Dog groomer arrested, accused of swinging dogs by their leashes above his head
Police say Andrew Laurendi was seen on video swinging dogs above his head by their leashes attached to their neck and letting them fall to the ground.
Dec 11, 2023, 12:07 PM
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A 21-year-old Massapequa man who was hired to care for animals is accused of abusing some of those dogs.
Andrew Laurendi is an employee of Pawllywood, a dog boarding facility, day care and grooming center.
Police say Laurendi was fired after he was captured on surveillance hurting dogs in the care of the company.
They say he was seen on video swinging dogs above his head by their leashes attached to their neck and letting them fall to the ground.
Investigators say Laurendi was also seen in surveillance video smashing a dog's faces into a fence multiple times.
The animal suffered serious physical injury.
"You have to have respect for live animals. Apparently, he has pets in his own house," said Nassau County SPCA Detective Gary Rogers.
No one answered at Laurendi's home on Central Avenue, but several dogs were heard barking behind the door.
Laurendi was arrested on Sunday and was issued an appearance ticket.
"It is very disturbing, animal crimes and abuse to animals like, this is a precursor to other violent crimes," said Rogers.
