Categories: North Carolina News

Mooresville pet resort and spa fined after employee charged with animal cruelty

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A Mooresville-area pet resort and spa is facing a nearly $2,000 fine from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture just weeks after one of its employees was charged with felony animal cruelty.

Authorities said Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa violated multiple rules related to the care and treatment of animals at licensed facilities.

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The notice, sent to owner Pam Byars, details several breaches of the NC Administrative Code and gives the business 60 days to either pay the $1,900 fine or appeal the penalty.

This comes following an investigation by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office. In July, detectives were notified of a video showing a groomer repeatedly striking dogs during grooming sessions.

That groomer, identified as 28-year-old Kirsten Rhea Taylor of Mooresville, was arrested and charged with four counts of felony animal cruelty. The video, reportedly filmed by a concerned coworker, involved multiple dogs that were clients of the business. Investigators said more charges could be filed as the investigation continues.

Photo: Kirsten Rhea Taylor (Iredell County Sheriff’s Office)

Following public outrage and the release of the video, Byars issued a statement on social media, calling the abuse “totally unacceptable” and confirmed that the employee was fired.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office at 704-878-3180.

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