Jason Delgado
Attorney General Ashley Moody took legal action Monday against an Orlando pet store that allegedly sold sick puppies that were misrepresented as healthy and fit for sale.
“The sale of sick and dying puppies is both immoral and illegal,” Moody said. “Planning for a new puppy requires a great deal of time and money—and certainly there is an emotional investment. Families deserve the assurance that they will in fact receive the high-quality puppy they were promised.”
Moody filed the complaint against Hoof’s Pets Inc., which operates Petland Orlando East and Petland Waterford Lakes, and the company’s owners and operators Geoffrey M. Hoofnagle and Ben W. Hoofnagle.
The investigation into the business began after the Attorney General’s office received consumer complaints of the business selling sick puppies, according to the complaint.
The investigation revealed defendants would purchase the puppies from a breeder for roughly $225 and then sell them for anywhere from $1,500 to upwards of $9,000.
The consumer complaints received by the Attorney General alleged that out of 19 puppies, six died from illness or disorder, six were deemed unfit for purchase by licensed veterinarians, five had congenital or hereditary disorders, and three were not the represented breed.
The Attorney General’s complaint seeks to stop further violations from the owners as well as require them to provide restitution and reimbursement to consumers.
48 comments
Hallandale Beach City Commissioner Michele Lazarow
May 19, 2020 at 2:59 am
Thank you to AG Moody. This is long overdue. She should investigate not only the Orlando stores, but all stores selling puppies. This is a problem in every pet store selling puppies, but particularly bad in Petland because of the amount of puppies they sell, in addition to the deceptive lending practices. Stay away from pet stores who sell puppies. Stay away from Petland. The Pet Lemon Law is a joke. Ban retail sales of puppies in stores.
J Wiggins
May 20, 2020 at 5:28 pm
Thank you to AG Moody. Long overdue. She should investigate all stores selling puppies. This is a problem in every pet store selling puppies, but particularly bad in Petland because of the number of puppies they sell, in addition to the deceptive lending practices. Please stay away from pet stores that sell puppies. The Pet Lemon Law is a joke. Ban retail sales of puppies in stores.
Helene Jones
May 21, 2020 at 12:16 pm
Thank you so much for your article. We need more of this type of reporting exposing criminals such as the puppy mill petstores like Petland who rob people and continue to support despicable puppy mills.
KH
May 21, 2020 at 9:55 pm
Thank you AG Moody….. o
This is a huge issue in all pet stores. Thank you so much for taking action.
Dale Encinosa
May 23, 2020 at 11:16 am
Thank you so much AG Moody. Stores like Petland should not be allowed to operate. It’s all about $$, ripping off innocent animal lovers, selling sick puppy mill puppies.
KH
May 21, 2020 at 9:56 pm
Thank you AG Moody…..
This is a huge issue in all pet stores. Thank you so much for taking action.
Sue
May 21, 2020 at 8:00 pm
I guess i lucked out because i bought a puppy from petland in east orlando and paid $3700 for it and she is a full breed and she is very healthy. I bought her 2 1/2 years ago. She has never been sick!!
Hallandale Beach City Commissioner Michele Lazarow
May 21, 2020 at 11:35 pm
Yes you lucked out. You also helped support puppy mills. Hopefully you will not make that decision next time now that you know the truth about Petland.
David W
May 22, 2020 at 1:00 am
Lucky so far. Bad breeding can show up years later. Good breeders don’t sell from stores. Only puppy mills sell to stores. The dog could develop congenital heart disease, go blind, deaf, anything from bad breeding. And $3700 is outrageous
Alyson Scotti
May 21, 2020 at 10:56 pm
Thank you, AG Moody! Glad to see that action is being taken in favor of consumers and animals.The commercial pet sale industry is wrought with fraud and cruelty.
Angela
May 22, 2020 at 3:04 am
Thank you so much AG….These poor souls can not speak for themselves….Its so wrong they are subjected to this neglect…I appreciate your tireless work for them….
