Perth dog groomer accused of striking Maltese X Shih tzu

A Perth pet groomer has been charged with animal cruelty after she allegedly slapped a lapdog and lifted it off the ground by a lead around its neck.

RSPCA WA said the accused, 31, was captured on CCTV allegedly striking the Maltese X Shih tzu on the head with an open hand, lifting it off a grooming table by its ears and throwing him into a bath “with force”.

The animal group also said the small dog suffered “distress and pain” when it was allegedly held down under the groomer’s body weight, was lifted up by a lead around its neck, and was thrown into a cage.

Watch the latest news and stream for free on 7plus >>

A dog groomer from Champion Lakes was charged under the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

“RSPCA WA will allege the accused was cruel to an animal while the animal was in her care during a dog grooming session by ill-treating him and restraining him in a manner likely to cause unnecessary harm,” a spokesperson said.

The matter will be heard in the Armadale Magistrates Court on October 11.

The maximum penalty for an animal cruelty charge is a fine of $50,000 and five years in prison.

Dog allegedly thrown from top of shopping centre carpark

Family ‘distraught’ after beloved pet cat stolen and drowned

If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your Cookie Settings.

To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.