Former pet groomer gets 3 years in prison in dog’s death

Michelle Louise Root was in court Thursday in Forsyth County.

Michelle Louise Root was in court Thursday in Forsyth County.

A former pet groomer in Forsyth County received a three-year prison sentence after she was convicted of animal cruelty.

Michelle Louise Root was found guilty Thursday in connection with the October 2017 death of a dog named Meko at her business, Paw’sh Paws in Cumming, according to the Forsyth County Superior Court Clerk’s office.

Michelle Louise Root (Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office)

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She was found not guilty in connection with the March 2016 death of a dog named Little Boy.

Root also was sentenced to two years of probation after prison. During that time, she can’t own or work with animals, according to Channel 2 Action News.

“I truly, truly apologize,” she told the judge.

RELATED: Ex-pet groomer indicted on animal cruelty charges

Cumming police learned of the incident involving Meko when an employee of the business told them. The employee “heard a commotion (at the business) and came out to see what was wrong,” according to the incident report.

MORE: Pet grooming owner charged after customer's dog dies

Root allegedly kicked, dragged and choked Meko, who later died at an animal hospital, police said.

She was arrested after that incident and released from the Forsyth County jail on bond.

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