Company Pays Out Thousands for Deceiving Customers, Selling Sick or Dying Puppies

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody secured financial relief to customers who reportedly have been deceived by a pet store that sold sick or dying puppies.

A consumer protection investigation against Hoof’s Pets, Inc., doing business as Petland Orlando East and Petland Waterford Lakes, revealed consumer complaints alleging Petland misrepresented the health and quality of the puppies sold, dishonored pet warranties and violated parts of Florida’s Pet Lemon Law.

“We are securing financial relief for Floridians who purchased sick and dying puppies when they thought they were bringing home a healthy family pet. I am glad that through this action my Consumer Protection Division was able to obtain thousands of dollars for harmed consumers, as well as injunctive relief to prevent these defendants from deceiving others in the future,” said Moody.

Following Moody’s action, Petland paid more than $123,000 in refunds to consumers. Moody’s announcement confirms an additional $85,000 in monetary relief for consumers, bringing the total to more than $200,000.

In addition to monetary relief for consumers, a consent judgment permanently bans the pet store and its owners from selling or offering for sale any puppy that is known to be ill, diseased or have any disorder, making false statements or misrepresentations about a puppy’s health, purebred status, registrability with the American Kennel Club, purchase price or other deceptive conduct, failing to provide consumers with all requisite documentation related to puppy purchases and providing any warranty to consumers that contains any deceptive or misleading term.

The defendants are also required to establish a complaint liaison to receive, promptly address and resolve consumer complaints.

After Moody’s office filed legal action against the defendants, the Orange County Board of Commissioners passed a retail pet sales ban ordinance prohibiting the sale of puppies, kittens and rabbits in Orange County.

This holiday season, Floridians can consult Moody’s Consumer Alert related to pet purchases. Floridians can report scams to Moody’s office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM, or by filing a complaint online.