Nicola Peltz Beckham files lawsuit against groomer for 'intentional and malicious abuse of dogs' following pet's sudden death

Actress Nicola Peltz Beckham has filed a lawsuit against a groomer following the tragic death of her chihuahua, Nala. The star took the legal route and filed court papers on Tuesday, July 30, naming Jony Ceballos, Deborah "Deb" Gittleman, and HoundSpa LLC as defendants.In documents obtained by PEOPLE, the 29-year-old alleges that Nala's death was due to the "intentional and malicious abuse of dogs" by Ceballos. The lawsuit accuses the spa and its owner, for continuing to employ Ceballos despite a "history of complaints" about his repeated mistreatment and abuse of animals. According to the filing, Nala died just two hours after being groomed in a mobile van outside Nicola's home on June 15.The document states that Nala returned from the van "injured and in severe physical distress," breathing heavily and wheezing with a pulsating chest.Peltz Beckham reportedly rushed the pooch to a veterinarian 15 minutes away, where it was observed that her tongue was blue, she had fluid in her lungs. Reports state that she had also suffered neurological damage. Despite being put on oxygen and receiving care, Nala ultimately succumbed to her condition.Nicola and her husband, Brooklyn Beckham, announced Nala's passing on Instagram, expressing their grief and shock.The lawsuit claims that the actress has experienced "damages and emotional distress" since witnessing her dog's death. It emphasizes the need to hold accountable those who 'abuse' animals and highlights the lack of protections for pet owners and their pets.In a statement shared with PEOPLE after filing the lawsuit, Peltz Beckham expressed her grief saying, "I’m still in so much shock and pain over my baby Nala suddenly passing last month following what should have been a routine grooming session," she said.A devoted dog lover, Nicola vowed to advocate for changes and laws to prevent others from experiencing such heartbreak in the future.