HICKSVILLE, N.Y. (WCBS 880) -- New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit Thursday against a Long Island pet store on allegations of selling sick or injured puppies to customers who were left in the dark.
According to James’ office, an investigation found that both locations of Shake A Paw in Hicksville and Lynbrook falsely advertised sick pets as healthy, fabricating health certificates and failing to disclose medical conditions.
“Shake A Paw’s actions of deceiving consumers into purchasing sick or injured dogs is unconscionable and illegal,” said James. “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.”
Her office said they also misrepresented dog breeds and wouldn’t reimburse customers for vet bills. James said her office is aiming to permanently ban the company from selling puppies again and recoup money spent by consumers.
James has also motioned for a temporary restraining order against the store in order to protect more puppies and freeze funds in bank accounts managed by them.
Her office began an investigation after receiving several complaints about Shake A Paw from consumers.
After reviewing hundreds of vet records, James' office found 52% of puppies had breathing problems, respiratory infections or coughing and sneezing issues; 54% were infected with parasites; and about 10% were diagnosed with pneumonia.
Some puppies even died within days or weeks of being purchase, James said.
The illnesses in the animals were consistent with puppies purchased from puppy mills, the AG’s office said, and found thousands of puppies from known puppy mills that were shipped to both Shake A Paw locations.
Financial records also allegedly found payments being made to mills, including one breeder who the ASPCA said was indicted.
The office even said it obtained testimony from a vet who had a “relationship” with Shake A Paw, but ended it due to concerns over sick animals being sold by them.
“After purchasing puppies, many consumers were left with hefty veterinarian bills shortly thereafter. Shake A Paw would often give consumers the run around when they called to ask for reimbursement, were hung up on, and/or told that they were not entitled to their money back,” said the AG’s office.
James said reps would also direct pet owners to their own vets, who “often” failed to diagnose illnesses. They even allegedly told consumers that they wouldn’t get reimbursements if they went to other vets, which is illegal.
James filed the suit in Nassau County State Supreme Court and is looking for restitution and civil penalties for victims of “deceptive” conduct and a permanent injunction from them selling animals in any form.
“I just hope that in the future other families don’t have to suffer the same grief that we did,” said Erin Laxton, who purchased a dog from Shake A Paw who died within weeks. “I’m proud that I could be involved in this because it feels like I’m getting justice for my dog Merlin.”
“Shake A Paw’s actions are heartless. They put profits over treating puppies humanely,” said Danielle Fasano, who purchase her dog from Shake A Paw, who immediately had to be treated for pneumonia. “We hope this lawsuit brings an end to Shake A Paw’s terrible treatment of puppies.”
WCBS reached out to Shake A Paw for comment but did not immediately hear back.
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