A pet groomer has been fined €5,000 after a court found that his handling of a Pomeranian during a grooming session led to the dog’s death.
Alejandro Jose Molina Becerra was found guilty of failing to take the necessary measures to safeguard the animal’s health and wellbeing, after the Pomeranian named Prince died while being groomed as reported by Times of Malta.
However, the court acquitted him of animal cruelty charges.
Meanwhile, Soren Nygaard Andersen, who had also been charged in connection with the incident, was fully acquitted after the prosecution failed to prove that he owned the pet shop involved.
The case dates back to 4th September 2023, when Keith and Nadia Caruana took their dog Prince to Petland for grooming for the first time.
Nadia dropped the dog off at around 8.30am, but just before midday she received a call informing her that Prince was experiencing respiratory problems.
When she arrived at the shop, she found the dog lying motionless in a tub, while a vet administered an injection. The dog’s tongue had turned purple, and Prince jerked twice before dying.
A post-mortem later revealed the dog had suffered hypovolemic shock caused by internal haemorrhage, according to the veterinarian who testified in court.
Footage presented during the case also showed Prince being handled roughly while being groomed, according to Animal Welfare’s veterinary officer Justin Camilleri.
Another veterinary technical officer told the court the grooming methods used were not recommended, adding that the dog appeared visibly distressed throughout the process and was even left alone on the grooming table at times.
During the proceedings, Molina Becerra said he holds an international pet grooming licence and has a background in biology and chemistry.
He also claimed the dog’s owner had informed him that Prince suffered from respiratory issues, and that the dog’s fur was heavily matted, requiring extra work.
The groomer defended the use of a noose-style restraint, saying it was meant to keep the dog secure on the grooming table. He also argued that Prince tried to sit down because the dog was obese.
However, after reviewing the footage, the court concluded the groomer had used excessive and unnecessary force on the dog despite it appearing calm and cooperative.
In several moments caught on video, Molina Becerra was seen grabbing the dog by its fur, neck and face, and pressing the dog’s face down while it was sitting.
“From the footage, it is clear that he used pressure on the dog that was disproportionate and excessive,” the court noted, adding that this caused inevitable stress to the animal.
The court also highlighted how the dog had been secured with two straps, with one forming a tight noose around its neck while its front legs were barely touching the table.
At one point, the dog was also close to slipping off the table, which could have caused it to hang itself.
The court rejected the groomer’s claims that Prince’s behaviour was normal, noting that the dog was clearly panting and struggling to breathe in the footage.
Despite this, the groomer continued the grooming process.
Although the court ruled the actions did not meet the legal threshold for animal cruelty, it concluded that Molina Becerra had failed to act responsibly to protect the dog’s welfare.
In sentencing, the court noted that the groomer had no previous criminal convictions, but stressed that the incident could have easily been avoided.
He was fined €5,000, which will be paid in monthly instalments.
Magistrate Ann Marie Thake presided.Police inspector Doriette Cuschieri prosecuted.Lawyers Franco Galea and Martina D’Amato appeared as defence counsel.Lawyers Jason Grima and Kirsty Muscat appeared as parte civile.
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Photos credits to Animal Welfare Directorate