Proposed ordinance would require El Paso dog groomers to install cameras

A proposed ordinance change to the city of El Paso would require animal groomers to install cameras in their businesses.

“The whole goal of this is to make sure that it’s both fair to the clients and the businesses,” said Claudia Ordaz Perez, the district six councilwoman proposing the ordinance change.

In January, El Paso police charged local groomer Lucia Janeth Gonzalez Sifuente with “cruelty to non-livestock animals” after she allegedly “slapped” a 13-year-old female schnauzer named Zia, according to the criminal complaint.

Zia suffered “sustained severe scleral hemorrhage to the right eye,” according to the complaint. Zia’s owner confirmed to ABC-7 she had to put the dog down in December because of her quality of life.

“My heart really sank for the family,” Ordaz Perez said.

The councilwoman told ABC-7 that Title VII doesn’t have enough protection for animals.

“This is to find a balance,” Ordaz Perez said. “To really protect the businesses themselves and the clients.”

Several El Paso groomers have already installed cameras in their businesses, like EPK9 Stay and Play on Gateway Boulevard.

“It protects the animals, because obviously they can’t tell you if something’s gone wrong,” said Toni Hernandez, a new customer. “It (gives us) peace of mind knowing that we can always take a look at both our pets when we do board them.”

Thanks to multiple cameras, dog owners can view their dogs in the grooming or boarding areas on the web or on their smartphones.

“She’s obviously part of the family,” Frank Hernandez said about his dog, Lexi. “(We chose) this place with the security and the cameras, to monitor and even board her and still be able to be away and somewhat in contact with her.”