Los Angeles – The City Attorney’s Office filed a civil lawsuit on Wednesday accusing Wagmor Pets, Wylder’s Holistic Pet Center, Doho House and their owner, Melissa Bacelar, of operating an alleged “puppy‑laundering” scheme. The suit alleges that the businesses purchased puppies from breeders and puppy mills, then marketed them as rescued animals to Angelenos seeking to adopt.
Allegations and Legal Basis
The complaint says Bacelar and her three entities repeatedly violated California’s Unfair Competition Law and the Los Angeles Municipal Code. California law bars pet stores from selling dogs, cats and rabbits directly, but permits bona‑fide rescue groups to facilitate adoptions. The city alleges the defendants circumvented that ban by offering commercially bred puppies for adoption, thereby profiting from families’ compassion.
City Attorney’s Position
City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto said, “Families who open their homes to rescue animals deserve honesty, not deception. We allege that the defendants exploited the compassion of many Angelenos for financial gain, while putting the welfare of vulnerable animals at risk.” The office is seeking a permanent injunction to stop the alleged practices, restitution for affected consumers, and civil penalties.
Bacelar’s Response
Melissa Bacelar, an actress who has placed pets with celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Aniston, Dwayne Johnson and Jenna Dewan, strongly rejected the accusations. “The allegations are not true,” she told NBC Los Angeles. “We will respond fully to the City’s complaint in court. And I will never stop fighting for the dogs who need us.” Bacelar characterized the lawsuit as part of a decade‑long campaign waged against her by two attorneys.
Related Legal Proceedings
The city’s suit follows a separate civil action in which a judge disqualified the plaintiffs’ law firm over concerns about handling confidential information. That ruling did not resolve whether Wagmor Pets illegally sold commercially bred puppies.
The complaint also alleges that many dogs sold by Bacelar’s companies died after adoption, further underscoring the city’s concern for animal welfare and consumer protection.
What Puppy‑Laundering Means
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, puppy‑laundering is a scheme in which sellers purchase puppies from commercial breeders, including puppy mills, and market them as rescued animals. The practice allows sellers to charge high “adoption” fees while misleading buyers who believe they are saving animals in need.
Community Impact
Los Angeles families who adopt pets rely on honest representation of an animal’s background. The city’s action aims to protect those families and ensure that rescue organizations operate within the law, preserving both consumer trust and animal welfare.
The case will proceed in Los Angeles Superior Court, where both sides will present evidence. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the outcome, as it may affect how local rescue groups conduct adoptions in the future.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
