Nicola Peltz hires lawyers after the death of her dog, heartbroken over the loss

Nicola Peltz-Beckham has hired a lawyer following the untimely death of her beloved Chihuahua Nala… and is prepared to take all possible action against those allegedly responsible.

Sources with direct knowledge told TMZ … Nicola has hired a legal team and plans to take action against the upstate New York-based pet grooming company that groomed her pup at a home she was staying at before Nala suffered a fatal medical emergency.

We’re told that Nala was examined by her long-time vet in New York prior to the trip and was found to be fit and healthy…which is why her sudden death came as such a shock to Nicola.

According to sources, Nicola and her husband Brooklyn Beckham, have been customers of the grooming business and have had no problems before…use this groomer occasionally when in town with family.

This time, however, there were numerous warning signs…several of her dogs were acting strange after visiting the groomer on June 14. We’re told the dogs were dropped off one at a time because the groomer’s van was parked near the property. According to sources, Nala was the last to be returned and was in very poor condition.

When Nala gasped for air with a blue tongue, Nicola rushed the Chihuahua to the emergency vet… where she died a few hours later. We’re told vet records showed Nala had fluid in her lungs, an erratic heartbeat, and neurological issues prior to her death.

Since Nala had no pre-existing medical conditions, there was no reason why she should die after a simple personal hygiene routine. That is why Nicola is taking legal action. The actress’s legal battle has nothing to do with money. Rather, she wants to prevent a similar tragedy.

Nicola – a staunch animal rights activist – wants answers about Nala’s time with the groomer, but we are told there were no cameras in the groomer’s van… which raises questions about what was going on inside.

According to sources, the dog groomer is no longer working with Nicolas’ legal team.