AG says Petland sold ‘sick puppies’

Complaint alleges store’s dogs died after purchase

Petland Waterford Lakes sold what it claimed were “high quality” puppies for thousands of dollars that turned out to be sick and died soon after purchase, according to a complaint filed Monday by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.

“The sale of sick and dying puppies is both immoral and illegal,” Moody said in a statement. “It is reprehensible that the defendants would exploit the trust of new pet owners to make a profit while risking the health and safety of these puppies.”

The complaint names Hoof’s Pets — doing business as Petland Orlando East and Petland Waterford Lakes — and its owners and directors, Geoffrey M. Hoofnagle and Ben W. Hoofnagle.

Neither responded immediately to a request for comment.

According to the complaint, the franchise made false claims that the puppies were or could be registered with the American Kennel Club and came from USDA breeders. Instead, many allegedly had parvovirus, giardia, bacterial pneumonia, congenital heart and lung defects, eye problems or hip dysplasia, among other problems.

In one instance, according to the attorney general’s office, two consumers asked a store employee why a puppy they were interested in was vomiting.

“Defendants’ employee represented to the consumers that the puppy was ‘nervous,’ ‘excited’ to see the consumers, and the vomiting was ‘normal behavior,’” the complaint said.

According to the attorney general, the defendants allegedly purchased the puppies from breeders for $225 or more each and sold them for $1,500 to more than $9,000 each. The charges included hundreds of dollars for “unwanted additional items” through a mandatory “Puppy for a Lifetime Kit” and “Puppy Training Kit.”

In many instances, the complaint continued, when consumers reported that the puppies were sick or had died, the defendants allegedly failed to honor warranties and failed to provide appropriate refunds.

Moody said her office began investigating the store after receiving complaints from consumers.

According to the complaints received, out of 19 puppies, six died from contagious illnesses or a genetic or hereditary disorder soon after sale, six were determined to be unfit for purchase by licensed veterinarians, five had congenital or hereditary disorders, and three were not the represented breed or breed quality desired.

The complaint seeks more than $30,000 from the defendants, including restitution and reimbursements to consumers.