E-Mail
Print
Stewart, who is the owner of "A Jazzy Dog" at 3995 Pontchartrain Drive in Slidell, has been the center of a joint investigation conducted by the Slidell Police Department and the City of Slidell's Animal Control Division.
Police say two employees came forward to file an official complaint against Stewart citing severe animal cruelty allegations.
The witnesses told police that Stewart would frequently slam the dogs onto the grooming table and proceed to choke them with a leash. The employees told police that during one occasion, Stewart allegedly hung a dog in the air, causing the animal to go into a seizure. In other instances, they say Stewart would grab a dog's face and would slam it into the grooming table, or would strangle the dogs.
While those allegations against Stewart were being investigated, Slidell police say another witness came forward who worked for Stewart less than a day. The witness told them she applied for an open groomer's position and was asked to demonstrate her grooming skills on an elderly dog.
"The potential employee was attempting to groom the dog, but the dog refused to stand up on the grooming table," according to a police spokesman. That's when Stewart interjected and said, "'Watch this. If they won't stand, this is what I do." Stewart then allegedly picked up the elderly dog and slammed him on the grooming table multiple times.
The witness says Stewart then slapped another dog off the grooming table, causing the animal to dangle from the leash for at least twenty seconds. The potential employee says when she tried to help the struggling dog, Stewart pushed her back and said that she would handle it. The girl, who initially wanted the job, walked out and never returned.
Detectives attempted to question Stewart about the animal abuse allegations. According to police, Stewart told them she would simply "discipline" the animals if they refused to listen, but never abused them.
Investigators obtained an arrest warrant and took Stewart into custody at the dog-grooming business.
Investigators obtained an arrest warrant and took Stewart into custody at the dog-grooming business.
Slidell Police are asking anyone who suspects their animal was a victim of abuse by Stewart to contact the Slidell Police Criminal Investigations Division at 985-646-4347.
The case is still under investigation and more charges could be filed at a later date.
