Dog groomer caught on video punching pooches: authorities

A North Carolina pet groomer was caught on video punching pooches and slamming one cowering pup against a wall while at work, authorities said.

Kirsten Rhea Taylor, 28, was arrested Thursday in Mooresville and charged with four counts of felony animal cruelty after she was identified as the employee seen brutalizing dogs at a local grooming business, Classy Critters, according to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Department.

Iredell County Animal Services was notified of the troubling footage, which was recorded by a concerned coworker and posted to Facebook, prompting the probe.

The clips showed Taylor “repeatedly striking and mishandling dogs during grooming sessions,” according to the sheriff’s office.

One video allegedly showed Taylor punching a dog several times while grooming it, and other footage captured a cowering pup repeatedly being hit and slammed against the wall.

At least four separate dogs belonging to clients who brought them in for routine care were seen being treated in an aggressive and abusive manner, police said.

The suspected animal-abuse case was handed over to the sheriff’s office because of the severity of the allegations, and arrest warrants were secured for Taylor, officials said.

“This case highlights the critical importance of coordinated responses in matters involving animal cruelty,” Sheriff Darren Campbell said in a statement.

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

The owner of Classy Critters has since confirmed that Taylor no longer works at the facility, Local 3 News reported.

Taylor’s bail has been set at $10,000