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Original poster

My dog was badly assaulted at the groomers yesterday- not sure what to do next.

179 replies

Padstow58 · 14/06/2023 14:18

Yesterday I got to the groomers to collect my dog to be told she got stressed and bit her tongue. Blood was pouring from her mouth! When examining her I also saw her eye was red and swollen.

I took her straight to the vet who told me she had received a substantial blow to the side of the head and there was bleeding within the eye and she had reduced vision.

They think she bit her own tongue from the blow.

I phoned the groomer later that afternoon who insisted nothing happened and she just got stressed and bit her own tongue.

Vet said this would not happen just from stress.

As groomer is denying it and I have no proof (apart from an injured dog) I'm not sure what to do next. But I can't do nothing and risk another dog being injured.

Any advice?

OP posts:
Duckingella · 14/06/2023 14:49

Sound an awful lot like the groomer hit your dog on the face with the clippers.

REP22 · 14/06/2023 14:49

I agree with others - get a written statement from the vet to confirm their findings; take photos. Then copy to the groomers and give them a final opportunity to explain what happened and offer a remedy (if possible).

If they aren't able to explain or continue to claim that nothing happened (because something must have happened, whether innocent or malicious) then report them to the RSPCA and your local Trading Standards (via your county council website).

I'm sorry this has happened. I hope your dog will be OK. x

Ohno778 · 14/06/2023 14:50

No advice , but your poor dog. I hope you can do something about this .

uncomfortablydumb53 · 14/06/2023 14:51

I don't think it's possible for dog to fall off the table
My groomer uses a harness which holds tight and " suspends" him whilst bathing and cutting him
If no joy I would seek advice from RSPCA and claim vets fees and damages for your dog

SlipSlidinAway · 14/06/2023 14:55

Is it worth speaking to your pet insurers? They might have some advice on how to proceed.

Your poor dog. It would be sensible for groomers to have cctv in case of disputes so may be worth asking.

Hehehejeiej · 14/06/2023 14:58

You do have proof. Your dog is injured and a vet said it was caused by a heavy blow. That carries a lot more weight than anything the groomer has told you.

Quveas · 14/06/2023 14:59

tescocreditcard · 14/06/2023 14:32

I'd say that was a police matter.

On what basis? Seriously, even if there were a law against assaulting a dog, there is no evidence that ever happened. And I agree with others - I'd like the vet to say that this could only have been caused by an attack on the dog, because I don't believe that they will. But this isn't a police matter anyway - it is for the RSPCA (and without any evidence they can't really do anything. I have seen people report attacks on dogs that were witnessed (by humans and by other dogs) reported to the police and their response has always been "not our job".

I do think you should report to the RSPCA, but again I doubt there's much they can do, so it is probably more likely that reviews would have more impact.

I hope the dog makes a full recovery.

Hehehejeiej · 14/06/2023 15:00

@Quveas you have no idea what constitutes evidence. Her dog’s injuries are evidence. Her vet’s profession opinion is evidence.

PucketyPuckPuck · 14/06/2023 15:07

Just a random thought...did your vet/you check the dogs feet and claws?

I remember a vet years ago telling me tgat often when an animal is hit by a car, the only or main external sign of injury is to the pads and claws which are grazed or broken.

I know yours has other injuries too and I'm sure the vet would have checked but just thought I'd mention it in case ddog got out somehow.

Ferferksake · 14/06/2023 15:08

A lot of grooming salons have CCTV. Ask them to show you what happened

FrostyFifi · 14/06/2023 15:10

Your poor dog, how incredibly upsetting. I agree with the PPs about pushing this forward with evidence from the vet. The groomer is clearly lying and whether this was intentional or an accident you need to know what actually happened.

scoopoftheday · 14/06/2023 15:12

Oh no, I hope your dog is OK.

My groomer is excellent, as above, she'd tell you even if they were upset and wouldn't drink or wee.

My previous groomer slipped with a new blade and sliced my dogs chin. He rang me immediately and I was only on my way home from dropping her off.

He told me to take her to the vet and ring him so he could pay or go through his insurers. (That's how to handle it and I was so impressed by his actions) he was in pieces, said his arm just slipped and the blade was brand new.

He rang me numerous times over the next few days. Our dog had a couple of stitches and was fine afterwards.

He paid the vets bill, sent us flowers ans treats and the next good (yes I did take her back, he didn't set out to hurt her, it was an accident) was free.

