San Mateo police

San Mateo PetSmart Groomer in Court After Dog Dies While in His Care

A PetSmart groomer, who was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after a dog died in his care at a store in San Mateo, appeared in court Thursday.

The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Juan Zarate of San Francisco, was assigned an attorney, but did not enter plea. His plea hearing has been scheduled for July 21. 

The dog, a 1-year-old male dachshund named Henry, died on May 15 at the PetSmart on the 3500 block of South El Camino Real. Officers responded and spoke with the dog's owner, a 47-year-old San Mateo resident who said he brought Henry to the store to be groomed, according to police.

About three minutes later, Zarate exited the grooming office holding Henry and told officers the dog was suffering a medical emergency, police said. Henry was bleeding from the mouth and having trouble breathing.

Zarate took Henry to the on-site veterinarian, who took emergency measures to try to save him. The dog died a few minutes later, police said.

A postmortem X-ray determined Henry had suffered two broken ribs and a punctured lung, authorities said.

San Mateo police determined Zarate's deliberate actions contributed to the dog's death. Zarate was arrested at the scene and booked on suspicion of felony animal cruelty. He posted bail and was released from custody. 

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