LOS ANGELES – Animal lovers considering a purebred puppy as a holiday gift should make sure they’re getting what they bargain for, authorities warned Monday.
Victims of scams have spent hundreds and even thousands of dollars on supposedly purebred pooches that turn out not to be what sellers claimed, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which issued the warning.
Pet stores and other resellers may simply accept a breeder’s word that an animal is a specific breed.
To determine if a dog is a recognized purebred, buyers should request registration documents from an organization such as the American Kennel Club, Canine Kennel Club or the Continental Kennel Club.
For non-recognized, “designer” breeds, experts can provide a second opinion.
The District Attorney’s Office suggests meeting the seller and the dog in person wherever the animal is housed and asking for medical records before paying or signing any contracts.
Purebred pups will no longer be available from pet stores beginning Jan. 1, when a new state law goes into effect requiring shops to sell only dogs, cats and rabbits from animal shelters or rescue organizations.
In the meantime, plenty of would-be pets are available for adoption at dozens of county, city and private shelters.
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Tom says
Pound puppies usually die or come with an expensive future vet bill for Parvo. Older dogs are someone else’s problem that now becomes yours. La County animal shelters and most local rescues are just after the dollar. The last pet store in the AV that sold dogs was in Lancaster at the old Mervins shopping center 20 plus years ago. Pets Mart dose not sell dogs they allow rescues to use the store on weekends. Dogs from a real breeder most likely always come with a guarantee, you have the dogs family history, and can usually see parents, and older siblings to get an idea of how they most likely will turn out.
tm says
And this is why we have dogs in the shelter, overbreeding so why not adopt ? Your giving them a second chance for a life! And if they are sick , go to vet and treat like a responsible pet owner would do… pets are a responsibility, therefore , another expense to add to the other expenses in life, as a responsible adult would know .. pets are a great addition to the family , as long as you can afford it.. just like kids …
Tim Scott says
This piece of utter BS, provided with no substantiation at all, brought to you by Tom…an obvious shill for “dog breeders” everywhere. Thank you Tom, we now return to regular programming.
Alexis says
Not so, Tom. Most dog breeders are unscrupulous, and keep these poor dogs in inhumane conditions. As for senior dogs, Tom, there are many people out there that adopt them, and are filled with joy for the time they are blessed with them. If you want a dog or cat, go to the shelter and pick one that is just right for you.
trumpist#1 says
Although I agree with the intent of this, I am concerned that the socialist legislature in nanny-dictatorship California will soon regulate EVERY aspect of our lives except border security, citizenship requirements and dangerous parolees let loose among us.
Sad to see greatest state under Reagan turn into such a third-world sh!t h0le.
Pet says
“Purebred pups will no longer be available from pet stores beginning Jan. 1, when a new state law goes into effect requiring shops to sell only dogs, cats and rabbits from animal shelters or rescue organizations.”
That’s great to hear and long overdue. It gives the last in line a chance for a better future.