CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Humane Society of the United States confirmed two more lawsuits were filed in Ohio “which seek to hold Petland accountable for business practices that mislead customers and prop up the cruel puppy mill industry.”HSUS said its attorneys are assisting Ohio law firm Holland & Muirden counsel again to represent two more families “who have suffered much heartache after buying dogs at Petland.
Little did the Seguras know, this was only the beginning of Sky’s troubles. As alleged in their legal complaint, Sky subsequently began suffering from frequent seizures and defecating blood. After more visits to the veterinarian in fall 2023, Sky was diagnosed with a liver shunt, a congenital condition which can be tested for in breeding parent dogs by breeders. Because of Sky’s small size, her veterinarians are currently treating Sky’s symptoms with medication.
Ohioans will continue to fall victim to the puppy-mill-to-pet-store pipeline as long as Petland and other puppy-selling pet stores can hide behind a state preemption law. This law bans localities from putting strictures and regulations on puppy sales at retailers. While nearly 500 localities across the U.S. and eight states have stopped the sale of puppy mill puppies in pet stores, Ohio stands squarely on the wrong side of this issue.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture has all the tools it needs to crack down on puppy mills, especially those with serious animal welfare violations. Ohio is home to a number of known puppy mills, many of which have appeared in our Horrible Hundred report, an annual analysis that puts the spotlight on 100 problem puppy mills across the U.S.