Groomers fined after dog dies from burns
A Lhasa Apso named Dusty had to be euthanised after being left to burn under an industrial hairdryer by an unqualified groomer. The 12-year-old dog was taken to the parlour in Towers Road, Grays last year, and after he was bathed and clipped, he was left in a metal dog crate with an industrial hairdryer pointed at him. Groomer Victoria Ellis then walked away to answer the phone, and came back to find he was suffering from burns.
Dusty's owner was told he had received a small burn from the dryer, and that cream should be applied. The burns left much of Dusty's skin red, swollen and overheated. He was taken to a vet but deteriorated in the days that followed, finally having to be put to sleep.
Neither the owner of the business, Jacqueline Ward, nor her employee Ellis were qualified dog groomers at the time. They were both found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal at Basildon Magistrates Court on Friday. They were each ordered to do 120 hours of community service, and fined £1,000, with £250 compensation to be paid to Dusty's owner.
The case has led to calls for dog groomers to be licensed in order to regulate the industry more carefully. RSPCA inspector Lewis Taylor said:
“This was a horrific case that could so easily have been prevented had Dusty not been left unattended. Although such cases aren’t deliberate, owners entrust the care of their beloved animals to dog groomers and deserve to know they are leaving their pet in safe hands."
According to the charity, this is the fourth case of a dog being badly burned at a grooming parlour. Head of public affairs David Bowles adds:
“Owners are taking their pets to groomers without the security of knowing how safe their animals are. We are calling for the licensing of dog grooming. Without this, pet owners simply cannot be sure they are leaving their dog in safety.
“Until we have regulation, it is important owners thoroughly research their choice of groomer to ensure they can meet their animal’s needs. Owners should consider visiting the facility first and ensuring that staff are qualified and competent.”
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
