AG James Obtains Testimony From Vet Who Formerly Worked for Shake A Paw, Details Unethical Behavior and Inhumane Conditions of Dogs
New York Attorney General Letitia James today filed a lawsuit against pet store Shake A Paw for unlawfully selling numerous sick or injured puppies to unaware consumers at both of its Long Island locations. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that both Shake A Paw locations on Long Island — in Hicksville and in Lynbrook, which serve the broader tri-state area — falsely advertised sick pets as healthy, fabricated health certificates, failed to disclose the animals’ legitimate medical conditions, misrepresented puppies’ breeds, and refused to reimburse consumers for veterinarian bills when they lodged complaints with Shake A Paw. Attorney General James also filed a motion for a temporary restraining order against Shake A Paw in an effort to protect the puppies in danger at the two Long Island locations, as well as to freeze funds that are in bank accounts managed by Shake A Paw for restitution.
“Shake A Paw’s actions of deceiving consumers into purchasing sick or injured dogs is unconscionable and illegal,” said Attorney General James. “My office’s thorough investigation uncovered a series of violations by Shake A Paw that defrauded consumers and found sick puppies that came from dangerous puppy mills. When New Yorkers purchased puppies from Shake A Paw, they did not expect to bring home dogs in such heartbreaking and horrifying conditions. Today, we are holding Shake A Paw accountable for their unlawful and inhumane actions by filing a lawsuit to permanently ban the company from selling puppies any longer, as well as to recoup what consumers paid. Animal mistreatment is despicable and will not be tolerated.”
After receiving numerous consumer complaints, the OAG opened an investigation into both Shake A Paw locations on Long Island. Shake A Paw advertises their puppies as healthy and of the highest quality. After reviewing hundreds of veterinary records and consumer complaints, the OAG’s investigation found that Shake A Paw sold puppies with serious illnesses — with some puppies passing away within days or weeks of purchase. Several puppies were suffering from serious illness and congenital defects, displaying visible signs of illness at the time of sale, despite receiving health certifications signed off by Shake A Paw’s contracted veterinarians, oftentimes mere days before sale.
The OAG analyzed 408 veterinary records of puppies sold at the Shake A Paw locations, out of which:
- 52 percent of the puppies presented coughing, sneezing, an upper respiratory infection, and/or breathing problems;
- Roughly 54 percent were infected with parasites; and
- Almost 10 percent were diagnosed with pneumonia.
In addition, the OAG received 113 Shake A Paw records, out of which 67 — or almost 60 percent of the health certificates — were issued between zero and 19 days prior to sale.
The illnesses and congenital defects in these animals were found to be consistent with puppies that are purchased from puppy mills. The OAG investigation found thousands of puppies from known puppy mills that were shipped to both Shake A Paw locations on Long Island. Through financial records, the OAG found payments being made to known puppy mills by Shake A Paw. In fact, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) notified the OAG that the U.S. Department of Justice indicted a puppy mill breeder that supplied puppies to Shake A Paw. The information provided by the ASPCA directly linked Shake A Paw to obtaining puppies from puppy mills and not reputable breeders as advertised.
The OAG also obtained sworn testimony from a veterinarian that had a prior relationship with Shake A Paw, but ended this relationship due to their concern over the number of sick animals that were being sold by Shake A Paw, as well as other ethical concerns.
After purchasing puppies, many consumers were left with hefty veterinarian bills shortly thereafter. Shake A Paw would often give consumers the run around when they called to ask for reimbursement, were hung up on, and/or told that they were not entitled to their money back. Shake A Paw representatives also directed consumers to the company’s own veterinarians, who often failed to diagnose illnesses; telling consumers that they would not be reimbursed if they visited their own veterinarians — a violation of the Pet Lemon Law. Additionally, Shake A Paw refused to reimburse consumers who purchased sick animals or animals that passed away, another violation of the Pet Lemon Law.
Through her lawsuit — filed in Nassau County State Supreme Court — Attorney General James is seeking restitution for the victims over Shake A Paw’s unfair and deceptive conduct; civil penalties for such conduct; a permanent injunction preventing Shake A Paw from selling, importing, exporting, bartering, exchanging, or gifting any animals in the future; and an end to the company’s further violation of consumer protection laws.
“I’m so grateful that Attorney General James is taking action to hold Shake A Paw accountable for what all of the puppies and families have had to go through,” said Erin Laxton, who purchased a dog at the Lynbrook Shake A Paw that passed away within weeks of purchase. “I just hope that in the future other families don’t have to suffer the same grief that we did. I’m proud that I could be involved in this because it feels like I’m getting justice for my dog Merlin.”
“I would like to thank Attorney General James and her team for advocating for these sick dogs and holding Shake A Paw accountable for their negligence,” said Danielle Fasano, who purchased her dog Shaq from the Hicksville Shake A Paw and immediately had to take the dog to a veterinary hospital to be treated for pneumonia. “Shake A Paw’s actions are heartless. They put profits over treating puppies humanely. We hope this lawsuit brings an end to Shake A Paw’s terrible treatment of puppies.”
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