Eight pet stores in New Jersey have been issued Notices of Violation and face civil penalties totaling more than $70,000 for violating the state’s Pet Purchase Protection Act (PPPA), according to an announcement from Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs.
The violations were discovered during unannounced inspections at stores located in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Somerset, and Union counties. Investigators from the Division’s Office of Consumer Protection found that all eight stores failed to comply with various requirements under the PPPA.
Violations included not labeling puppies’ cages with information about each animal’s breeding history and medical background. The stores also did not properly display or provide statements informing consumers of their rights when purchasing a pet, including what happens if an animal becomes sick or dies.
Attorney General Platkin stated: “Discovering that a new pet has a debilitating health issue can be devastating, both emotionally and financially. New Jersey’s Pet Purchase Protection Act requires stores to provide prospective buyers with the information they need to ensure the animal they bring home was bred and maintained under healthy conditions. Stores that violate this law will be held accountable for denying consumers the ability to make educated choices in this important decision.”
Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, added: “Ensuring transparency in New Jersey’s marketplace is essential, especially when it comes to buying a pet. No one should have to suffer the heartache of unwittingly purchasing a sick puppy and then being forced to choose between paying costly vet fees or losing their pet. Through our ongoing inspections of pet stores throughout the state, we will continue to identify and sanction retailers who keep consumers in the dark about the background and health of the pets they buy.”
Additional violations included failing to maintain records on vaccinations given to animals, dates examined by veterinarians, names of veterinarians involved, as well as not displaying federal inspection reports for breeders or brokers. One store—Oh My Dog in Kearny—was cited for obtaining puppies from breeders not licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The following businesses received penalties:
– Bergen Kennel Inc., Englewood (Bergen County): $9,538.26
– Silver Nickel Puppies at Troy’s Trims & Treats, Englewood (Bergen County): $7,038.26
– Pet Crew Pet Shop, Newark (Essex County): $8,504.26
– Oh My Dog LLC, Kearny (Hudson County): $8,079.87
– Carmona Pet Shop Inc., Union City (Hudson County): $7,488.20
– Pet Center Rescue Inc., Old Bridge (Middlesex County): $13,359.30
– Oxford Puppy Group d/b/a Shake A Paw (Green Brook location), Somerset County: $10,695.02
– Oxford Puppy Group d/b/a Shake A Paw (Union location), Union County: $10,744.91
In total these penalties amount to over $75 thousand.
The PPPA sets out several requirements for pet shops selling animals in New Jersey:
– Cage labels must include detailed breeder and broker information along with identifying details about each animal.
– Stores must display signs informing customers about their rights regarding recent facility inspections.
– Animals must be examined by a veterinarian within five days before being offered for sale; results are required on health certificates.
– If an animal was examined more than 14 days before purchase it must be re-examined within three days after delivery unless declined by written consent.
– Sales are forbidden from breeders or brokers lacking proper licenses or those who have violated certain laws within two years.
More information on consumer rights under this law is available through resources provided by the Division of Consumer Affairs.
Investigator Donna Leslie coordinated enforcement efforts within the Division’s Office of Consumer Protection.
