April 14, 2023

Washington AG Sues Puppy Store for Alleged Misleading and Deceptive Sales Practices

Lori Kalani, Bernard Nash

Cozen O'Connor

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Cozen O'Connor

Washington AG Bob Ferguson filed a lawsuit against Doxiedor LLC, d/b/a Puppyland, and affiliated entities and individuals (collectively, “Puppyland”) alleging that the company violated the state’s Consumer Protection Act through deceptive and unfair advertising and sales practices related to its sale of purebred and designer mixed-breed puppies.
The complaint alleges that Puppyland does not disclose the prices of puppies online or in response to direct inquiries from consumers. Instead, the company discloses its fees, ranging from $3,000 and $10,000 per dog, only after consumers engage in a “puppy play session” with a dog. Additionally, the AG alleges that Puppyland coerces consumers into applying for predatory, same-day, high-interest loans to cover the costs of puppies. Although Puppyland justifies its high prices by claiming its puppies are the “Best of the Best” and by touting its health guarantee, the complaint alleges that many of the dogs sold were in poor health that saddled their new owners with debt from veterinary bills and related costs.
The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction preventing Puppyland from continuing the unlawful conduct alleged in the complaint, as well as civil penalties for violation of the Consumer Protection Act, disgorgement, and restitution.

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