Henry, a one year old dachshund was scheduled for a grooming at Petsmart in San Mateo, California. Juan Zarate, 38, of San Francisco was working Sunday, May 15, 2016 at the pet supply store when the dog was dropped off to be groomed, according to the San Mateo Police Department.
Three minutes later, Zarate walked out of the grooming office holding the dog and told the owner that his dog was suffering a medical emergency. The dog was visibly bleeding from the mouth and having trouble breathing. An on-site veterinarian noticed the dog was struggling to breathe and tried to provide emergency measures.
But it was too late. Henry died minutes later.
An x-ray performed later showed that Henry had two broken ribs and a punctured lung. Zarate was suspended from work while prosecutors are reviewing the case to determine whether charges will be filed against him. Zarate, meanwhile, posted bond and is due in court on June 23, 2016.
Be Henry's voice and demand justice be served!
Dear Steve Wagstaffe, District Attorney San Mateo County, Lisa Van Bursick, Animal Cruelty Investigator. Peninsula Humane Society & S.P.C.A., Michael J. Massey, President and Chief Executive Officer Petsmart Corporation
A one year old dachshund died while in the care of a Juan Zarate, a PetSmart groomer. The dog, named Henry, was only in the grooming room for three minutes before the groomer appeared, stating that the dog was having a medical crisis. The dog was hemorrhaging from his mouth and was unable to breathe. Henry died a few minutes later due two broken ribs and a punctured lung.
While a formal autopsy has not yet been performed, the dog’s injuries are consistent with being slammed on a grooming table. A preliminary police investigation concluded that the dog likely died to the deliberate actions of the groomer. While Juan Zarate has been suspended, this is not enough. We ask for a full investigation in the death of Henry. Also that he is terminated and that PetSmart conduct a review of its hiring process to warrant that individuals like these are not permitted to handle pets.
Update #27 years ago
WOO HOO!! UPDATE: 6/13/2016
Ms. Gonzales: Thank you for your email, the petition, and your concern that justice is achieved for Henry. Let me assure you that our office takes cases of animal abuse very seriously. We have filed two felony charges of animal abuse against Juan Zarate, and he will be in court for arraignment on those charges on June 23. We will work diligently to ensure that justice is achieved.
Sincerely,
Karen Guidotti
Chief Deputy District Attorney
Update #17 years ago
Thank you everybody for your diligence in fighting for justice for Henry!
Please continue to fight for him. Petition signatures have been submitted to targets but petition remains open to ensure justice.