DavidW
May 19, 2020 at 2:17 pm
Excellent news AG Moody. All retail pet stores that sell puppies get those puppies from puppy mills. They all need to investigated and they all need to stop selling sick puppies. This is a huge step in exposing Petland and the rest of them. Thank you
Anna Cooke, editor The New Barker Dog Magazine
May 19, 2020 at 3:35 pm
Thank you, Attorney General Moody, for taking legal action against this Orlando business. This is definitely a long time coming.
Charles Danielian
May 19, 2020 at 3:43 pm
Thank you AG Moody. Finally, someone in authority is paying some attention the puppy mill horrors. They buy mixed breed mutts from breeders, give them fancy “doodle” names and sell them as designer pups to the elite for thousands. You have targeted the worst of the worst – PETLAND. We tried here in Collier County to stop Luis Marquez from coming here and opening his seventh PETLAND pet store. Back in October an ordinance that would have banned the retail sale of puppies and kitten in pet shops in Collier County was presented to our five county commissioners. After almost 4 hours of presentation from HSUS, Humane Society of Naples, Collier County Domestic Animal Services and dozens of tax paying voters as to why PETLAND should not be allowed to open in Collier County, three of the five commissioners decided to hide behind the excuse of “free enterprise” rather than following the wishes of their constituents and opted for “regulation” – which has never worked anywhere it has been tried. They have since learned that they cannot even do that. When things get back to normal and the commissioner begin to convene again, we would love to invite you to a commissioner meeting to address them on the horrors of the puppy mills they are supporting through their lack of action. Thank you again AG Moody.
Roz Harris
May 20, 2020 at 3:19 pm
Thank you AG Moody. We need more of these investigations, and more AG’s like you.
Sloan Cowart
May 20, 2020 at 3:38 pm
Thank Attorney General Moody. I wish other puppy stores in other counties would be investigated like this. It is unconscionable to sell sick puppies which cause horrific suffering for the puppies and the families who have adopted them.
Kelly J. Conner
May 20, 2020 at 3:42 pm
It’s about time this franchise is finally recognized for what it is! A company that cares only for profits, at the expense of animal misery and suffering, and emotional turmoil for the families that adopt them. Thank you AG Moody for making a stand against this shameful industry.
Karen Camerlengo
May 20, 2020 at 3:51 pm
Thank you for taking action!! Pet stores that sell these puppies are selling pain and heartbreak. Reputable breeders would never sell to a pet store. Thank you for protecting people from the fraud and the animals from this abuse.
Greg Shackles - Animal Advocate, Melbourne Florida
May 20, 2020 at 3:54 pm
Thank you AG Moody. Finally someone that cares for the well being of these poor animals that have no voice Retail sales of puppies should be banned from all stores unless they have been obtained from a reputable rescue organization.
Sami
May 20, 2020 at 3:56 pm
I am absolutely thrilled that AG Moody is finally taking on Petland. The puppy mill industry is disgraceful and it has boggled my mind ever since I learned about it 10 years ago that Petland, who peddles sick and dying dogs raised in deplorable conditions, has been allowed to operate for so long. So grateful that this is finally being taken seriously and addressed on a larger scale. Thank you Ms. Moody for speaking up for the voiceless innocent animals who are suffering in puppy mills and languishing in cages in Petland stores across the state!
Tracy Green
May 20, 2020 at 4:13 pm
Thank you AG Moody for taking a stand against the cruelty of this industry.
Carol Moorhead
May 20, 2020 at 4:14 pm
Thank you, AG Moody for your leadership! It comforts me knowing that the right isn’t over and the one day this will come to an end. Thank you 🙏🏻
Susan Nice
May 20, 2020 at 4:41 pm
Thank you AG Moody for taking up this issue. Hoping in the future we can outlaw puppy mills and pet sales in pet stores.
Grace Brinkman
May 20, 2020 at 5:02 pm
Thank you so much for setting an example of the responsibility ALL who represent Florida should be paying attention too. Animal abuse is rampant in pet stores. Puppies from a pet store are from puppy mills where moms are in the most horrific conditions.
