A disturbing incident took place in Newtown, Connecticut, that has left many pet parents shaken. A dog groomer at Pleasant Paws Pet Center allegedly used improper restraint on a dog during a grooming session, which caused the dog to go unconscious. The incident happened on October 20 and quickly caught public attention after reports were made.
Events like this remind us how important it is to keep our pets safe, especially when we trust others with their care. Grooming is supposed to support a dog’s health and happiness, not cause harm.
In this blog, we’ll break down the details of the arrest warrant, the legal steps taken, and what the community is saying. We’ll also share helpful tips on how to choose the right groomer for your dog, so you can feel confident about their safety and well-being.
Arrest Warrant Details Abuse at Hands of Dog Groomer
Overview of the Incident
On October 20, a dog grooming session in Newtown took a tragic turn. A groomer named Susan Marucci was charged with animal abuse after a dog reportedly lost consciousness while being groomed. The incident took place at Pleasant Paws Pet Center, a local grooming facility.
The dog involved was a standard Poodle named Abigail. She was brought in for a routine nail trimming but ended up in serious distress.
Description of the Abuse
According to the arrest warrant, Marucci was frustrated and yelling at Abigail during the session. She allegedly used a slip lead to control the dog and dragged her down the hallway when Abigail resisted.
Fellow employees said the dog was muzzled, possibly in self-defense due to biting concerns, and was later seen struggling to breathe. At one point, Abigail became unconscious. A coworker claimed that Marucci sarcastically said, “Thanks for helping me, Kelly, even though I almost killed a dog.” When Abigail began to regain consciousness, Marucci reportedly told her, “You’re breathing. You’re fine.”
The injuring of the dog led other employees to intervene, and the situation was reported to Newtown Police.
Legal and Community Response
The Newtown Police acted on an outstanding warrant and charged Marucci with animal abuse. She was placed on unpaid leave on December 1 and later fired on January 5. Marucci was held on a $5,000 bond and is expected to appear at Danbury Superior Court for an arraignment in late July.
Many community members are upset and angry. While some neighbors describe Marucci as a “caring person who would not abuse dogs,” others are demanding justice. The story has been covered by News 12 Connecticut and the News Times, raising awareness and concern among dog lovers.
Local groups like the Newtown Kennel Club and the Newtown Animal Control Advisory Board are keeping a close eye on the case. Pet parents across the area are now more cautious when it comes to selecting groomers.
The Importance of Regulations in Pet Grooming
This incident shows why strong rules and oversight are important in the dog grooming industry. Many states, including Connecticut, have little to no strict regulations when it comes to grooming businesses.
There are few rules about qualifications or certifications for groomers. Some groomers complete training programs and join grooming associations, but others may not have proper experience or understanding of safe practices.
Advocates are now calling for better rules. This includes requiring professional training, background checks, and regular inspections of facilities. These steps could help prevent more cases of abuse and protect dogs during grooming.
How to Choose the Right Groomer
Finding the right groomer is very important for your dog’s health, happiness, and overall well-being. A good dog groomer should treat pets with care and kindness, not cause fear or harm. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you in selecting a groomer who is professional, skilled, and most importantly — safe.
Ask for Qualifications
Start by asking about the groomer’s qualifications and certifications. A good groomer should be certified through recognized training programs or grooming associations. These show that the person is trained in safe and proper grooming practices.
Ask if they have experience with specific breeds and different dog temperaments. Some dogs need specialized grooming techniques, and an experienced groomer will know how to handle them without improper restraint or injuring them.
Tour the Facility
Before booking an appointment, take time to visit the facility in person.
- Check if the place is clean, tidy, and well-organized.
- Ask what tools, grooming products, and equipment they use.
- Look around and see how other dogs are being handled or housed while they wait.
The environment should be calm and quiet, and dogs should not look stressed or uncomfortable. Avoid places that feel chaotic or where animals are left alone for too long.
Observe Grooming Practices
If possible, ask to watch a grooming session. This helps you see how the groomer interacts with the dogs.
- Do they talk to the dogs gently?
- Are they patient, even when the dog is nervous?
- Do they treat the animals with care and respect?
There should be no yelling, harsh handling, or use of unnecessary restraints like slip leads unless needed for safety. Dogs should not be dragged or forced — they should feel calm and secure.
Ask About Restraint Techniques
It’s okay to ask how the groomer handles dogs that move around a lot or don’t like to be touched.
- Do they use muzzles or restraints?
- How do they calm down anxious dogs?
- What do they do if a dog tries to bite?
A caring groomer will have gentle ways to manage behavior without using abuse or force. Make sure they don’t use methods that could make your dog unconscious or afraid, like what happened to Abigail at Pleasant Paws Pet Center.
Read Reviews and Get Recommendations
Do some thorough research before making your choice.
- Check online reviews and ratings on sites like Google and Yelp.
- Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or local veterinarians.
Look out for red flags in feedback, like mentions of rough handling or lack of care. You want a place where other pet parents and clients feel their dogs are treated well.
Start with a Test Visit
Start small. Try a short visit first — for example, a nail trimming or a light bath.
- See how your dog reacts during and after the visit.
- Are they happy and relaxed?
- Or do they seem scared or act differently than usual?
You can also ask if you can stay and watch during the grooming. A good groomer will welcome this and may even encourage it to help build your trust.
What to Do If You Suspect Abuse
If you notice signs of abuse or mishandling after a grooming session, take action right away. Signs may include:
- Unexplained bruises or cuts
- Change in behavior (fear, hiding, aggression)
- Refusing to go near the grooming facility again
Report the issue to your local animal control or police, such as the Newtown Police in Connecticut who responded to the case of Susan Marucci. You can also contact animal welfare organizations for help and guidance.
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