Los Angeles City Attorney Sues Wagmor Pets Over Alleged 'Puppy Laundering' Scheme
Wagmor Pets, a California-based dog rescue, and its owner, Melissa Bacelar, are facing a lawsuit from the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office. The lawsuit alleges that Bacelar operated an 'illegal commercial enterprise' by purchasing dogs from breeders and puppy mills and subsequently reselling them as rescues to unsuspecting individuals. City prosecutors claim that 'hundreds if not thousands of dogs' were bought and resold, with 'adoption fees' reaching up to $1,500. This alleged scheme is described as 'puppy laundering,' a practice where commercially bred puppies, including those from puppy mills, are marketed as rescued animals. The complaint cites violations of California's Unfair Competition Law and the Los Angeles Municipal Code, which includes laws prohibiting pet stores from selling live dogs and dog brokers from selling puppies. The lawsuit also names Wylder's Holistic Pet Center Inc. and Doho House LLC, two other companies run by Bacelar from the same address.
