A 41-year-old dog groomer, Diego Jaimes Angel, is currently facing animal cruelty charges in connection with the death of a dog during a grooming session at Doggy Doodles Grooming, a Tulsa-based business. The incident, which took place on September 1, involved a 4-year-old golden doodle named Atlas. Angel is accused of physically abusing and choking the dog, actions that allegedly led to the dog’s death.
The case was brought to light after a fellow employee at the grooming business reported the incident to Tulsa Animal Welfare. The witness alleged that they saw Angel hanging and repeatedly hitting the dog, with the abuse lasting for several minutes. However, Angel and a business owner provided a different account, stating that Atlas had a seizure during the grooming session and subsequently stopped breathing. They claimed to have attempted CPR and rushed the dog to a nearby animal hospital.
Tulsa Animal Welfare is currently conducting a necropsy to determine the official cause of death. Surveillance footage from the grooming business reportedly shows Angel hitting and choking Atlas on the grooming table. Anthony Sinor, the owner of Atlas, expressed his shock at the allegations against the groomer, stating, “It’s a shock that somebody could be that cruel.”
The City of Tulsa, working in conjunction with the Tulsa Police Department, secured an arrest warrant for Angel on charges of felony animal cruelty. Angel was apprehended at a dog show in Elk City and was arrested on September 8. He was subsequently released on a $4,000 bond on September 13.
The case is still under active investigation, with the Tulsa Police Department, Elk City Police Department, and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office all involved. If convicted, Angel could face up to five years in a state correctional facility.