Mar 4, 2008 7:41 pm US/Eastern
Dog Groomer Convicted Of Abusing Animal
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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When 4-year-old Chesney went to the groomers in June 2006, he was happy and healthy. But when his owner picked him up later that day, she says her maltese looked a mess.
A dog groomer accused of severely beating a dog in her care was in court Tuesday. Celeste Rainone, 53, was previously convicted for the death of another dog taken to her shop. As
Peggy Lee reports, a judge is making sure no other animals are harmed.
When 4-year-old Chesney went to the groomers in June 2006, he was happy and healthy. But when his owner picked him up later that day, she says her maltese looked a mess.
"The dog was curled up in the back of the cage. It was soaked with urine, feces, it was wet. It had blood around the muzzle," said owner Darlene Andrzejewski.
On Tuesday, Rainone went before a Baltimore County judge, where she was found guilty of abusing Chesney.
Chesney's owners say the evidence was all over their dog.
"Bruises around his ear and he had strangle marks around his neck and bruises all around his head," Andrzejewski said.
But this isn't the first time Rainone is guilty of animal cruelty. Last fall, she was convicted of the death of a 14-year-old poodle who died after getting multiple injuries at her shop. In that case the judge gave her 90 days in jail and three years supervised probation, during which time she cannot work as a dog groomer.
The judge agreed to close this case with no additional penalties for Celeste. In exchange, she and her attorney must stop appealing her conviction from the previous case.
With both cases officially closed, Chesney's owners hope they will spark tougher regulations for groomers.
"Your pet is a part of your family and there is no protection for these animals," said Charles Andrzejewski.
Rainone served 60 of those 90 days in county detention. The judge ordered her to pay all court costs as well.
Chesney's owners say after several vet visits, their dog is doing fine.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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