2 charged in Dewey dog grooming business animal cruelty case

Washington County prosecutors filed misdemeanor animal cruelty charges against the owner of Angie’s Pet Salon and an employee in Dewey. Someone shot a video they say shows dogs being mistreated.

The woman who shot the video rented a space at the salon and says this kind of treatment was commonplace. Dewey police say Kacy Jones recorded the video inside Angie’s Pet Salon last August. She says she took the footage after witnessing what she believes is abuse.

"Dogs are a lot like children. But when you start getting physical and pushing them past their limits, it's just not okay," said Jones.

The videos are part of the investigation, and one shows owner Angela Aldana hitting a schnauzer with grooming tools and squeezing the dog’s neck until he yelps in pain.

Jessica Simmons says her Aussiedoodle, King, was also mistreated at the salon.

"You trust these people with your animals. I mean animals, they're not just animals. They're part of your family," said Simmons.

One video shows an employee, Loree Bright, using a high-pressure dryer on King, blowing air into the dog’s ears while he tries to get away.

Washington County prosecutors filed a misdemeanor animal abuse charge against Aldana and Bright this week. Dewey police are asking anyone who used the salon and has concerns to come forward.

"I was miserable. So once I was given that handout, that 'Hey, come here, get out of there.' I was able to go to the police and turn everything over. It was a huge weight off my shoulders," said Jones.

But Simmons doesn’t believe a misdemeanor charge is enough.

"It feels like a slap on the wrist if I'm being honest," said Simmons.

The Washington County District Attorney was not available for comment Tuesday afternoon. News On 6 called Angela Aldana to ask for her response to the charge. She told us she had no comment. Aldana is expected to be in court on Wednesday.

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