LAS VEGAS (KTNV) – A dog owner claims her beloved pet was paralyzed at a Las Vegas grooming salon, forcing her to make the tough decision to put her down.
Makisha Davis had questions when she picked up Tuffy, her 4-year-old Maltese-Yorkie mix, from Lucky’s Pet Grooming and Boutique in December. She talked to the staff about an alleged injury to her dog, but she says their response just infuriated her.
WARNING: This video contains content that some may find disturbing.
“I’m looking at her [Tuffy’s] legs, and her legs are straight, not a bend to them at all,” Davis said. “The lady says… ‘You gave her to us like this,’ and I’m like, ‘No, I didn’t. I did not give my dog to you like this.’”
A visit to the veterinarian determined Tuffy had a ruptured disk in her back, which left her paralyzed. Davis said the veterinarian told her surgery would cost upwards of $10,000, so she had to make a tough decision.
“I had to make the decision to put her down,” Davis said.
Davis reported the incident to animal control but was told there was nothing that could be done because of a lack of evidence.
It’s the same answer Margarita Bicana says she got three years ago when her dog, Turbina, allegedly sustained a fractured jaw at the same grooming salon.
“If I would’ve got justice the day that I asked for justice, there wouldn’t be no second, third, fourth victim because there’s more victims than just my dog,” Bicana said.
A Google search shows the once highly rated shop is now overwhelmed with 1-star reviews. Several owners shared pictures, videos and comments blaming the salon’s owner and staff for allegedly injuring their pets.
“It is just practiced behavior that they get away with,” Davis said.
Davis, who had taken Tuffy to the same salon for years, says she blames herself for not realizing something was wrong sooner. She plans to take action and spread awareness in hopes no other pet or pet owner will have to experience what she’s gone through.
“Now, I just imagine what could have happened to my dog. I’m thinking they slammed her on her back, or they tried to force her to sit down. There will be consequences… And when the consequences come, they’ll know exactly what it is,” Davis said.
The salon owner says the allegations are not true.
Animal control for the City of Las Vegas made the following statement regarding Davis’ claims:
“Animal Protection Services was contacted after the owner chose to have the animal humanely euthanized by their veterinarian. The animal was given to the groomer by the owner without the animal stepping foot on the floor. Animal Protection Services investigators cannot determine at this time whether the animal could utilize their hind legs upon arriving at the grooming facility. At this time, there is no evidence to substantiate beyond a reasonable doubt that the animal was injured at the grooming facility.”
Copyright 2024 KTNV via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
