Dog deaths, injuries during grooming revive calls for regulation; US group finalizes standards

Recent dog deaths have reignited calls to pass regulations governing grooming, a practice that doesn't require a license and has rules that vary by business.

Pets have been killed or injured by hot dryers, sharp clippers or their own leashes if left unattended, including deaths in New Jersey and Virginia in the past two months.

Legislation to regulate the grooming industry is pending in New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts, and advocates hope to revive a California measure that failed in 2012.

Meanwhile, Mike Bober of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, the pet trade's regulatory association, says it has finalized safety and sanitation standards that can be used as the foundation for state laws.

Details on the proposed guidelines will be announced July 21.