PetSmart is under scrutiny after a series of tragic incidents involving the deaths of dogs during grooming sessions. At least four canines have reportedly died following visits to the popular retail chain, prompting their owners to demand immediate clarification. A lawsuit is currently being prepared, alongside a proposed legislative measure that aims to empower pet owners in cases of animal neglect.
When Mark Thompson received a phone call from PetSmart last March, he assumed it was just a standard update about his two corgis. Instead, he learned that one of his dogs, Bella, had died. “It was a brief phone call that left me in shock,” Thompson recounted. “To take your beloved pet in for grooming and then get that news? It’s utterly devastating.” He noted that Bella had recently been given a clean bill of health by their veterinarian, leaving him struggling to understand the circumstances surrounding her death.
Similarly, Jessica Larkin took her English bulldog, Max, for grooming in December. She had warned a PetSmart staff member that Max was frightened of hairdryers. Unfortunately, less than an hour later, she received the heart-wrenching news that he had passed away. “I just hope he didn’t endure any pain,” Larkin expressed to The Today Show. “For him to die so suddenly, he must have been terrified.” Larkin is now pursuing legal action against PetSmart, claiming that the use of a hairdryer on her dog may have impacted his breathing.
In response, PetSmart has maintained that the cause of Max’s death was unrelated to their grooming services, suggesting that an autopsy might reveal a pre-existing health issue. “We are dedicated to the wellbeing of pets in our care, and we take this responsibility very seriously,” the company’s statement read.
This is not the first time PetSmart has faced criticism regarding grooming practices. Disturbing footage of a groomer mishandling a Shih Tzu at a Houston location sparked widespread outrage, resulting in the employee’s termination.
As the situation remains uncertain, lawmakers in New Jersey are advocating for “Max’s Law,” which would allow pet owners to seek financial compensation for any harm caused to their animals. This proposed legislation could enable owners to claim damages up to $10,000, plus compensation for emotional distress, as reported by the Associated Press.
For those grappling with the loss of their pets, this legislation may provide a semblance of relief. “I feel an overwhelming mix of anger and sorrow. I can’t comprehend what happened to Bella—she was perfectly healthy,” Thompson lamented. “That day was pure agony. She was my little angel.”
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In summary, PetSmart is facing serious allegations following the deaths of several dogs during grooming appointments, prompting legal action and proposed changes to protect pet owners’ rights. The unfolding situation raises critical questions about the safety and oversight of grooming practices at the popular retail chain.