A deeply troubling incident has emerged from a pet grooming, daycare, and boarding facility known as Your Dog’s Best Friend, located at 2000 Richmond Highway, following an anonymous report received by Alexandria Animal Control on December 13, 2024.
The alarming report detailed severe instances of animal abuse and included disturbing video documentation capturing the actions of an employee identified as Kevin Danders.
The anonymous tipster, a former employee, provided critical evidence that led to the investigation into Danders’ behavior towards the animals entrusted to his care.
Among the most harrowing footage is an incident that occurred on July 12, 2024, involving a large golden retriever named Abigail.
During the grooming session, Danders reportedly became frustrated with Abigail and exhibited aggressive behavior.
He allegedly forced her into a headlock position, choking her with his arm, while also using a grooming tool that he wrapped around her neck, leading to the dog’s tragic choking death.
Tragically, Abigail, just three years old and in good health prior to the incident, was pronounced deceased by a licensed veterinarian after the traumatic event.
Furthermore, on October 21, 2024, Danders was reported to have groomed another large brown dog, during which he was observed grabbing the dog by the neck and slamming it against the wall multiple times.
In a fit of frustration after tripping over the dog, Danders is alleged to have thrown the animal aggressively into a nearby crate, displaying blatant disregard for the dog’s well-being.
Just a week later, on October 28, 2024, another incident unfolded involving a large brown and white dog.
Danders reportedly forced the dog into distress, using the grooming tool in a manner that choked the animal, and yanked it using the same tool, allowing it to dangle by its neck in a distressing situation on the grooming table.
In a separate incident on December 18, 2024, Danders again demonstrated cruel treatment towards a large blond dog resembling a golden retriever.
Witnesses claimed that he aimed a blow dryer directly at the dog’s face despite its visible distress, further exacerbating the situation by taunting the dog with the machine while pushing it forcefully.
The disturbing pattern continued on December 31, when Danders groomed a medium-sized brown dog that displayed signs of distress.
During this session, witnesses observed Danders aggressively grabbing the dog by the neck and yelling at it, physically pushing the animal multiple times in a disheartening display of aggression.
Danders’ response to law enforcement regarding these incidents has been unsettling, as he expressed no remorse, instead justifying his actions at the time of Abigail’s grooming in July.
These shocking revelations have led to public outrage and demands for accountability in the treatment of companion animals in the care of grooming facilities.
As this situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor how authorities respond to these serious claims of animal cruelty and the subsequent treatment of those responsible.
Community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any signs of animal abuse, ensuring that pets are treated with the respect and compassion they deserve.
image source from：alxnow
