SARASOTA, Fla. — The Sarasota Police Department (SPD) announced that a pet groomer at Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming has pleaded no contest in an animal abuse case from 2024.
Authorities stated that 41-year-old Diana Stevens was arrested in March of 2024 on allegations of aggravated animal abuse and animal cruelty.
On August 27, 2025, Stevens pleaded no contest to five misdemeanor charges of animal abuse.
Initially, the investigation into Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, located at 1129 South Tamiami Trail, began due to suspected financial crimes when detectives uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse by Stevens, the business owner.
Reports indicate that employees of the store documented incidents of abuse during grooming sessions, while customers noted that their pets exhibited unusual behaviors after visiting the establishment.
Detectives amassed video evidence which appeared to corroborate the allegations of abuse.
As a result, Stevens was sentenced to five years of probation, during which she is prohibited from owning or having control over dogs, as well as from grooming animals.
Additionally, she is required to complete 250 hours of community service, undergo mental health counseling, and participate in an anger management program.
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Key Information
- Groomer Involved: Diana Stevens, 41 years old
- Business: Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
- Location: 1129 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
- Charges Filed: Aggravated animal abuse, animal cruelty
- Date of Arrest: March 2024
- Plea Entered: No contest to five misdemeanor charges on August 27, 2025
- Sentence: 5 years probation, 250 hours of community service, mental health counseling, anger management
- Prohibition: Cannot own, control, or groom animals during probation
Article original publish date: 2025-08-28 12:56:00
Article source: www.tampabay28.com
Read the full story at the original source: www.tampabay28.com
