After dog's death from chemicals, groomer to shut down amid backlash

SHELBY TWP., Mich. (WJBK) - A protest was held outside Shaggy Dog Grooming in Shelby Township following another dog death, allegedly caused when the owners soaked a family pet in chemicals.

More dog owners are coming forward against the groomers.  When it comes to violence against pets, especially by groomers, there aren't many laws in place, that's why protesters behind Monday's demonstration say it is so important.

Shaggy Dog Grooming and supplies is facing harsh backlash after a healthy family pet was given back to his owners last Thursday, wrapped in towels and poisoned to death by chemicals.

"Hopefully the right ears will hear us and see us and make a change," said a protesting woman.

It turns out this sort of thing has happened before. In 2007, another family pet was killed after being left in a cage under a hot dryer too long. A few months before that, Joanne Gouleche was told, her dog Gunner had run away.

"She said, well, we had him harnessed in the back of the building to a fence and he wiggled himself out of that harness," said Gouleche.

Gunner was never found.

"This is like a drunk driver who has been on the road, he's had how many convictions and he's still driving," Gouleche said. "This is the same thing."

Animal advocacy groups are also accusing Shaggy Dog of selling dogs from puppy mills.

"Puppy mill dogs live a horrible life, they live an awful life," said Sharon Hardy from Detroit Animal Welfare Group. "We end up getting them in rescues because they have a lot of issues."

For a second time, FOX 2 walked inside to get the groomers' side of the story.

"I'm going to have to ask you to leave," said an employee inside.

FOX 2: "Ok, are you the owner?"

"I'm not the owner," she said.

FOX 2: "We need to talk to someone, we were here last Friday and we were told we would be called back. We've got a lot of people upset about the dog deaths."

Employee: "I understand that."

FOX 2 "I've got a question about these puppies, are they from puppy mills?"

Employee: "I'm going to call the police."

Shortly later, FOX 2 was given the following statement by the owners saying:

"On August 22, 2016, after more than 50 years of dedicated service, Shaggy Dog Grooming will be closing its doors to future business. We apologize for the inconvenience to all of our loyal clients that have been bringing their dogs here for decades."

Owners would not elaborate further. FOX 2 was told they have ended grooming services amid controversy before, but the shop has stayed open for other business.

"I don't know why the state hasn't come down to take a look at this," said Gouleche.