Animal Control investigates 4th dog death at Knox groomer

Knox County Animal Control is investigating after an East Tennessee family has filed a formal complaint against a West Knoxville dog grooming service, after their beagle died in the groomer's care.

When Kim Ramsey's son arrived to pick up their beagle Moxie from an appointment for a bath and trim, they were told they had to follow the groomer to an area veterinarian.

"He followed them over there, by the time they got there, she was already deceased," Kim Ramsey of West Knoxville said.

Later testing at the University of Tennessee Veterinary School showed the dog likely died from internal bleeding. The beagle also had two broken ribs and bruising around the face.

"He (the pathologist) said this was consistent with trauma to the extent you might see from a dog that was hit by a car. In other words, we're describing blunt trauma," Dr. Denise Frazier of Northshore Animal Hospital, the Ramsey family vet said.

Dr. Frazier has cared for Moxie for several years of her life and says she's never had a problem with the 35 beagle.

"We make comments on our records and she has a smiley face on her record which means we've had positive experiences with her," Dr. Frazier said.

Frazier said she couldn't understand how Moxie could have sustained the injuries. She said most people who handle animals will use a muzzle or simply call the owner if a dog gets snippy or starts to show aggressive behavior.

There are no state regulations pet grooming services have to follow.

DruAnne Martin, the President of Tennessee's Professional Groomers Association says she's in favor of the state pushing for some sort of regulation so customers know they can trust their pets at certain establishments.

As a professional groomer herself, she says there is no way a groomer could justify heat stroke or blunt trauma during a bath and trim.

Tuesday, the Ramseys filed a formal complaint with the Knox County Animal Control against the groomer.

"I promised my kids her death wouldn't go unnoticed," Ramsey said. "We wouldn't let it happen to another dog. That's why I'm here (animal control). I told them that's all we can do."

Three other families have filed lawsuits against Happy Tails. All three are represented by Knoxville attorney Stephen Gillman who says the families are seeking a way to keep other dogs in Knox County safe from the groomer.

Gillman would not get into the details of their cases, but says their allegations of negligence and abuse are similar to the Ramsey's.

Erik Webb, the owner of Happy Tails Pet Resort and Day Spa wouldn't come to the front counter of his spa to talk with 10News Tuesday. A spokesperson directed reporters to his attorney who did not return phone calls.

The Better Business Bureau of East Tennessee has received 8 complaints against Happy Trails over the past three years. The pet spa has a rating of 'F' from the B.B.B.. The Better Business Bureau says there is no business in the Knoxville area, let alone another groomer they're aware of with as many complaints against it.

"I can't bring Moxie back. I knew that from the minute I saw her, there was nothing I could do to bring her back. But, if she suffered and went through something, I don't want anyone else to go through that," Ramsey said.

Moxie the beagle was five years old.