PetSmart groomer Juan Zararte arrested after dog dies

Califoia police arrested a Petsmart pet groomer on Sunday with suspicion of animal cruelty after a dog in his care died.

Juan Zararte, 38, of San Francisco was formally charged on Monday with animal cruelty after the death of Henry, a one-year-old dachshund.

Police spokesman Sgt. Rick Decker said "About three minutes after the groomer took the dog into the back to be groomed, the groomer came out and was saying the dog was having a medical emergency,"  "The owner said that he could see the dog was foaming at the mouth and had some blood in his mouth. We're certain it was not an accident."

An on-site veterinarian performed emergency measures on the dog that was visibly struggling to breath, but the dog died shortly after.
 
Zararte was arrested after an x-ray showed Henry's death was from two broken ribs and a punctured lung.

PetSmart said Zarate has been suspended pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.

"We are heartbroken by the loss of Henry. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of pets, and we take full responsibility for the pets in our care," PetSmart said in an email to KGO. "We are conducting an inteal investigation and will take immediate action based on our findings. Additionally, we are working with the local authorities.

"Any incident of animal cruelty goes against everything we believe as a company and as individual pet parents. No words can express our deep sorrow for the family, and we will continue to work with the pet parent during this difficult time."

Police said Zarate is cooperating in the investigation. He posted bail Monday and is due in court next month.