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NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayAugust 26, 2026Hillsborough

Pinellas Animal Services cites Fluffy Puppies of Pinellas for neglect following dog death

Pinellas Animal Services cited Fluffy Puppies of Pinellas for neglect after a 10-year-old dog died during a grooming appointment on Oct. 18, 2025. The business pleaded no contest, was adjudicated guilty, and paid a $148 fine. Following the incident, the business implemented new staff training in pet CPR and emergency response procedures.

animal welfarebusiness regulationpet groomingpublic safety
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Why It Matters

The incident has prompted calls for new state legislation, known as 'Rilee's Law,' which would mandate emergency medical training for pet groomers in Florida.

Key Facts

  • A 10-year-old Great Pyrenees named Rilee died on a grooming table at Fluffy Puppies of Pinellas on Oct. 18, 2025.
  • Pinellas Animal Services cited the business for 'Neglect — failure to provide humane care.'
  • The business pleaded no contest and was adjudicated guilty.
  • The business paid a $148 fine.
  • No necropsy was performed to determine a definitive cause of death.
  • The business owner claims the dog was older and overweight, suggesting a potential heart attack.
  • The business has implemented new pet CPR and first-aid training for staff.
  • The investigation into the incident was closed by Pinellas Animal Services in April.
  • Advocates are proposing 'Rilee's Law' to require emergency medical training for Florida pet groomers.

Who's Mentioned

organizationAnimal Justice Task Force“Advocacy group pushing for Rilee's Law.”organizationFluffy Puppies of Pinellas“Grooming business cited for neglect.”personElizabeth Olson“Founder of the Animal Justice Task Force advocating for new legislation.”personNeil Rubenstein“Owner of the deceased dog, Rilee.”organizationPinellas Animal Services“The agency that investigated the incident and issued the citation.”personSuzanne Obarr“Owner of Fluffy Puppies of Pinellas.”