When Claudia Avila’s mom dropped off her 16-week-old tiny puppy, Luca, at Happy Paws Dog Grooming in El Paso, Texas, she never imagined the horrors the dog would face.
“When we take our pets into your facility, there is a contractual verbal or nonverbal agreement that our services are going to be rendered but first and foremost that our pets are going to be safe in your hands,” Avila told KVIA News.
Source: KVIA ABC-7/YouTube
When Luca’s owner went to pick her dog up after his grooming appointment, she noticed he had outward signs of pain and was very lethargic.
Luca could not eat or drink and he cried in pain whenever attempting to walk.
Sadly, Luca passed away shortly after returning home from the groomer. A necropsy on the dog’s body revealed his little lungs were full of blood.
Police say Luca died from pulmonary edema related to the abuse he suffered at the hands of a dog groomer.
Source: KVIA ABC-7/YouTube
According to officials, 31-year-old Leobardo Nava worked on Luca that day and allegedly grabbed Luca’s neck forcefully before the animal went limp.
The ex-employee of Happy Paws was arrested recently and charged with one count of cruelty to animals. He also was charged with outstanding traffic warrants and possession of marijuana.
Source: EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT/Facebook
We extend our deepest condolences to Luca’s family on their tragic loss.
More about this case can be seen in the video below.
H/T: KVIA
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