DRS1970 · 14/06/2023 15:17

Report the groomer to the RSPCA.

Seeleyboo · 14/06/2023 15:18

This is so sad. One of my groomers dropped my elderly chihuahua on her head and laughed. The next groomer seemed wonderful. Coincidentally, my cleaner was her cleaner, and she told me she dunks the dogs under the water for a laugh. Sadly, my dogs only have me to groom them now. They may not look their best, but at least they're safe. I don't trust anyone with them.

Mariposista · 14/06/2023 15:20

Your poor poor dog. I hope you get some answers.

Mariposista · 14/06/2023 15:21

Seeleyboo · 14/06/2023 15:18

This is so sad. One of my groomers dropped my elderly chihuahua on her head and laughed. The next groomer seemed wonderful. Coincidentally, my cleaner was her cleaner, and she told me she dunks the dogs under the water for a laugh. Sadly, my dogs only have me to groom them now. They may not look their best, but at least they're safe. I don't trust anyone with them.

I can't believe what I have just read - how horrendous. Why work with animals if they are going to treat them like that? Giving my soppy labrador (who hates being brushed, and is convinced a bath will kill him) an extra big cuddle now.

Campervangirl · 14/06/2023 15:22

I'm so angry on your behalf.
Stressing is one thing, biting it's tongue is another but the fact that it's got bleeding behind the eye and reduced vision screams that the groomer has assaulted your ddog.
I'd definitely ask the vet if he'd write a report, if he stated verbally that in his opinion as an expert that your ddog has suffered a blow to the head there's no reason for him not to write exactly that in a report.
I'd ring the RSPCA too, they'll investigate and speak to the vet.
I'd be pushing for an answer, no way would I let it go.
My ddog is pretty accident prone, trips over its own feet, jumps on furniture and completely misses and falls but it's never suffered a head injury.
I'm seriously so angry and upset for you and your ddog.

WiddlinDiddlin · 14/06/2023 15:26

I would definitely ask the vet for a written statement of their professional opinion.

Then take it to the police - and don't let them fob you off, whilst this won't be assault, it will be potentially criminal damage to your property and potentially also an offence under the animal welfare act.

I can think of a number of ways such injuries could occur other than a dog being intentionally hit in the face, however none of them match what the groomer says happened and all would mean the groomer has failed in their duty to look after your dog, and potentially has dangerous practices that breach animal welfare regulations.

I would certainly take your vet bills to the groomer and ask that they pay, and comp the groom too!

ODFODeary · 14/06/2023 15:26

Seeleyboo · 14/06/2023 15:18

This is so sad. One of my groomers dropped my elderly chihuahua on her head and laughed. The next groomer seemed wonderful. Coincidentally, my cleaner was her cleaner, and she told me she dunks the dogs under the water for a laugh. Sadly, my dogs only have me to groom them now. They may not look their best, but at least they're safe. I don't trust anyone with them.

Fucking hell , thank God your cleaner spoke up. Did you report her for animal cruelty?
Your poor dog
I think I'd really lose my shit over that

ODFODeary · 14/06/2023 15:28

Excellent advice @WiddlinDiddlin

mrsbitaly · 14/06/2023 15:32

What did the groomers say about the eye when you mentioned it?

Dotjones · 14/06/2023 15:34

It's not a police matter because the victim is only an animal, not a person. Speak to the RSPCA for advice on what to do next, they are best placed to take action if required.

BunnyBettChetwynnd · 14/06/2023 15:56

I know I'm probably alone in this but the groomers seems a pretty grim place for dogs. Tied up (in the window of the shop in my local town) or the back of a van with mobile groomers. They're with a stranger, dunked, blasted with the hairdryer. Sounds miserable.

LimitIsUp · 14/06/2023 15:59

Dotjones · 14/06/2023 15:34

It's not a police matter because the victim is only an animal, not a person. Speak to the RSPCA for advice on what to do next, they are best placed to take action if required.

You do realise that assault and cruelty towards an animal is against THE LAW? Of course its a police matter, Sheesh

TheMurderousGoose · 14/06/2023 16:00

BunnyBettChetwynnd · 14/06/2023 15:56

I know I'm probably alone in this but the groomers seems a pretty grim place for dogs. Tied up (in the window of the shop in my local town) or the back of a van with mobile groomers. They're with a stranger, dunked, blasted with the hairdryer. Sounds miserable.

It's probably not going to be their most fun day ever but lots of dogs have coats that require attention. Especially during a heatwave.