Sarasota Police arrested a North Fort Myers woman on several animal cruelty charges that occurred in her pet grooming business in Sarasota. Detectives were initially investigating the franchise located at 1129 S. Tamiami Trail for financial crimes when they uncovered a pattern of animal abuse by the owner of the business, Diana Stevens, 41.

Store employees told detectives they not only witnessed Stevens abuse the animals as she groomed them, but on several instances, they had to intervene. Customers also reported that their pets behaved abnormally after being picked up from the business. Sarasota Police detectives obtained a search warrant for the store and collected video evidence of animal abuse. The video appears to support allegations that Stevens beat, berated, and tossed animals as she groomed them.

Sarasota Police arrested Stevens on Friday, March 8, 2024, on five charges of aggravated animal abuse (felony) and five charges of animal cruelty (misdemeanor).

Anyone with information on this case is asked to email Detective Sullivan at jessica.sullivan@sarasotaFL.gov or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com

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