July 30, 2024 — Westchester, NY — Actress Nicola Peltz Beckham has initiated legal proceedings against the groomer responsible for her chihuahua Nala’s death, alleging severe mistreatment and negligence. The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday, July 30, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Westchester.
The 29-year-old actress, alongside her husband Brooklyn Beckham, announced Nala’s passing via Instagram, attributing the tragedy to alleged “intentional and malicious abuse” by groomer Jony Ceballos. Peltz Beckham’s complaint also targets Deborah “Deb” Gittleman and her company, HoundSpa LLC, accusing them of “reckless and malicious conduct” for retaining Ceballos despite a history of animal abuse complaints.
According to the court documents, Nala died just two hours after a grooming session conducted by Ceballos on June 15. The lawsuit details that Nala, initially a vibrant and healthy dog, emerged from the grooming van in severe distress, exhibiting labored breathing and physical trauma.
Peltz Beckham rushed Nala to a nearby veterinary clinic, where the dog was found with a blue-tinged tongue, fluid in her lungs, and neurological damage. Nala was immediately placed on oxygen, but the extensive injuries led to her untimely death.
The lawsuit underscores the profound emotional and psychological toll on Peltz Beckham, who has claimed significant “damages and emotional distress” from the incident. The complaint also highlights a broader issue of inadequate protections for pet owners and their animals.
In a statement, Nicola Peltz Beckham expressed her profound grief and outrage. “I am still in shock and pain over Nala’s sudden passing after what should have been a routine grooming session,” she said. She shared her experience on Instagram to raise awareness and expressed sorrow over the numerous similar stories she encountered.
Peltz Beckham, a passionate advocate for animal welfare, is now calling for legislative changes to prevent future tragedies. “I have dedicated much of my life to rescuing dogs, and I cannot in good conscience stand by while such horrifying acts continue to affect other families,” she concluded.