New York Pet Store Sued For Selling Sick Puppies To Unsuspecting Customers

A New York pet store has become embroiled in a lawsuit after selling unsuspecting customers sick puppies that died within days or weeks of purchase.

Shake A Paw in Long Island allegedly sold dogs that came from puppy mills after telling their customers that the canines were from legitimate breeders. New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office filed a lawsuit against the pet store with the Nassau County Supreme Court on Thursday.

"Shake A Paw's actions of deceiving consumers into purchasing sick or injured dogs is unconscionable and illegal," James said, WABC reported.

Puppies sold by the store allegedly had serious illnesses such as pneumonia, breathing problems, infections and congenital defects.

The lawsuit claims that the store advertised sick puppies as being healthy, fabricated doctor’s certificates, did not disclose the serious health conditions of the canines, misrepresented dog breed and lied about breeders.

According to court documents obtained by the New York Post, nine dogs sold by Shake a Paw allegedly died soon after the sale from various complications. Customers were sold sick pets along with various goods and services for a price ranging from $2,500 to $8,000.

"My office's thorough investigation uncovered a series of violations by Shake A Paw that defrauded consumers and found sick puppies that came from dangerous puppy mills. When New Yorkers purchased puppies from Shake A Paw, they did not expect to bring home dogs in such heartbreaking and horrifying conditions," James said, according to WABC.

"Today, we are holding Shake A Paw accountable for their unlawful and inhumane actions by filing a lawsuit to permanently ban the company from selling puppies any longer, as well as to recoup what consumers paid. Animal mistreatment is despicable and will not be tolerated," she added.

According to James’ office, a veterinary records investigation of 408 dogs sold by Shake A Paw found half of the canines had a serious illness and were infected with parasites.

Richard Hamburger, Shake A Paw’s lawyer, denied the allegation and said the company is cooperating with the attorney general’s investigation. "On the rare occasion when a sold puppy has taken ill, Shake A Paw has reimbursed veterinary bills up to the sales price, given a full refund, or exchanged the puppy for another," he said to the Post.

Hamburger added that Shake A Paw does not purchase dogs from puppy mills or knowingly misrepresent a dog’s breed.