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'I Don't Want Anyone To Suffer Like This': Healthy Spot Pet Store Sued After Dog Dies While Getting Groomed

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) -- A Southern California woman is suing a local pet store after her dog died during a grooming session.

Tamara Margolis said a tool used to restrain dogs during grooming strangled her 4-year-old Maltipoo named Charlie at the Healthy Spot store in West L.A.

She alleges the chain puts profits over safety by encouraging employees to work quickly.

Margolis is part of a class-action lawsuit against the pet store, which is accused in at least one other pet injury case.

"I want this lawsuit to bring change and I don't want anyone to suffer like this anymore," Margolis said. "This was really difficult because it wasn't his time to go."

Another plaintiff, Amy Tully, said a groomer cut her Pomeranian Noelle's tail, which had to be partially amputated as a result.

Healthy Spot released a statement saying in part:

"Our Healthy Spot family is heartbroken by Charlie's death and by the injury sustained to Noelle under our care. These were two very rare cases... Our industry-leading training and grooming practices prioritize safety above all else, which is reflected in our record of serving hundreds of thousands of pets and loyal customers."

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