Former trainees and customers have made fresh allegations about the treatment of animals at Scruffy 2 Fluffy, a dog grooming business in Bargoed. They claim dogs were hit, dragged, and left in drying cages for hours. The claims follow a previous report about a dog whose nipple was cut and glued during a grooming appointment.
Emergency Surgery for Injured Dog
Tegan Williams, owner of a Toy Poodle and Bichon Frisé cross named Honey, reported that her dog's nipple was glued back on after a grooming session on June 15. The dog also had a bloodied eye and a leg cut. Williams said the business did not notify her. Owner Paul Smith paid the £360 vet bills and said he cut ties with the trainee groomer. However, Honey's wound worsened, requiring emergency surgery costing £1,500. Williams said, "The vet said if she didn't have this surgery she would have died." She has requested payment from Scruffy 2 Fluffy but received no response.
Second Dog Injured with Glued Wound
Georgia Warner, 28, said her Toy Poodle Biscuit was picked up on May 14 and returned with a deep leg wound that had been glued shut. She said the dog was dehydrated and shaking. The driver, Mr Smith, initially said it was a graze from a cage, but Warner discovered the wound had been glued. She has received no response to her calls and emails.
Former Trainees Describe Cruelty
Chelsea Jones and Courtnie James paid £3,500 each for a 45-day training course starting January 29. They left after nine days, claiming they witnessed abuse by instructor Mandy Miller, who also uses the name Chantel Smith. Courtnie said Miller tightened a German Shepherd's neck strap and dragged it, later hitting a dog with clippers. Chelsea said, "I literally went outside and started crying." They also claimed Miller spent most of the time on her phone.
False Accreditation Claims
The trainees believed the course was ICMG UK approved, but an ICMG UK spokesman said the business's approval was revoked on December 6, 2025, due to concerns including animal abuse and fraudulent activity. The spokesman said Miller was issued a cease and desist notice. A public statement confirmed awareness of the concerns.
Refund Dispute
After requesting refunds, the trainees saw £3,500 returned to their accounts on March 24, but Chelsea said the money was later reversed. She recovered it under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Courtnie closed her account but received letters stating she owes £3,500 to the business.
Previous Issues at Miller's Former Business
Miller previously owned Cutz for Mutz in Llanelli, which was featured on BBC X-ray in March 2012 for injuring dogs. One dog required ear amputation. Miller denied responsibility. Mr Smith said Cutz for Mutz is not associated with Scruffy 2 Fluffy.
WalesOnline has made repeated attempts to contact Scruffy 2 Fluffy for comment but received no response. The shop was closed with shutters down when visited on July 2.
