A shocking video showing a dog groomer allegedly striking a puppy during a grooming session has ignited a wave of concern and outrage among pet owners.
The footage, originating from Glamour Grooming and Boarding in Memphis, appears to show business owner Belinda Fisher-Hale hitting a small terrier mix on the head while it was restrained on a grooming table in June 2024.
The clip surfaced online last week after being shared by a former student from Fisher-Hale’s training school, Glamour Grooming Elite Academy.
Although it was quickly taken down amid alleged threats, it went viral and prompted a Memphis Police investigation, as reported by Action News 5.
Heartbroken Owners Speak Out
Miesha Tolbert, the puppy’s owner, was horrified to recognize her six-month-old dog Dior in the video.
“When I saw the video, I knew instantly that this was my baby.
It broke my heart to see her mistreated. She is the sweetest dog,” Tolbert told Daily Mail.
She confirmed Dior is now safe, happy, and healthy, though she emphasized the importance of justice for all affected animals.
Other owners have come forward with even more tragic stories.
Jastini Buckner recounted the death of her teacup Chihuahua-Yorkie mix, Jax, during a grooming appointment.
Buckner described receiving a shocking phone call from Fisher-Hale, initially told that Jax had somehow jumped out of a bathtub and died—an explanation Buckner now doubts.
Allegations of Mishandling and Abuse
Months later, former employees revealed that Jax had allegedly bitten Fisher-Hale in fear, and she struck him on the head with grooming scissors, unintentionally causing his death.
Buckner said the groomer’s reaction had been nonchalant, and she only discovered the truth after speaking to ex-staffers.
Similarly, Julisa Sa’Mone said her Yorkie Dy’son bled to death in 2021 during a grooming session when Fisher-Hale reportedly nicked his nose with a razor.
Sa’Mone described her shock and heartbreak, saying, “I pray that Belinda is held accountable. I genuinely thought it was a mistake.”
Other pet owners and former clients shared stories of injuries, over-restraint, and mishandling.
Nicole Moss described her Yorkie returning from a session with marks on its stomach, while a former student alleged that “dirty tools were used on open wounds” and dogs were cramped together in cages.
Industry Concerns and Community Response
Animal activists and fellow groomers have condemned the practices.
Chrissie Long, a veteran groomer, said the video revealed dogs restrained so tightly their eyes were bulging.
Khory Levier of Arlington organized a protest outside Glamour Grooming and launched a petition demanding its immediate closure.
Concerns are compounded by the lack of regulation in the grooming industry.
Levier noted that anyone can call themselves a groomer without formal licensing or certification.
Fisher-Hale Denies Wrongdoing
Belinda Fisher-Hale has denied abuse, claiming the incident in the viral video involved an employee who has since been terminated.
She told local media, “There is no animal abuse going on around here.
I’ve been doing this 18 years, and I love animals. There’s no way I would abuse a dog.”
Her training school, which had received government funding, faced controversy after reports of unpaid apprenticeship fees and allegations of animal mistreatment.
Grants previously awarded for “community contributions” have since been suspended amid the backlash.
Calls for Accountability
A Change.org petition demanding the immediate closure of Glamour Grooming and Boarding and criminal charges against Fisher-Hale has already gathered nearly 1,000 signatures.
On August 25, the grooming business posted a statement acknowledging protests and concerns, pledging to review policies, listen to feedback, and implement changes to restore trust.
The controversy continues to unfold as authorities investigate and the pet-owning community pushes for accountability.
