Overview
- A video posted by Hazel's owner appears to show a woman at Joy's of Grooming yelling at and striking the Mini Bernedoodle; the owner filed a police report and says Hazel is shaken but improving.
- West Bend police told reporters they have recommended 'mistreating animals' charges to the Washington County District Attorney's office and the DA is now reviewing that recommendation; no criminal charges have been filed yet.
- The woman seen in the video declined to comment when approached and law enforcement questioned groomers and nearby residents while directing detailed inquiries to their media officer.
- After the video circulated, former customers spoke publicly about their experiences, including Casie Giebel who says her Great Dane returned from grooming with torn ligaments and was put down within 24 hours; her 2024 civil suit was dismissed for lack of evidence.
- If the DA files charges it will hinge on whether investigators can meet the higher legal standard for prosecution, and the case has already prompted renewed public scrutiny of how pet-care businesses are monitored and how video evidence drives police action.