Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a civil investigation into Lone Star Pups, a Caldwell-based online puppy seller, over allegations of misleading customers about its breeders, veterinary care, and health testing.

Investigation Details

Paxton’s office is examining possible violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The investigation was announced on Wednesday, and a Civil Investigative Demand was issued to obtain documents and information about the company’s business practices.

Lone Star Pups offers doodle and designer breeds, claiming to use trusted, reputable breeders. However, state investigators allege that puppies receive pre-purchase veterinary examinations in Holmes County, Ohio, a region known for large-scale and sometimes unethical commercial breeding operations.

The attorney general’s office also alleges that customers who seek breeder-specific information are frequently denied it. An undercover investigation found that the health testing included only two of the four screenings required for the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certification that the company markets.

Health Guarantee Concerns

Paxton’s office is also challenging the way Lone Star Pups markets its health guarantee, alleging that the repeated use of the term ‘guarantee’ creates a false sense of security. The company’s posted terms separate a 10-year puppy-replacement program from a cash medical-reimbursement program, with specific conditions and requirements for eligibility.

Lone Star Pups said in a statement that it operates with integrity and transparency and will fully cooperate with any inquiry. The company stands behind its health guarantee and claims to have connected families with healthy, well-socialized puppies.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.