QABroitzman
May 20, 2020 at 5:09 pm
Thank you AG Moody!!! There are plenty of adorable, healthy, adoptable puppies, dogs, cats, and kittens in shelters in every county in Florida. We do not need puppy mill breeder pets from out of state being sold in Florida! Hopefully, SWFL will follow suit!!!
Susan Rosemarin
May 20, 2020 at 5:29 pm
Thank you, AG Moody, for bringing this issue of a the puppy store selling sick puppies from puppy mills into the forefront, and holding those responsible, accountable. Hopefully this will lead to banning the sale of dogs and cats from pet stores altogether, which will then be the beginning of the end of puppy mills.
Martin Field
May 20, 2020 at 5:58 pm
Kudos to Attorney General A G Moody who is filing such charges. It is indeed unfortunate that so many pets and the unsuspecting public continue to fall victim to such an unscrupulous and under-regulated trade. Puppy mills and unregulated back yard breeders, their agents and retail sellers view the breeding and sale of puppies solely from a money making enterprise whereby little or no thought is given to the health and welfare of the animal or making an honest representation to the consumer. I hope this will lead to pet shops being legally restricted/licensed to acting as a ‘satellite seller’ whereby they sell vetted puppies and kittens solely from a city pound, regulated shelter or regulated rescue as so many cities and towns are now legislating. However, we need such regulation to become state legislation.
Jennifer Cohen
May 20, 2020 at 6:31 pm
Thank Attorney General Moody for caring about this issue and for speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves.
Kristen
May 20, 2020 at 8:09 pm
Thank you AG. This is long overdue and I applaud you. There are many more stores that need to be investigated. Puppy stores are a cruel business.
Pam
May 20, 2020 at 8:50 pm
Thank you Attorney General Moody!! We need more of you!!
Don Goldstein
May 20, 2020 at 8:54 pm
Kudos and thank you to AG Moody. Keep up the good work.
Deven
May 20, 2020 at 11:58 pm
Finally an official who cares. Whether you call it caring about the consumer or caring about the animals… is all good work on the side of morality, having a backbone and not being intimidated.
Ramona
May 21, 2020 at 12:09 am
Thank you for fighting for animal rights!!!
Judith Werr
May 21, 2020 at 1:39 am
a horrific industry that sources animals from mass breeding facilities to maximize profits. Pet stores that sell animals are really fronts for animal trafficking. Thank you for using your power to end this predatory practice!
Janice
May 21, 2020 at 4:54 am
Thank you for standing up for animal rights these stores need to be shut down!
MNM
May 21, 2020 at 6:19 am
A heartfelt thank you to Attorney General Moody for protecting these animals,for defending those victimized by Petland, and most importantly, for holding these Petland evil-doers accountable for their actions and seeking justice for the harm they have caused…. And Just when I began to think our voices had fallen on deaf ears, it turned out an angel was listening all along…
Cynthia Hewitt
May 21, 2020 at 7:31 am
Thank you AG Moody for working to protect public health, addressing deceptive business practices and striving to eliminate the horrific cruelty puppy mill puppies & dogs suffer.
Yolanda Berkowitz
May 21, 2020 at 7:40 am
Thank you to AG Moody! I hope that they investigate not only the Orlando stores, but all stores selling puppies. This is a problem in every pet store selling puppies, but particularly bad in Petland because of the large number of puppies they sell & their misleading business practices.
It’s time we stop the retail sales of puppies in stores and focus on the pets in our state in need of loving, safe homes!
Cindy Rapoport
May 21, 2020 at 9:36 am
Thank you AG Moody, I pray that this can be done statewide as these retailers selling these sick puppies (from animals bred to death literally) don’t care about the animals, it’s all about the money.
