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by Mckenzie Richmond, KTUL Staff
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — The owner of a south Tulsa dog grooming business will be in court Friday afternoon.
In October, Rebecca Rutherford was charged with accessory to a felony and obstructing an officer after a four-year-old poodle named Atlas was allegedly abused to death by one of her employees.
Rutherford is the owner of the grooming establishment, formerly known as Doggy Doodles Grooming.
In September, Doggy Doodles groomer, Diego Angel, was arrested, and accused of mistreating and killing Atlas during a grooming.
The surveillance footage shows Angel abusing and dragging the dog.
According to police, when Atlas’ owner came to pick him up, the groomers reportedly told the owner that Atlas had a seizure and died.
Since then, the grooming business has faced several protests from animal advocates who want justice.
“We are Atlas’ voice,” a member of the group ‘Justice for Atlas’ told News Channel 8 at a protest in September. “We want justice. We want people to start paying. We want people punished for abusing animals.”
Angel had his arraignment hearing at the Tulsa County Court in November where the court entered a not-guilty plea.
Angel's next court date is scheduled for later this year.
The preliminary hearing for Rutherford begins at 1:30 on Friday, February 9, 2024.
We will continue to keep you updated on developments in this case.
