KIRSTEN RHEA TAYLOR, former dog groomer at Classy Critters, arrested after a video emerged showing her punching multiple dogs in her care at the facility

 - North Carolina, USA -

The Iredell County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 28-year-old KIRSTEN RHEA TAYLOR (pictured).

On July 18, 2025, Iredell County Animal Services received reports and video footage of a female employee, later identified as TAYLOR, at Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa in Mooresville.

The video, captured by a concerned co-worker, showed TAYLOR “repeatedly striking and mishandling dogs during grooming sessions”, stated the press release by the sheriff’s office. The dogs seen in the video were "verified to be clients' pets brought in for routine care."

On July 21, 2025, Animal Services contacted the sheriff’s office and alerted deputies to the disturbing situation. Detective Sergeant Irwin reviewed the submitted evidence confirming that videos revealed “troubling behavior involving at least four separate dogs being treated in a clearly aggressive and abusive manner.”

In view of the severity of the evidence, the sheriff’s office assumed the investigation.

On July 24, 2025, detectives with the Iredell County Sheriff's Office, assisted by members of Iredell County Animal Control, executed a search warrant at Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa, and seized items of evidence related to the investigation.

Additionally, based on video evidence and corroborating witness statements, Detective Sergeant Irwin obtained arrest warrants charging TAYLOR with four felony counts of animal cruelty. The sheriff's office said that as investigators continue to interview witnesses, contact the guardians of the dogs involved in the case, and gather further evidence, additional charges may be forthcoming.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell said in a written statement: “This case highlights the critical importance of coordinated responses in matters involving animal cruelty. While we maintain a strong working relationship with Animal Services and appreciate their role in this investigation, it is important for the public to understand that the Sheriff’s Office does not oversee Animal Control operations in Iredell County. Since Animal Control is a separate department, certain investigative actions and responses must follow a referral process. We will always take allegations of animal abuse seriously and will hold offenders accountable.”

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

TAYLOR’s mugshot shared from the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office

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Investigation underway after a defenseless dog was horrifically set on fire in New York City

- New York, USA -

The NYPD Animal Cruelty Squad is investigating after a defenseless dog was horrifically set on fire.

According to NYPD Crimestoppers, on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at approximately 4:45 a.m., at 128 Street and 116 Avenue, in the confines of the NYPD 106 Precinct, an unidentified male was observed dragging a motionless dog. The male then proceeded to pour an accelerant on the dog and ignited him/her. NYPD Crimestoppers said the male fled the scene on foot.

The ASPCA was notified and a necropsy will be performed on the dog.

If you recognize the savage in the picture, and are aware of his whereabouts, please do the right thing and come forward. Speak up for the Voiceless Victim and DM @nypdtips or call 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Thank you!

I took the liberty of naming the Voiceless Victim Kiwi for the tribute image. Should his/her given name be made public, I will rectify it accordingly.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

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ROBERT LEE HOOVER, owner of Family Farms, arrested, his animals seized, and the farm shut down

- Florida, USA -

⚠️WARNING⚠️The article contains pictures some of you may find distressing⚠️

On Thursday, July 24, 2025, officers with the Davie Police Department executed a search warrant at Family Farms located at 14950 SW 14^th Street as part of an investigation into numerous complaints received about animal welfare at the business.

According to authorities, the animals were found to be malnourished, prompting their removal from the farm and the facility shutting down.

The owner of the farm, 51-year-old ROBERT LEE HOOVER (pictured), was arrested and booked into the Broward County Jail on a $28,500 bond. HOOVER was charged with eight misdemeanor counts of tormenting or killing an animal and eight felony counts of causing death or suffering to an animal.

Davie Police said they launched an investigation in April 2025, after receiving complaints from local residents and animal welfare organizations, including PETA, about malnourished and mistreated animals.

Through a covert investigation, officials documented a worrying situation and according to the report, “Both times the bovines on the property have their spinal columns, ribs, and hip bone protruding that would suggest they are being underfed.” The report further stated: “The bovines did not have any visible food in their pens and relied on patrons purchasing food from the business to feed them”, and added: “The bovines stampede to visitors when they are presented with food that suggests they are hungry and not being fed.”

Investigators additionally reported that the water troughs for the animals appeared to be yellow and did not have fresh water and in one cow pen, “there was no grass to graze on.”  

According to Davie Police Department Officer Daniel Broder, HOOVER “was unable to provide any veterinarian records for any of the animals on the property and when examined, they all needed some sort of care from a veterinarian” and went on to report: “The search of his property did not reveal any veterinarian documents.”

Investigators further reported that a pig had overgrown hooves, and another one was so severely sunburned that parts of his/her skin, especially behind his/her right ear, “were raw and bloody.”

On Friday, July 25, 2025, HOOVER appeared at Broward County Circuit Court before Judge Corey Brian Friedman. As a condition of his release, he is prohibited from “possessing” any animals.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

HOOVER’s mugshot via Broward County Sheriff’s Office

Pictures provided to Voice For Us by the Davie Police Department

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