NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — Local NewsAugust 26, 2026Hillsborough
Fluffy Puppies of Pinellas fined for neglect following dog death
Pinellas Animal Services cited Fluffy Puppies of Pinellas for neglect after a 10-year-old dog died during a grooming appointment on October 18, 2025. The business pleaded no contest, was adjudicated guilty, and paid a $148 fine.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — Local NewsWhy It Matters
The incident has prompted calls for new state legislation, known as 'Rilee's Law,' which would mandate emergency medical training for pet groomers in Florida.
Key Facts
- Pinellas Animal Services cited Fluffy Puppies of Pinellas for 'Neglect — failure to provide humane care'.
- The business pleaded no contest and was adjudicated guilty.
- The business was fined $148.
- The investigation into the incident was closed by Pinellas Animal Services in April.
- No necropsy was performed on the dog, Rilee, leaving the cause of death officially undetermined.
- The business owner reports implementing new pet CPR and first-aid training for staff following the incident.
- The Animal Justice Task Force is in the early stages of planning 'Rilee's Law' to require emergency training for Florida groomers.
Who's Mentioned
organizationAnimal Justice Task Force“Advocacy group pushing for Rilee's Law.”organizationFluffy Puppies of Pinellas“Grooming business cited for neglect.”personElizabeth Olson“Founder of the Animal Justice Task Force advocating for new legislation.”personNeil Rubenstein“Owner of the deceased dog, Rilee.”organizationPinellas Animal Services“The agency that investigated the incident and issued the citation.”personSuzanne Obarr“Owner of Fluffy Puppies of Pinellas.”