A pet grooming employee has been fired after doorbell camera video shows him kicking a dog that he was grooming.
The video, recorded last Monday, shows a man outside a home in Northeast Miami-Dade wearing a shirt that reads Deluxe Mobile Pet Grooming. He first kicks the small Maltese/Shih Tzu mix dog in the back of the neck then follows that by kicking it in the head.
The company, with a business in Hialeah, told 7News via text message that the employee has been fired since the video was posted.
“This horrible thing this is unacceptable. We have been open since 2016. We are zero tolerance for animal abuse. He was fired immediately, [and] Animal Control has an open investigation,” said a representative for the company.
The Miami-Dade County Animal Services said they were concerned by the video and have opened an investigation.
“Deeply concerned by the disturbing video… committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals and fully holding perpetrators of animal abuse accountable,” said Miami-Dade County Animal Services.
On Monday afternoon, the Miami-Dade Police Department released a statement on the incident:
“The Miami-Dade Police Department is aware of the video circulating on social media platforms. Detectives have been in contact with the owner of the animal shown in the video and an investigation into the incident is underway.”
Neighbors that live in the complex where it happened are in disbelief as, they say, this is someone who people trusted with their pets.
“All of us were outraged. It’s heartbreaking to see something like that,” said a resident who wished to remain anonymous. “My understanding is that perhaps he was grooming the dog and trying to return the dog to the owner.”
Neighbors said they don’t know where the owner of the dog lives.
“I guess he rings the doorbell, knocked on the door, and then the dog runs up to him,” said the anonymous resident.
But 7News went to the house of the man seen on video in Miami Gardens. Parked outside his home looked like a pet grooming van, but despite knocking several times, no one answered the door.
Now, shocked condo residents said they hope he gets arrested.
“He definitely needs to be arrested,” said the anonymous resident. “Nobody should be treating animals this way, especially not somebody that we trust to groom our pets.”
According to Miami-Dade Animal Services, the dog has been checked out by veterinarians and is doing OK.
We are still waiting on information from Miami-Dade Animal Services on the status of their investigation.
Animal cruelty is a serious crime that often goes underreported, but at Ovadia Law Group, we are dedicated to making sure that those who harm animals face the consequences. Our legal team has extensive experience in handling animal cruelty cases, working tirelessly to ensure that justice is served. We understand the emotional and legal complexities involved and are here to provide compassionate yet aggressive representation. From gathering evidence to working with animal rights advocates, we approach each case with the seriousness it deserves. Whether it involves domestic pets or wildlife, we are committed to protecting the welfare of animals and seeking the harshest penalties against abusers. If you’re involved in an animal cruelty case or have witnessed abuse, don’t hesitate to seek help. Call Ovadia Law Group at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation and take a stand against cruelty.
Source: wsvn
