ATTORNEY GENERAL INVESTIGATING CALDWELL-BASED PUPPY-SELLING BUSINESS
The Texas Attorney General’s Office has announced an investigation into a puppy-selling business in Caldwell over whether it is violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a release today (Wednesday) that his office is looking into Lone Star Pups LLC, which sells doodle, designer and purebred dog breeds. He said his office has issued a Civil Investigative Demand to the company to obtain documents and information about its business practices, particularly in reference to the origin of its puppies and their veterinary care.
According to the AG’s Office, the company states it only works with breeders that maintain ethical practices. However, the office said that records examined through its investigation show pre-purchase veterinary exams have been conducted in Holmes County, Ohio. The office links that region to large-scale – and in some cases, unethical – commercial dog breeding operations, adding that buyers asking for specific breeder information are often denied.
Additionally, the AG’s Office said the company markets that 99 percent of its breeding dogs are certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), meaning a reduced risk for hereditary conditions and better long-term health. Per investigators, though, only two of the four tests needed for certification are being completed.
Another matter being looked into is that while the company advertises a “10 Year Health Guarantee” warranty and frequently uses the term “guarantee” on its website, the office stated that coverage for major conditions like cancer, pancreatitis, autoimmune disease, diabetes, intestinal disease and seizures is capped at three years from the puppy’s date of birth, and that the pet must be on insurance in order to remain eligible.
Paxton said, “Texans deserve honest information about their new family pets, the veterinary care they receive, and the promises that a company is actually willing to honor. My office will hold accountable any business that deceives Texas consumers.”
KWHI has reached out to Lone Star Pups for comment.