St. James family files complaint following dog’s death at groomer

The Wang family says they brought their 4-year-old English bulldog to Splash and Dash in St. James on Friday, but soon received a call that the dog suffered a heart attack while getting his nails trimmed.

News 12 Staff

Jul 6, 2021, 3:33 PM

Updated 1,170 days ago

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A St. James family has filed a complaint with the Suffolk SPCA following the death of their dog during a routine grooming.
The Wang family says they brought their 4-year-old English bulldog, Rocco, to Splash and Dash in St. James on Friday, but soon received a call that the dog suffered a heart attack while getting his nails trimmed.
The family is now demanding answers as to what happened during the grooming, as well as video from inside the facility.
“Show what happened that day with Rocco. If he truly died of a heart attack…and you didn't do anything negligent or wrong, show it. Clear your name,” said Cindy Wang. “That way, we would stop bothering you and that way customers would have a reassurance that you're doing your job.”
News 12 went to Splash and Dash to speak with the owner. She refused to answer any questions and asked the news crew to leave.
The family showed News 12 paperwork from Rocco's last checkup in November 2020. It appeared that the dog was in normal health but was overweight.
The Wangs say they're hoping to have results from Rocco's necropsy by the end of the week.  
The SPCA says an investigation into Rocco’s death is underway.
Credit: The Wang Family