Henry the Dachsund died while being groomed by Jaun Sarate

SAN MATEO, CALIF. — A dog taken to a California PetSmart store died Sunday, May 15, while in the care of a groomer.

Police in San Mateo have arrested the groomer, 38-year-old Juan Zarate, on suspicion of animal cruelty.

According to police, the dog — named Henry — died at the PetSmart after his owner brought the 1-year-old dachshund to be groomed.

Police say he was visibly bleeding from the mouth and having trouble breathing when they arrived.

Henry died a few minutes later.

An x-ray of the dog determined it had suffered two broken ribs and a punctured lung.

Dog owners fighting for more strict regulations for groomers say that Henry’s story, while tragic, is not unheard of.

“I’m devastated, heart broken, but at the same time not surprised,” said Hannah Hartman, a concerned dog owner.

PetSmart said in a statement Monday that it is “heartbroken” over the dog’s death and is responsible for all animals in its care.

The company said it is conducting an internal investigation, and Zarate is suspended pending the outcome of that investigation.

Source: WTHR