Pet Groomer Arrested for Allegedly Killing Several Dogs
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis police have arrested Keaton Stuckey, a pet groomer, accused of killing four dogs entrusted to his care.
According to an affidavit, Stuckey was hired by Adrianna Gruins for grooming her five Yorkies on August 24. Gruins described Stuckey as a trusted groomer with whom she had a close bond for nearly four years.
After taking in the dogs, Stuckey reportedly shared videos with Gruins, stating that two of the Yorkies had died and another was vomiting and struggling to breathe. In the videos, he claimed the dogs had ingested hair dye, and Gruins helplessly watched as her pets suffered while she rushed to his home.
By the time she arrived, four of the five dogs were dead, with only one surviving. Gruins stated that all five dogs had been placed in a single kennel.
After discovering her deceased pets, Gruins contacted authorities, and Memphis Animal Services removed the dogs’ bodies from Stuckey’s home. A necropsy revealed that the dogs did not die from poisoning, but from fatal heatstroke. Investigators noted that Stuckey did not seek veterinary help for the suffering dogs at any point.
Following the incident, Stuckey took to Facebook to criticize Gruins and speak negatively about her deceased pets. He was arrested on Tuesday, facing four felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. Gruins expressed that while the arrest brings some justice, she hopes Stuckey is fully held accountable for his actions.
