Previous coverage: Woman accused of beating, tossing animals while grooming them in Sarasota
SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — A woman arrested on animal abuse charges in 2024 plead no contest on Wednesday.
Diana Stevens, 41, was accused of beating and tossing cats and dogs as she groomed them at her Sarasota business, Woof Gang Bakery and Dog Grooming, located on South Tamiami Trail.
The investigation by the Sarasota Police Department began with financial inquiries into the pet grooming business, which eventually revealed a disturbing pattern of animal abuse committed by Stevens.
Authorities arrested Stevens after acquiring video evidence over 17 days in August 2023 that depicted her mistreating various animals.
On Wednesday, she entered a no contest plea to five misdemeanor animal abuse charges, resulting in a sentence of five years’ probation. During this period, she is prohibited from owning or controlling dogs and grooming animals.
Moreover, Stevens is required to complete 250 hours of community service, undergo mental health counseling, and take an anger management course.
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Key Information
- Name: Diana Stevens
- Location: Sarasota, Florida
- Business: Woof Gang Bakery and Dog Grooming
- Charges: Five misdemeanor animal abuse charges
- Plea: No Contest
- Sentence: Five years’ probation, 250 hours of community service, mental health counseling, anger management course
- Prohibitions: Cannot own or control dogs or groom animals during probation
Article original publish date: 2025-08-28 16:56:00
Article source: www.yahoo.com
Read the full story at the original source: www.yahoo.com
