07/24/2025
⭐𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.
On Thursday, July 24, 2025, detectives with the Iredell County Sheriff's Office, assisted by members of Iredell County Animal Control, executed a search warrant at Classy Critters in Mooresville, North Carolina. Items of evidence related to the ongoing investigation of Animal Cruelty were seized. This investigation is continuing.
7/23 at approx. 5p 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞: $𝟏𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐣𝐚𝐬
𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱: On Monday, July 21, 2025, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by Iredell County Animal Services regarding a disturbing case of animal cruelty. Due to the severity of the allegations and the compelling nature of the evidence, the investigation was referred to the Sheriff’s Office.
The case originated on Friday, July 18, when Animal Services received reports and video footage of abuse by a female employee at a pet grooming business, later identified as Classy Critters. The video, captured by a concerned coworker, depicted the employee repeatedly striking and mishandling dogs during grooming sessions. These dogs were verified to be clients' pets brought in for routine care.
Detective Sergeant P. Irwin of the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office immediately conferred with Animal Control Officers and reviewed the submitted evidence. The videos revealed troubling behavior involving at least four separate dogs being treated in a clearly aggressive and abusive manner.
The employee was identified as Kirsten Rhea Taylor, 28, of Mooresville, NC. Based on video evidence and corroborating witness statements, Detective Sergeant Irwin obtained arrest warrants charging Taylor with Four Counts of Felony Animal Cruelty.
The investigation remains ongoing. As investigators continue to interview witnesses, contact affected pet owners, and compile further evidence, additional charges may be forthcoming. While these steps take time, they are crucial for ensuring a thorough and just outcome.
Arrest warrants are active for this suspect, and deputies are attempting to locate her.
𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝: "This case highlights the critical importance of coordinated responses in matters involving animal cruelty. While we maintain a strong working relationship with Animal Services and appreciate their role in this investigation, it is important for the public to understand that the Sheriff’s Office does not oversee Animal Control operations in Iredell County. Since Animal Control is a separate department, certain investigative actions and responses must follow a referral process. We will always take allegations of animal abuse seriously and will hold offenders accountable.”
⭐ Follow the Iredell County Sheriff for updates on this arrest.
Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office at 704-878-3180
