of Miami-based billionaire businessman and investor Nelson Peltz. Brooklyn whisked his wife off for an early morning motorbike ride and captioned the video: 'My whole world x I will love you forever x I always choose you baby x you're the most amazing person i know xx me and you forever baby.' Those close to the Beckhams have now told The Sun that the message seemed 'very pointed'. The insider added: 'It shows how much this situation with his family has escalated. 'It's very sad for everyone involved, especially David and Victoria who love him very much. This isn't the Brooklyn his family knows and loves. 'This post was like a dagger to their hearts but they will always be there for Brooklyn.' Nicola reshared the video to her own page and replied: 'I've always got you baby,' followed by a burning love heart emoji. Brooklyn whisked his wife off for an early morning motorbike ride and captioned the video: 'My whole world x I will love you forever x I always choose you baby' Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz were no-shows at any of David's birthday events despite allegedly pulling out of the Met Gala to attend (pictured at the gala in 2022) It comes after Victoria and husband David made yet another attempt to extend an olive branch to Brooklyn on Thursday evening as they attended the TIME100 Impact Dinner in New York City. Putting on a united front at the event the couple displayed a family photo taken at Victoria's 50th last year which included all four of their children. It captured a moment reminiscent of happier times for the family, prior to their ongoing feud with their eldest son and his wife Nicola. While Brooklyn was present at the former Spice Girl's big birthday last year, both he and his wife failed to make an appearance at her 51st or at David's 50th earlier this month. And while his other brothers Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 20, took to social media to pay their birthday tributes to their parents, on both occasions Brooklyn stayed silent.
News.com.au
11-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Heartbroken owner sues for $7 million after vet yanked 16 teeth from dog
A teacup Yorkie named Coco died after an allegedly inexperienced vet inexplicably yanked 16 of its teeth and failed to get emergency help after the dog went into cardiac arrest, according to a $US4.6 million ($7.1 million) lawsuit. Fabiana Franco says Battery Park Veterinary Hospital and vets Douglas Berger and Deianira Huettenmoser allegedly subjected her 3.8-pound (1.5kg), eight-year-old dog to a host of unnecessary procedures and botched care. 'I'm still in shock over it. Devastated,' she said. 'I know until all this is over I won't be able to grieve him properly.' Ms Franco, 60, a psychologist who specialises in treating patients with complex trauma, adopted Coco as a way to help her most serious patients during therapy, but found the canine consultant quickly pawed his way into her family's heart. 'I fell in love with him and he became part of my work as well as my personal life,' she recalled. 'He was nine weeks old when I got him, and one pound [400 grams]. Adorable … He was a perfect personality, so playful.' Coco suffered from tracheal collapse, a diagnosis common in the breed in which the trachea is weakened. The condition was managed with laser therapy and medications by his regular vet at the same practice, and didn't impact Coco's quality of life, Ms Franco said. Her regular vet was cautious about putting Coco under anaesthesia, so Ms Franco was surprised in January when Dr Berger, who took over Coco's care after the other physician left on maternity leave, allegedly recommended putting Coco under to extract an infected molar. 'When Dr Berger reassured her that everything would be fine and that he would personally handle Coco's anaesthesia, and that a skilled, experienced vet would perform the surgery, and that he would oversee the entire surgery, she believed him,' according to the Manhattan Supreme Court lawsuit. But Dr Berger wasn't there on January 15 when Ms Franco dropped Coco off for the procedure. Dr Huettenmoser called hours later to say Coco had more than one bad tooth and recommended doing extractions in separate procedures, then allegedly went ahead and pulled 16 teeth without informing Ms Franco, according to court papers. The vet also kept Coco under anaesthesia for more than two hours and failed to rush him for emergency care when he suffered cardiac arrest, keeping him at their facility for hours, the psychologist alleged. Coco 'was clinically dead for nearly six minutes', but Dr Huettenmoser allegedly told Ms Franco 'he is fine', then transferred the dog to a general emergency clinic at Downtown Veterinary Medical Hospital rather than a specialised animal hospital, according to the litigation. A nurse at the West Village facility eventually urged Ms Franco to rush the canine herself to Animal Medical Center on the Upper East Side, and even rode with her to administer oxygen to the doomed pooch, who 'was visibly in pain', she said in court papers. 'The worst ride of my life,' she said through tears. 