Dog Groomer Arrested After Goldendoodle Dies From Strangulation During Grooming

Surveillance Video Reveals Fatal Negligence

The League City Police Department arrested 56-year-old Lisa Pfund of Seabrook on March 30, charging her with third-degree felony cruelty to a non-livestock animal after a five-year-old Goldendoodle named Lincoln died in her care . The case stems from an incident on January 30, when League City Animal Protection Officers responded to PetSuites League City regarding Lincoln, who had been dropped off for grooming services that day and was later found dead after strangling himself by spinning repeatedly while wearing a cinch collar .

After reviewing surveillance footage from PetSuites, LCPD said the dog was seen spinning around multiple times on the grooming table, with his collar growing tighter each time, while Pfund was reportedly wearing headphones and using her phone during the grooming . The incident lasted approximately 10 to 11 minutes, and investigators said Pfund did not attempt to loosen or remove the collar at any point in the footage, leaving Lincoln's collar so tight that it needed to be cut off to be removed .

Investigators said the necropsy report showed Lincoln had died after suffering dislocated C1 and C2 vertebrae in his neck . "Our detectives can definitely see that she was in a position to respond, to be aware of what was going on to Lincoln, and with her not assisting, you know, we can definitely see that this caused Lincoln to go lifeless," LCPD Officer Jose Ortega said .

Conflicting Accounts and Investigation

After a week of investigating, detectives handed the case over to the League City Police Department, which conducted a "comprehensive investigation" that included multiple subpoenas, interviews, and a review of surveillance video . Records showed PetSuites also first told officials that Lincoln "had become tangled in a grooming lead while Pfund had her back turned"—an explanation that undermines the groomer's alleged involvement in the situation in the footage .

The statement contradicted claims from court records, where officials claimed PetSuites initially refused to cooperate or provide the relevant surveillance footage, and KPRC 2's Bryce Newberry has contacted PetSuites for clarification on the inconsistencies . Detectives said they obtained a felony warrant for Pfund's arrest on February 24, and she was arrested nearly a month later on March 30 at a hotel in Webster, five miles away from the scene of the dog death .

Legal Changes Enable Prosecution

State lawmakers expanded animal cruelty laws in 2025 through House Bill 285 to include criminal negligence, allowing prosecutors to pursue cases involving pet care workers such as groomers and trainers. The measure is sometimes called "Pancho's Law," named after a dog that died in a Dallas-area pet facility . If convicted, Pfund could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 .

Speaking to KPRC 2, animal behaviorist Lisa Tynan said cases like this are rare but highlight why pet owners should stay alert before and after grooming visits. Tynan says owners know their pets best and should watch for sudden changes in behavior after bringing them home . Investigators are asking anyone who may have experienced negligence while their dog was in Pfund's care to come forward .

Industry Impact and Safety Concerns

PetSuites issued a statement saying "The actions taken by the groomer were a direct violation of our safety protocols and do not reflect the values of our team. The involved individual is no longer employed with PetSuites. We have been in full cooperation with the authorities throughout the investigation" . Pfund faces a third-degree felony charge with her bond set at $50,000, and authorities noted that she was terminated following the dog's death .

The case represents a growing trend of accountability in the pet care industry, as new legislation gives prosecutors more tools to address negligence by professional groomers and trainers. Pet owners increasingly rely on surveillance systems and legal protections to ensure their animals' safety during routine services. This incident underscores the critical importance of proper training, attention, and safety protocols in professional pet grooming facilities nationwide.