State Attorney General’s Office sues puppy retailer in Pierce County for deception

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson is suing a puppy retailer in South Hill for allegedly deceiving buyers.

Ferguson announced Tuesday, April 11, he filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court against Puppyland, 13103 Meridian Ave. E., Ste. 104.

Puppyland allegedly misrepresents its breeding standards and health guarantees and uses deceptive advertising and sales practices, according to the complaint. The company could face thousands of dollars in penalties for violating the Consumer Protection Act.

“Businesses that sell puppies and other pets have an obligation to consumers not to deceive them or take advantage of them,” Ferguson said in a news release.

Puppyland did not immediately respond for comment.

Of the 7,000-plus people who bought puppies from the company since its inception in 2018, some reported their pets died shortly after they were brought home, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges the company has paperwork with an illegal non-disclosure provision that halts buyers from sharing truthful reviews. Buyers who sign agree not to “defame” the company or they’ll “face the threat of legal action,” according to the lawsuit.

The company’s purchase agreement allegedly states Puppyland would void health warranties if a buyer left a negative review online. Buyers also need to meet burdensome preconditions before the company covers any veterinary bills, according to the lawsuit.

The company offered health guarantees such as a two-year guarantee for costs if a puppy had a life-altering condition. When consumers alerted the company about ill puppies, the company allegedly would not respond.

One woman complained to the Better Business Bureau about a French bulldog puppy she purchased. The puppy defecated blood on the second day and developed other illnesses soon after. The company allegedly gave her only $36, according to the lawsuit.

The Attorney General’s Office conducted an investigation, during which it heard from a woman who bought a Shiba Inu puppy for her son. The puppy became an emotional support animal and was named Luna.

The mom told investigators the company set up a $6,500 loan to cover the price. Two weeks later, Luna started having seizures. The company allegedly didn’t pay for any of Luna’s medical costs. The seizures continued and Luna died in the son’s arms.

The company allegedly manipulates buyers into signing “predatory” loans without giving them time to review the terms and conditions. The loans would charge annual percentage rates as high as 198 percent, according to the lawsuit.

The owners of Puppyland are Kayla and Justin Kerr. They used to have stores in Renton and Olympia, according to the news release.

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