[Pink.]

This is a local story but it goes on in many animal grooming services. animal lovers need to be made more aware of this.




Police arrested 42-year-old Christina Stewart on one charge of aggravated cruelty to animals.

Stewart, who police said is the owner of A Jazzy Dog at 3995 Pontchartrain Drive, was the focus of a joint investigation conducted by the Slidell Police Department and the city of Slidell’s Animal Control Division.

Police said two employees came forward to authorities to file an official complaint against Stewart, citing severe animal cruelty allegations.

"We had some complaints for ex-employees," said Slidell Police Chief Randy Smith. "They witnessed the lady that has been arrested beating, slapping and choking dogs."

According to a news release from Slidell police, the witnesses said Stewart would frequently slam the dogs onto the grooming table and choke them with a leash.

In other instances, police said, Stewart would grab the dog by its face and slam it into the grooming table or choke the dog.

During the investigation, police said, another witness who applied to work for Stewart and left less than a day after applying came forward with allegations of animal cruelty.

The would-be employee told police that when she applied for the job at Stewart's business, she was asked to demonstrate her grooming skills on an elderly dog.

After difficulty grooming the elderly dog, police said Stewart stepped in and said, “Watch this. If they won’t stand, this is what I do.”


Stewart then grabbed the elderly dog and slammed him on the grooming table multiple times, and slapped another dog off the table, causing the animal to "dangle from its leash" for about 20 seconds.

CHRISTINA STEWART


When the potential employee tried to help the dog, Stewart interjected and said she would "handle it."

The would-be employee left and never returned, police said.

Stewart denied any acts of animal cruelty.

Instead, police said, she described her actions as discipline on the animals if they "refused to listen." She said she never abused them, the news release said, and she refused to answer any questions.

Stewart was arrested Friday afternoon at her business.

Ana Zorrilla, head of the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said there are good groomers across the metro area, but pet owners should do their homework before leaving their animals.

"Every now and then, you hear something like this that happens, and it just breaks your heart to hear someone who is supposed to be taking care of animals is doing something this horrible," Zorrilla said.

Slidell police are asking customers of Stewart who suspect their animals were victims to contact the Slidell Police Criminal Investigations Division at 985-646-4347.

[Megamel29]

That is sickening. My dogs need their nails trimmed and this makes me afraid to take them somewhere. My sister has a friend who works at an animal clinic. Hopefully she can help me.

[Tarxus]

Originally Posted by Megamel29 ↗

That is sickening. My dogs need their nails trimmed and this makes me afraid to take them somewhere. My sister has a friend who works at an animal clinic. Hopefully she can help me.

I get my dogs nails trimmed at the vet.

[Megamel29]

Originally Posted by Tarxus ↗

I get my dogs nails trimmed at the vet.

That's another good idea. I have spring break in two weeks. I'm hoping my sister's friend will be able to do it. Otherwise I'll make an appointment with the vet.

[Pink.]

that one, we need to make an example of.
excuse the bad grammar, but she is the poster child of betrayal.

[Sharon]

Oh my God! I'm so glad my dad grooms our Scottie dog himself. Bet a lot of sick scum who have a penchant for animal abuse set up grooming parlours as a cover up to carry out their warped desires.

[GoreisGreat]

This is what the death penalty should be for.

[dirty ike]

Why is it these types of scum bags are not banned from contact with animals for life-----or shot in the face with large caliber cannons.

[icheerthebull]

If I had a kid I wouldnt leave him/her alone at a hairdresser, why are the dogs owners not there? does it take that long?

[xstunt1ngx]

Thats why I don't let any strangers touch my dog. If I saw someone abusing my dog I would be in the Current Events section under "Dog owner beats dog groomer to death".