Dog Groomer Admits Guilt to Five Counts of Animal Cruelty, Say Sarasota Authorities

SARASOTA, FL — The owner of a dog grooming business, Diana Stevens, aged 41 from North Fort Myers, has pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor animal abuse charges as announced by the Sarasota Police Department.

Initially arrested in March 2024 on five felony aggravated animal abuse charges, Stevens opted to plead no contest to the misdemeanor charges. Following her plea, she was sentenced to five years of probation. During this probation period, she is prohibited from owning or controlling any dogs or grooming animals.

Additionally, Stevens has been ordered to complete 250 hours of community service, undergo mental health counseling, and finish an anger management course. The investigation into Stevens began as Sarasota detectives were probing a franchise located at 1129 S. Tamiami Trail for financial crimes. It was during this inquiry that a disturbing pattern of animal abuse was uncovered.

Store employees reported witnessing Stevens abuse animals while grooming them, and in several cases, they intervened to protect the pets. Customers also noted that their pets exhibited unusual behavior after being collected from the grooming service. Investigators subsequently obtained a search warrant for the establishment and collected video evidence of the alleged abuse, which corroborated claims that Stevens physically assaulted and mishandled the animals during grooming sessions.

Key Information

• Name: Diana Stevens
• Age: 41
• Location: North Fort Myers, FL
• Charges: 5 misdemeanor animal abuse charges (pleaded no contest)
• Initial Charges: 5 felony aggravated animal abuse charges
• Sentence: 5 years probation, no control of dogs or grooming allowed
• Additional Requirements: 250 hours community service, mental health counseling, anger management course
• Location of Business: 1129 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
• Investigation Start: Early 2024 for financial crimes
• Evidence: Video footage confirming allegations of abuse