JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A Jacksonville animal activist group is calling on the Florida State Attorney General to investigate local pet stores.
A 48-signature document was sent to the offices of Attorney General Pam Bondi, Commissioner Adam Putnam and State Attorney Melissa Nelson. The document requests an investigation into the possible outbreak of Parvo, Giardia and Bordetella at local pet stores, including Pet World, Pet Land, BFF Puppies and Puppies Galore.
"We've had dozens of people and even store employees, reach out to our group, saying they've purchased a sick puppy that was diagnosed with Parvo Virus, Giardia, or Bordetella, and that they died within a few weeks of adoption," Merrill said. "We understand that sometimes these things happen but if they do, we want to make sure these stores are quarantining their animals and taking the right steps to make sure they're not endangering other pets once they're adopted or animals in their neighborhood."
Kayn, a local resident, said he adopted a sick Akita puppy from Pet World back in March, however, he had to return the animal a few weeks later.
"I was told she was healthy but the week after I took her home, she got very sick," Kayn said. "The vet diagnosed with her Parvo, Giardia and kennel cough, which are extremely contagious, so I had to return her so she couldn't infect my other animals."
Kayn said he was refunded for medical bills, however, he was not refunded the $2,000 he paid for the puppy because he signed store paperwork that waived reimbursement.
"I was under duress at that point, so I really wasn't thinking clearly when I brought her back to the store," he said. "I put a medical chip in her and now I'm seeing that she's been re-adopted, so it's really upsetting to know they did that."
First Coast News reached out to the pet stores listed in the letter. We received the following statement from Marsha Kello, one of the owners of Puppies Galore:
"I have been in business for 18 years. I have had the same veterinarian for 18 years. There are 4 vets at Beltway Animal Hospital. They are very thorough and will not pass a puppy if even has the smallest mucus discharge more less Bordetella. I have a quarantine area in my store to keep sanitary conditions. I never put profit over the well-being of a puppy. I have the vet bills to prove that statement. I vaccinate the puppies in the store every 2 weeks even though by law it is only required every 30 days. I also do a routine preventive treatment plan so the puppies do not go home with Coccidia. I don't have anything to hide my veterinarian gives the treatment plan for any sick puppies. I have been harassed by Adopt don't shop Florida for months. This organization is headed by Lisa Grossman. I have documentation that shows her telling her supporters to make false reviews. The reviews are negative so that the rating will go down for each pet store they picket. My belief from most of our customers are why can they not have the right to Adopt or Shop? She has made several statements she will do anything she can to put all of the pet stores out of business. I agree if a pet store is not following the rules and does not take care of the puppies properly they should not be in business. I have a passion for what I do and that is why I do it, I am family owned and operated. I think of each-and-every one of these puppies as my kids, anyone that knows me knows this is true."