An Orlando-based pet store has been ordered to issue over $200,000 in refunds for misrepresenting the health and quality of puppies it sold to its customers.
The owners of Petland, which operates two locations in Orlando, were ordered by Judge Vincent S. Chiu of the Ninth Judicial Circuit to pay back over $200,000 in monetary relief to customers following a two-and-a-half year investigation.
Previously, Petland issued more than $123,000 in refunds to its customers as a result of a lawsuit brought against the company by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. The final judgment, which was signed and ordered on December 9, confirms an additional $85,000 in monetary relief.
“We are securing financial relief for Floridians who purchased sick and dying puppies when they thought they were bringing home a healthy family pet,” said Moody in a statement.
In addition to the monetary compensation, the judgment bans the pet store and its owners from selling or offering any puppies that are known to be ill, diseased, or have disorders, and furthermore, prevents them from issuing warranties to consumers that contain deceptive or misleading terms.
As a result of the case, last year, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to enact an ordinance prohibiting the sale of dogs, cats or rabbits by pet stores across the county.
“I am glad that through this action, my Consumer Protection Division was able to obtain thousands of dollars for harmed consumers, as well as injunctive relief to prevent these defendants from deceiving others in the future,” said Moody.
In August of this year, Hoof’s Pets, Inc. and its owners, Geoffrey M. Hoofnagle and Ben W. Hoffnagle, announced that the company would close its Petland South location at 3920 S Semoran Boulevard.
“Due to Orange County banning the sale of puppies, kittens, and bunnies, it is with great sadness that we will be closing our family-owned store,” reads a social media post from the company.
The company still operates a location at 453 N. Alafaya Trail in Waterford Lakes, where they sell “small animals” including hamsters, ferrets, and mice, among others.