Police: Dog euthanized after grooming visit

BORDENTOWN TWP. – A grooming salon faces animal-cruelty charges after a dog suffered severe injuries during a grooming visit, authorities say.

The pet, a 10-year-old Airdale named Harley, had to be euthanized after he was injured at Crosswicks Clippers in Bordentown Township, said the Burlington County Humane police.

The salon's owner called the allegations "meritless."

"We at Crosswicks Clippers provide excellent service to hundreds of clients in the Burlington County area," Sarah Bruccoleri, the shop's owner, said Tuesday. "We intend to dispute it in court."

Police said Harley's owner, who was not identified, brought the dog to the Crosswicks Road shop to be groomed on Feb. 21.

"The dog walked into the business on a leash," said a police account. "When the owner returned some three hours later, the dog was unable to stand and had to be lifted into the owners' vehicle."

Police said salon employees requested no emergency veterinary service for Harley.

"After a long period of unsuccessful attempts to rehabilitate Harley, the decision was made to have him humanely euthanized," a police account said.

The business was charged with inflicting "unnecessary cruelty" and causing bodily injury and death to a living creature. It also is charged with failing to provide necessary care to the pet.

A court hearing is set for July 22.

Reach Jim Walsh at jwalsh@courierpostonline.com or (856) 486-2646. Tweet him @jimwalsh_cp