Choose your groomer carefully!

Poor Puppy Went For Hairdo And Was Strangled

Submitted by Jennifer White on April 7, 2010

Dog owner Alison King, dropped her Shih-tzu puppy Rosco off at the Clippers and Dippers salon for his first groom but got a call later that day saying “Sorry, he’s dead”.

Two shop workers held scared Rosco by the throat as he struggled and accidentally strangled him a court heard. The Sun Newspaper reports that they were conditionally discharged for 18 months after admitting causing unnecessary suffering. JPs in Telford, Shrops, said the dog’s agonising death was unintentional.

They were each ordered to pay £198 compensation to Alison and £500 costs. She said of her ordeal: “Rosco was a lovely dog but nervous. They should have abandoned the cut.”

 

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Note From Lou –

If this can happen in the “pet loving” United Kingdom – what do you think happens here in SA???

I recently did a radio show (702 & Cape Talk) about grooming in SA, and was absolutely horrified at some of the callers horrific experiences, which ranged from dogs being cut and having to be rushed to the vet for stitches,  to dogs arriving home with broken limbs – or even internal bleeding - just horrendous!

Callers described the following (either witnessed or reported by someone else):-

 

Ø  Dogs being shaken (lifted by the scruff of the neck)

Ø  Dogs being hit and slapped, (usually across the face)

Ø  Dogs being washed in cold water – even on bitterly cold days!

Ø  Dogs being drugged without the owner’s consent

Ø  Dogs being muzzled without the owner’s consent

Ø  Dogs being dragged out of dog cages, upside down by the back legs

Ø  Sick dogs – and the fact not being reported to the owners

Ø  Owners getting the “wrong dog” back after collection and delivery!

Ø  Elderly dogs with arthritis or joint problems being forced to stand for long periods of time, in discomfort, and if moved being punished “because it must stand still”!

Ø  Owners asking for their dogs to be dipped or provided with some other external parasite protection, the parlour agreeing (& charging for a product), but not providing the dip/pour on – lies!

 

At many of the parlours, untrained staff seem to do most of the work. The “Professional” groomer’s seemed to spend their days driving the delivery van, leaving untrained staff to perform the work!

My own daughter did an apprenticeship at a parlour in Gauteng, and walked out after a month as she relayed to me, that if she saw another dog slapped across the face, (because it was being “naughty”) thrown in a dog crate, or dragged out by its back legs – she would not be responsible for her actions! Good for her – at least she had the guts to put her money where her mouth is! (must be a family trait!)

What also horrified us both was that most of the establishments seem to be more interested in making money than the welfare or comfort of the dogs!

 

·         Don’t be fooled by a fancy set up. Many good parlours are more dog friendly than people friendly! Make sure that is the case!

·         My advice to you is check out all establishments first!

·         Ask for references

·         If they won’t let you “round the back” – LEAVE

·         If they won’t let you be present whilst they groom your dog – LEAVE

·         If you dog is fearful or has grooming “issues” find a groomer who specialises in these kinds of dogs

·         If your dog is very old, make sure that you put his comfort first and not subject him to having to stand in one position for long periods – check that the grooming is going to give him enough “time out” so that he is not uncomfortable!

·         If there is any hint of abuse in any form – report the groomer to the SPCA  - and check that an inspection is performed

 

 

To prevent this from happening start taking your pup to a groomer from an early age. Perform “play” baths (without water) first to get him used to the idea of being handled, and put in a bath.  Brush your pup regularly so that it does not become an “issue” Ideally this should all be undertaken at a good early puppy education group! Prevention is better than cure!