EXCLUSIVE: Judge sides with AG, upholds restraining order against Shake A Paw

Attorney General Letitia James submitted new evidence allegedly proving Shake A Paw was buying puppies from breeders that gave horse medication to the puppies.

News 12 Staff

Mar 14, 2022, 3:47 PM

Updated 865 days ago

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Attorney General Letitia James has won another round in court against Shake A Paw.
In December, the attorney general’s office got a court order banning the pet store from buying, selling and adopting puppies.
The ruling came after multiple accusations of Shake A Paw selling sick puppies.
According to court documents, Dr. Diane Levitan was contacted by state prosecutors to organize teams of experienced veterinarians and licensed vet techs to examine and assess the health of the puppies at Shake A Paw stores in Hicksville and Lynbrook.
Levitan says that review found up to 50% of the puppies on the floor to be sold at that time were unfit for sale due to illness or congenital defects.
Last week, Shake A Paw was in court trying to get the order overturned.
James submitted new evidence allegedly proving Shake A Paw was buying puppies from breeders that gave horse medication to the puppies.
The judge sided with James and upheld the temporary restraining order.
"It's unconscionable that Shake A Paw bought and sold sick puppies. I am glad that our court order has been upheld so that Shake A Paw cannot buy or adopt any more puppies for resale in New York. My office will continue to hold them accountable and protect innocent puppies," says James.
Bay Shore resident Courtney Avendano says she bought her puppy from Shake A Paw a decade ago and that he still requires thousands of dollars of care. She says she is able to afford it, but knows others may not be able to take the financial hit.
"To me there is still liability, somewhat, when you are constantly pedaling out these puppies just for a profit to families that may not even be able to take care of these and it's not fair and it's not right," Avendano says.
Shake A Paw has is still denying the accusation.
A statement from their attorneys says in part, "Shake A Paw only acquires puppies from lawful sources--federally licensed breeders and brokers who are in compliance with federal regulatory requirements. And Shake A Paw scrupulously complies with the New York Pet Lemon Law, as well as all state and federal regulations. The claim that Shake A Paw knowingly sells sick puppies is groundless."
Attorneys for Shake A Paw tell News 12 the case has been fully submitted for judicial consideration and they look forward to the court's ruling.


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