Attorney General Letitia James on Monday announced a settlement with Long Island pet store Shake-A-Paw that requires the company to pay $300,000 in restitution to approximately 190 customers.
These customers suffered emotional and financial distress after purchasing sick puppies, some of which died shortly after taking them home. The settlement also requires Shake-A-Paw to make significant changes to its business practices to prevent future misconduct.
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) conducted an investigation into Shake-A-Paw, revealing inhumane conditions and the sale of seriously ill puppies. This contradicted the store's promotion of selling the “healthiest” puppies and the “best of the best” from the “largest selection of dogs.” A reliable breeder. Research shows that more than half of puppies sold have serious health problems such as upper respiratory infections and parasites, and nearly 10% are diagnosed with potentially fatal pneumonia. It became clear.
“New Yorkers who buy dogs are looking to add a loyal and loving addition to their family,” James says. “It can be really heartbreaking to unknowingly purchase a sick puppy. Not only did the owners at Shake-A-Paw treat their dogs poorly, they also lied about their health conditions. The company defrauded its customers, leaving many families with expensive veterinary bills. The days of Shake-A-Paw buying and selling sick puppies are over, and former customers will be compensated for the losses they suffered. That will happen.”
