According to the Press-Citizen, a 22-year-old groomer at Creature Comfort Veterinary Center was charged with animal neglect after he reportedly admitted to Iowa City Police that he kicked this poor dog while grooming it earlier this month.
The dog's injuries were severe enough that he was kept under medical observation for several nights at a local pet emergency center during his initial recover period.
Creature Comfort Veterinary Center has issued the following statement:
The owners and management of Creature Comfort Veterinary Center are aware of an animal injury during grooming and subsequent citation for animal neglect issued by the city of Iowa City against the groomer. Any animal injury is of paramount concern and is not tolerated in any respect. Immediately upon learning of this incident, the groomer was discharged from his employment. We will have no further comment while the legal issues are being resolved.On the positive side, the dog is recovering.
Updated on 08/26/16: 22-year-old Lucas Van Orden -- the groomer referenced above -- recently pleaded not guilty on this charge of aggravated animal abuse. His court case has been scheduled for 11/01/16. He had previously been charged with animal neglect (as reported last month), but that charge eventually got dismissed and he was charged instead with the animal abuse charge. If convicted, Van Orden faces up to two years in prison.
Updated on 02/20/17: There has been resolution with this case. 22-year-old Lucan Van Orden V pleaded guilty to the animal abuse charge last month. He has been sentenced to two years of probation and will not face any time in prison. He will need to meet regularly with a probation officer and avoid further criminal charges. He is to make financial restitution to the owners of the injured dog and he is to complete 40 hours of community service.
Jasper, the injured dog, suffered multiple rib fractures and bruised lungs because of Van Orden. The cost of his medical treatment was $1468.