Helene Jones
May 21, 2020 at 12:25 pm
Thank you for exposing the truth about petstores who rob people and support horrific puppy mills. We need more great reporting to educate people That they support animal abuse when buying from any petstore
Lynne Tonte
May 21, 2020 at 1:53 pm
Thank you AG Moody! Such horrible stories and those poor dogs that have no voice other than what you have just given them. Show them that the pet industry is one of respect for the animals and have no place to support puppy mills and the sale of poor sick creatures.
Nina Perino
May 21, 2020 at 2:41 pm
Thank you to AG Moody for addressing this important issue. This is long overdue. Please also investigate not only the Orlando stores, but all stores selling puppies. This is a problem in every pet store selling puppies, but particularly bad in Petland because of the amount of puppies they sell, in addition to the deceptive lending practices. Stay away from pet stores who sell puppies. Stay away from Petland. The Pet Lemon Law is a joke. Ban retail sales of puppies in stores.
Patricia Harrington
May 21, 2020 at 9:45 pm
This is long overdue. Petland claims not to buy puppies from puppy mills, but they buy from a middleman who gets them from the horrible mills. All stores that sell puppies do this. The puppies are sick, and the mother dogs live their entire life in a cage. My daughter is a vet and has treated sick puppies. Some could not be saved. Please continue to prosecute and only allow shelter/legitmate rescue pets to be adopted from stores.
Briana Kish
May 21, 2020 at 10:09 pm
Thank you Attorney General Moody. We appreciate you speaking out for the voiceless. They need all the help they can get. ❤️
Polett v
May 21, 2020 at 10:17 pm
Thank you to AG Moody. There should be an investigation not just for the Orlando stores, but every store that sells puppies. This is a problem in every puppy selling establishment, but particularly bad in Petland because of the amount of puppies they sell, in addition to their unethical practices. Stay away from Petland and all puppy shops. The Pet Lemon Law is a bunch of lies. Please ban retail sales of puppies in stores. There are plenty of viable options to get the pet of your dreams without abusing and being cruel to animals.
Beth Sullivan
May 22, 2020 at 1:05 am
Thank you AG Moody! This is a long time coming. All stores selling puppy mill puppies should be thoroughly investigated and charged. Thank you for taking a stand for animal rights.
Charles Danielian
May 23, 2020 at 1:30 pm
Copy of the FB post of Sofia Rojas – “As of May 7, 2020, I have been in a battle with Petland Orlando East -Waterford Lakes. I purchased a Pomsky puppy, and two days later I encountered many serious illnesses; she had extreme diarrhea, uncontrolled vomiting, and identifiable depression and lethargy. As she continued to worsen, my only option was to take her to my local veterinarian. She tested positive for Parvovirus, roundworms, hookworms, hypoglycemia, and depression. Immediately, I called the store in Orlando and they directed me to their customer service line “Pawsitive Solutions”. They were unable to assist me and told me that I would have to bring her from Naples, FL up to Orlando in order to be covered under their “warranty”. She was not going to survive a four-hour car ride. After notifying the customer service about this, they said it was up to me what I want to do, but it is not going to be likely that I will get money back, even if the puppy dies. They hung up, and the dog’s life was put in my hands. It took three days and two different hospitals until she was stable enough to come home. Now, she will continue to live her life with the effects of Parvo. I have acquired over $2,900 in vet bills on top of the price we paid for the dog. The owners of this business denied all paperwork from two licensed veterinarians and expressed their disbelief of the doctors’ work. This puppy mill is under a lawsuit by the attorney general of Florida. There are 12 other owners that have endured a great deal of stress due to the negligence of this particular business. From extremely ill dogs to the death of many puppies, these petland business owners have scammed many innocent families. I believe with the work of my community we can end this unlawful business. All I ask is for my family, friends, and community members to share and repost this message in order to bring awareness to this situation. Thank you all.”
Ashley
May 26, 2020 at 1:30 pm
Thank you for cracking down on retail puppy mill dog sales. This is not only a consumer protection issue, but an animal welfare and public health issue as well. Bravo!
Comments are closed.