Baltimore County police have launched an investigation into the mysterious death of a 14-year-old poodle after the animal?s autopsy showed signs of physical abuse.
“The dog has so many injuries that show trauma that it?s really alarming,” said Baldwin resident Nancy Pine, the dog?s owner.
At noon on Feb. 16, Pine took her poodle to Grooming by Celeste at 5235 Hydes Road in Baltimore County in “completely healthy” condition, according to Pine.
But the dog was noticeably different when he returned home to Pine at 7 p.m. He was “cold, wet and minimally responsive,” according to a report by veterinarian Patti Brennan of Falls Road Animal Hospital.
“The dog apparently bit the groomer …” Brennan wrote. “The owner believes that the groomer did something to intentionally harm the dog.”
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According to an animal autopsy ? called a necropsy ? conducted on Rajah, the dog suffered from blunt trauma to the head, face, liver and other organs.
“There is severe hemorrhage in the nasal passages and frontal sinuses,” the necropsy states.
Baltimore County police spokesman Bill Toohey said detectives are actively investigating the incident.
Pine said she received a strange phone call from the company while Rajah was in their care.
“They called and said, ?He bit me. He?s not behaving very well and there?s no excuse for that,? ” Pine said. “It?s suspicious. I think she might have been struggling with the dog. We?re just devastated. This should not have happened to any animal.”
The business? owner, Celeste Rainone, did not return phone calls from The Examiner.
