Nicola Peltz sued for comparative negligence after her dog’s death from ‘debilitating injuries’

Nicola Peltz and her former dog groomer have landed in court over the death of Nicola’s pet chihuahua, Nala. The actor, 30, and wife of Brooklyn Beckham, accused dog grooming company HoundSpa, the spa’s owner Deborah Gittleman, and the groomer, Jony Ceballos, of causing her pet chihuahua Nala’s untimely demise in 2022. A suit filed by Peltz alleges that the dog went to the grooming van ‘happy and healthy’ but returned in ‘severe physical distress.’.

‘Nala went into the grooming van, a happy, healthy dog, but returned injured and in severe physical distress – breathing heavily and wheezing, with her chest pulsating,’ the suit claims. ‘As poor Nala suffered, Nicola rushed her to the vet, a 15-minute drive away.’. However, Ceballos’ legal team has now hit back in court, arguing Nicola had failed ‘to state a cause of action’, according to legal documents reviewed by InTouch.

Additionally, the defendant’s lawyers have claimed that Peltz was herself ‘liable for her comparative negligence.’. She had alleged the spa owner should not have permitted Ceballos to work with her dog in the first place, as her brother had previously complained about his services. ‘Due to her injuries and severe condition, Nala tragically passed away a mere two hours after being in the van with the groomer,’ the suit claimed.

‘All Nicola could do was try to provide Nala comfort through her own heartache and pain, as she watched Nala suffer through debilitating injuries and die.’. An emergency vet allegedly observed ‘fluid in the dog’s lungs’ and ‘neurological damage.’. Peltz announced Nala’s death on Instagram in June 2024, sharing several pics of herself with the pooch alongside an emotional message. ‘This has been the hardest month of my life. I can’t even find the words to describe my heartbreak on so many levels.

‘Nala was perfectly healthy when she went to the groomers yesterday but came out hyperventilating and couldn’t catch her breath. We rushed her to the vet and she passed hours later. ‘I’m sharing this in hopes that it might prevent this from happening to other dogs. her life was taken away from her way too soon. ‘She was my beautiful queen and stayed by my side for 9 years through everything.

‘Please be careful who you send your dogs to because you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. 1 day without Nala on earth feels like an eternity. ‘I wish I could have her back in my arms. I pray she’s with my naunni. I hope I see them soon 💔.’. Got a story?. If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.