Dog groomer caught on video doing the unthinkable

A dog groomer was caught abusing multiple dogs in shocking footage that went viral on Facebook and that led to her arrest.

This article contains graphic content.

A pet groomer from North Carolina was caught on video punching and slapping dogs and slamming one scared pooch against a wall while at work, authorities have said.

Kirsten Rhea Taylor, 28, was arrested on Thursday in Mooresville, near Charlotte, and charged with four counts of animal cruelty.

Animal Services received reports and video footage showing abuse by a female employee at a pet grooming business, which was later identified as Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa.

Dog groomer seen mishandling pups. Picture: The Kris Kelly Foundation

The video was captured and posted to Facebook by a concerned co-worker and subsequently went viral with over 20 million views.

It shows the dog groomer “repeatedly striking and mishandling” clients’ pooches during routine grooming sessions.

One clip shows the employee punching one dog five times while drying them, while another shows a dog repeatedly being hit and pushed against the wall.

In another, the worker spins a dog around by its neck and slaps it multiple times.

She is seen pushing and slapping the dogs multiple times. Picture: The Kris Kelly Foundation

Taylor was identified as the employee in the footage, according to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Department.

Police said that at least four dogs belonging to clients who had them in for grooming were seen being treated in an aggressive and abusive way.

The investigation remains ongoing, with witnesses being interviewed, affected pet owners contacted, and further evidence gathered.

Kirsten Rhea Taylor, 28, was arrested Thursday and charged with animal cruelty. Picture: Iredell County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Darren Campbell said in a statement: “This case highlights the critical importance of co-ordinated responses in matters involving animal cruelty”.

“We will always take allegations of animal abuse seriously and will hold offenders accountable,” he continued.

The owner of Classy Critter’s Facebook statement. Picture: Local 3 News

Pam, the owner of Classy Critters has since confirmed that Taylor is no longer with the business, as reported by Local 3 News.

She condemned the staff member’s behaviour, calling it “unacceptable” and saying she has “zero tolerance” for any abuse with the animals in her care.

“It breaks my heart that this happened,” she said.

Taylor’s bail has been set at $10,000 (~$15,000 AUD).