Owner of Gautier pet grooming business faces charges

A Gautier pet groomer who was forced to close its doors earlier this month has been charged with animal cruelty and false pretense.

36-year-old Nichole “Nikki” Anderson turned herself in to Gautier Police today after being informed that warrants had been issued for her arrest.

Gautier Police Chief David Bever said Anderson came to the police station for an interview when she was told of the charges and turned herself in. She was taken to the Jackson County jail and bond has not been set pending an initial appearance.

Bever said three charges of animal cruelty, all misdemeanors, stemmed from animals allegedly being injured while in Anderson’s care at Sandi’s Pet Grooming Too.

If convicted of animal cruelty, Anderson will not be allowed to operate a business that involves animals.

The charge of false pretense was made because Anderson allegedly was offering services she was was not licensed to perform — namely, boarding animals.

The investigation began January 30, when Gautier Police responded to a Crime Stoppers tip of alleged animal abuse, neglect, and illegal boarding.

Officers, Gautier Code Enforcement, and a representative from the Jackson County Animal Shelter went to the business on February 1 for further investigation.

The investigation forced Sandi’s Pet Grooming Too to cease all business operations due to multiple city code violations.