BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A business owner in Brevard County at the center of one of the worst animal cruelty cases the Sheriff has seen is breaking her silence.

  • Business owner speaks out about animal cruelty case
  • PREVIOUSLY: Service dog's tail broken by angry groomer
  • Contract groomer James Suthann charged with animal cruelty
  • Owner Nathalie hopes people still give business a chance

Last month, a military veteran's service dog's tail was broken at Groomingdales Pet Spa on Satellite Beach. The injuries were so bad, the dog's tail had to be amputated. 

The man arrested in the case, 37-year-old James Suthann, was a contract worker for the grooming business. He was charged with animal cruelty, and his bond was set at $2,000.

Nathalie, who did not want her last name used out of fear for her safety, said she bought the business a few weeks prior to relocating from France, then reopened the business February 6 — the day that the dog, TT, came in for a bath.

Nathalie says she met Suthann along with the other contract groomers only 48 hours before reopening the business. 

“Today I'm very sad and affected by what happened to TT,” she says. “I'm very sorry. I have pet cats that are like my babies.”

Nathalie said the previous owners told her Suthann had been working at the groomers for about a year and spent about 20 to 30 hours a week at the business. Also, the previous owner told Nathalie that he was a reliable employee.

During a news conference after Suthann's arrest, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said that Nathalie fully cooperated with the investigation and handed over the video that led to the arrest. Ivey also said Nathalie had no way of predicting Suthann's behavior.

After the arrest, Nathalie said people were calling her business leaving angry messages, and it got so bad she was worried for her safety.

“People are leaving insulting voice messages. Someone said they will fire a round,” she explained.

Nathalie said she went from having a full schedule of clients to almost no bookings but is hoping her previous clients will give Groomingdales a chance at redemption.