Pet Groomer Who Let Dog Die Pleads Guilty In South Jersey: Report

WOODBURY HEIGHTS, NJ — A Gloucester County pet groomer pleaded guilty in an animal-cruelty case after a customer's dog died in his care, according to nj.com.

Trevor Hunt, who owned K-9 Kingdom in Woodbury Heights, faces up to four years in prison, nj.com reports. He also agreed to never work with animals again as part of the plea deal.

In July, a customer dropped his dog off at K-9 Kingdom for a grooming appointment. Hunt contacted him shortly after to say the dog was dead, police said.

• Read more: Dog Groomer Charged After Pet's Death In South Jersey

Officers confirmed the dog's death with Hunt and launched an investigation, which resulted in a search of the premises. During that time, Hunt became "uncooperative" and was arrested, police said.

Authorities say they found a "substantial amount" of narcotics in the business, which they seized.

A necropsy on the victim — Harley, a border collie Australian shepherd mix — showed no signs of illicit drugs in her system or any clear indications of what caused her death, according to nj.com.

Hunt was indicted on third-degree animal cruelty in October for failing to provide the dog with necessary care, nj.com says. He was also indicted on drug offenses.

His sentencing is scheduled for April.

K-9 Kingdom is listed as permanently closed on Google, and the listed phone number is no longer connected.

Read nj.com's full report here.