'He was making sounds, gasping for air. I was holding him, nurse next to me doing oxygen.' Once at Animal Medical Center, Coco was rushed into critical care and was placed on a ventilator for days, but died January 19. When Ms Franco sought Coco's medical records from Dr Berger and Dr Huettenmoser, they had been altered, including references to communications with her she says never happened, she claimed. 'It's been really horrific,' said Ms Franco, who was charged nearly $US30,000 ($46,000) between all three facilities. The veterinarians allegedly 'sacrificed Coco's life to protect their professional reputation', she contended in the legal papers. 'I want to make sure no other pets are hurt,' she said. 'Everybody's devastated — patients, family, friends, neighbours, his groomer. It's horrific'. 'We are seeking justice for Coco,' said Ms Franco's lawyer, Peggy Collen. 'Veterinarians are shielded by laws that treat animals as mere property. It's time for change. Whether through case law or legislation, we must demand a legal system that holds veterinarians fully accountable and recognises that animals are far more than property'. The veterinarians didn't immediately respond to messages seeking comment.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Heartbroken owner sues for $4.6M after allegedly inexperienced vet yanked 16 teeth from teacup Yorkie — then failed to get help for ailing pup: lawsuit
A teacup Yorkie named Coco died after an allegedly inexperienced vet inexplicably yanked 16 of its teeth and failed to get emergency help after the dog went into cardiac arrest, according to $4.6 million lawsuit. Fabiana Franco says Battery Park Veterinary Hospital and vets Douglas Berger and Deianira Huettenmoser allegedly subjected her 3.8-pound, 8-year-old dog to a host of unnecessary procedures and botched care. 'I'm still in shock over it. Devastated,' she told The Post. 'I know until all this is over I won't be able to grieve him properly.' Franco, 60, a psychologist who specializes in treating patients with complex trauma, adopted Coco as a way to help her most serious patients during therapy, but found the canine consultant quickly pawed his way into her family's heart. 'I fell in love with him and he became part of my work as well as my personal life,' she recalled. 'He was 9 weeks old when I got him, and one pound. Adorable. . . . He was a perfect personality, so playful.' Coco suffered from tracheal collapse, a diagnosis common in the breed in which the trachea is weakened. The condition was managed with laser therapy and medications by his regular vet at the same practice, and didn't impact Coco's quality of life, Franco said. Her regular vet was cautious about putting Coco under anesthesia, so Franco was surprised in January when Berger, who took over Coco's care after the other physician left on maternity leave, allegedly recommended putting Coco under to extract an infected molar. 'When Dr. Berger reassured her that everything would be fine and that he would personally handle Coco's anesthesia, and that a skilled, experienced vet would perform the surgery, and that he would oversee the entire surgery, she believed him,' according to the Manhattan Supreme Court lawsuit. But Berger wasn't there on Jan. 15 when Franco dropped Coco off for the procedure. Huettenmoser called hours later to say Coco had more than one bad tooth and recommended doing extractions in separate procedures, then allegedly went ahead and pulled 16 teeth without informing Franco, according to court papers. The vet also kept Coco under anesthesia for more than two hours and failed to rush him for emergency care when he suffered cardiac arrest, keeping him at their facility for hours, the psychologist alleged. Coco 'was clinically dead for nearly six minutes,' but Huettenmoser allegedly told Franco 'he is fine,' then transferred the dog to a general emergency clinic at Downtown Veterinary Medical Hospital rather than a specialized animal hospital, according to the litigation, which also names Downtown. A nurse at the West Village facility eventually urged Franco to rush the canine herself to Animal Medical Center on the Upper East Side, and even rode with her to administer oxygen to the doomed pooch, who 'was visibly in pain,' she said in court papers. 'The worst ride of my life,' she said through tears. 'He was making sounds, gasping for air. I was holding him, nurse next to me doing oxygen.' Once at Animal Medical Center, Coco was rushed into critical care and was placed on a ventilator for days, but died Jan. 19. When Franco sought Coco's medical records from Berger and Huettenmoser, they had been altered, including references to communications with her she says never happened, she claimed. 'It's been really horrific,' said Franco, who was charged nearly $30,000 between all three facilities. The veterinarians allegedly 'sacrificed Coco's life to protect their professional reputation,' she contended in the legal papers. 'I want to make sure no other pets are hurt,' she said. 'Everybody's devastated: patients, family, friends, neighbors, his groomer. It's horrific.' 'We are seeking justice for Coco,' said Franco's attorney, Peggy Collen. 'Veterinarians are shielded by laws that treat animals as mere property. It's time for change. Whether through case law or legislation, we must demand a legal system that holds veterinarians fully accountable and recognizes that animals are far more than property.' The veterinarians didn't immediately respond to messages seeking comment.
