Rhode Island

Dog Dies While Being Groomed at RI Pet Store

The Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is investigating the death of a dog that died while being groomed at a pet store. 

RISPCA President E.J. Finocchio says the dog's body was sent to Tufts University for a necropsy. He hopes it will determine how the 5-or 6-year-old dog, Ollie, died. 

Animal cruelty officer Joe Warzycha says Ollie's owner brought the animal to a Petco in Middletown on March 23. She then went shopping. Ollie was dead when the owner later returned. The dog died while having its nails trimmed. 

Petco says an attending vet confirmed there was no "overt evidence of trauma or neglect." 

A spokesperson said in a statement on March 31, "As is the case with all Pugs, Ollie had what is called brachycephalic syndrome. The results show that his soft palate was much longer than normal, which causes blockage of the airway and makes it difficult to breathe. As a result of this information, we do not believe the actions of the pet stylist who trimmed Ollie's nails, nor any other store partners were responsible for his untimely passing."

RISPCA says Ollie had no pre-existing medical conditions. 

WJAR-TV reports RISPCA is scheduled to interview Petco grooming technicians and a manager on Friday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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