MOORESVILLE, N.C. — A Mooresville pet grooming business that received backlash for reports of animal cruelty has been fined $1,900 by state agriculture officials for multiple violations, including a dog escape that caused a traffic accident.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services assessed the civil penalty against Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa in Mooresville following an Aug. 6 inspection that revealed 14 violations of state animal welfare regulations.

The largest single penalty of $500 was levied for the facility's failure to prevent the July 30 escape of a dog, who was struck by a vehicle and caused a traffic accident. The dog sustained minor injuries in the incident, according to the report.

State inspectors found that the business owner had security

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