SARASOTA, Fla. – The grooming business Diana Stevens owns could also be stuffed with merchandise, however Google says Woof Gang’s Grooming and Bakery is completely closed in Sarasota. The Woof Gang company pulled her franchise final week.
Investigators with the Sarasota Police Department say 60 individuals have reached out, involved their pets might have been a sufferer of Diana Stevens.
“Nauseated. Very sick. Mentally sickening,” mentioned Patricia Jones.
RELATED: Sarasota dog groomer arrested for animal abuse and cruelty
One week in the past, that’s how pet homeowners like Patricia Jones described her emotions as she confirmed as much as 41-year-old Diana Stevens’ canine grooming business on the lookout for solutions.
“I’m involved one thing might have occurred to her,” Jones mentioned, referring to her canine, Jazzy.
She isn’t the one one. Stevens was arrested on six counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty and 4 counts of Cruelty to Animals. The Sarasota Police Department mentioned video confirmed her abusing cats and dogs in her care.
Officers mentioned since her arrest, there have been greater than 5 dozen further complaints in opposition to her.
“Right now our detective has obtained an awesome quantity of suggestions, which is nice, however now we’re going to attempt by way of and see the validity of the following pointers,” mentioned Cynthia McLaughlin with the Sarasota Police Department.
That means working to match images of dogs and cats to months, days and hours price of video recorded within the business.
“We did get better extra surveillance video after we made the arrest, so now we’re going by way of that footage to see if there may be any further abuse occurring,” mentioned McLaughlin.
Courtesy: Sarasota Police Department
By telephone, Stevens’ legal professional advised FOX 13 he feels the case was rushed. He mentioned staff who advised police about Stevens’ actions had been additionally being investigated for stealing from her.
Stevens’ legal professional mentioned he’s nonetheless ready to obtain a duplicate of the surveillance footage.
“Being a groomer is extra than simply hair, coat, giving haircuts and baths. Grooming is the entire of the canine,” mentioned Heidi Minihkeim, proprietor of The New York Groomer in Sarasota with 38 years of grooming expertise. She mentioned there are some things pets homeowners ought to ask and verify on when on the lookout for a groomer.
“Always ask your neighbors, mates who’ve dogs. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions. If you discover a groom which you have an interest in calling, name them. Stop in. View the ability,” she mentioned.
Minihkeim mentioned homeowners ought to by no means be afraid to ask questions.
“It’s all concerning the canine, it’s not concerning the pores and skin and coat, it’s concerning the psychological wellbeing, bodily wellbeing after which the hair, nails and bathtub and all about that,” she mentioned.
Anyone with info on this case is requested to e mail Detective Sullivan at [email protected]. You may also go away an nameless tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS, or on-line here.
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