The owner of a Slidell dog grooming business has been arrested on a charge of animal cruelty. 

42-year-old Christina Stewart was taken into custody at her business in the 3900 block of Pontchartrain Drive on Friday.  She was charged with a single count of aggravated cruelty to animals.

The Slidell police department says it launched an investigation in late January into allegations made by two employees of the business.

According to police, the two alleged that they witnessed Stewart mistreat dogs by slamming them down on a grooming table and choking them with a leash.  The employees alleged that on one occasion, they saw a dog lapse into a seizure after it was choked.

Police say they also heard allegations of abuse from a woman who had gone to the grooming salon, A Jazzy Dog, to apply for a job as a groomer.

Stewart reportedly told police that while she disciplined dogs, she never abused them.

It was not immediately clear if Ms. Stewart has an attorney.

Police are asking those who think their pet may have been abused at the salon to call (985) 646-4347.

Photo: Slidell Police Department