Karmactive Staff
A shocking case of alleged animal mistreatment has rocked the Mooresville pet care community as videos showing a groomer appearing to abuse dogs at Classy Critters Pet Resort & Spa have gone viral, prompting an immediate firing and ongoing investigation.
Videos posted to social media on July 18, 2025, show what appears to be a groomer at the Mooresville facility slapping, punching, spinning, and slamming dogs onto a grooming table. The footage, recorded approximately one month earlier in mid-June, has accumulated over 1 million views on Facebook and sparked widespread outrage among pet owners and animal welfare advocates.
The business owner, identified as “Pam,” who states she has 40 years of animal care experience, said the employee was “fired immediately” after the videos came to light.
“This behavior is totally unacceptable,” Pam said in a statement. “We have zero tolerance for any form of animal mistreatment at our facility.”
Iredell County Animal Services has launched an official investigation into the incident. As of July 22, 2025, no arrests have been made, but authorities are actively reviewing evidence.
“We take these matters seriously,” stated Iredell County Animal Services. “If you have firsthand information, please contact Iredell County Emergency Communications at 704-878-5335 and ask for Lead Investigator Goforth.”
The severity of potential charges would be determined under North Carolina General Statute 14-360, which criminalizes cruelty to animals as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on intent and harm caused.
A significant development in this case involves allegations from the whistleblower. According to local television reports, the sister of the person who filmed the incidents claims that prior verbal reports to management about the groomer’s behavior went unaddressed.
This contradicts the owner’s assertion of a zero-tolerance policy, raising questions about potential oversight issues at the facility.
The community response has been swift and decisive. A Change.org petition titled “Shut down Classy Critters Pet Resort & Spa” has gathered more than 1,500 signatures as of July 22, 2025.
Social media commenters have described the footage as “sickening,” with many calling for accountability beyond the termination of the employee involved.
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Despite the controversy, at least one loyal customer has publicly supported the business, suggesting the incident may be isolated rather than reflective of the facility’s overall practices.
The videos have raised concerns about the welfare of the animals involved. Rough handling of pets is widely recognized as distressing to animals.
State records show the facility received a civil penalty and warning in June 2023, according to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.
Prior to this incident, Classy Critters Pet Resort & Spa offered comprehensive pet care services including grooming, daycare, boarding, bathing, and play areas. The facility had maintained generally positive customer reviews, making this incident particularly surprising to many in the community.
The owner’s stated four decades of animal care experience had established a reputation that now faces scrutiny in light of these allegations.
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact:
- Iredell County Emergency Communications: 704-878-5335 (Ask for Lead Investigator Goforth)
- The ongoing Change.org petition can be found by searching “Shut down Classy Critters Pet Resort & Spa”
The investigation remains active and ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and statements from witnesses. No timeline has been provided for when the investigation might conclude or what additional actions might be taken.
