[co-authors: Stephanie Kozol*, Roth Soy]
Washington Attorney General (AG) Nick Brown secured a $3.75 million settlement with Puppyland, known for selling purebred and mixed breed puppies, over unlawful advertising and sales practices. The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed by former AG Bob Ferguson, addressing multiple violations under the state’s Consumer Protection Act. The complaint alleged that Puppyland misrepresented the breeding standard of puppies sold; failed to honor advertised health guarantees; channeled customers into loans with interest rates approaching 200% “without adequate time to review and understand the terms;” and used nondisparagement provisions in their purchase agreements that restricted truthful online reviews.
As part of the settlement, Puppyland is required to pay $3.75 million to the AG’s office. The consent decree allows Brown discretion in determining potential consumer restitution. Brown’s press release indicates that his office will focus on assisting consumers burdened with costly veterinary bills when Puppyland did not honor its health guarantee.
The consent decree also mandates significant reforms to Puppyland’s advertising and sales practices, including:
- Eliminating the use of nondisclosure/nondisparagement provisions in consumer agreements;
- Prohibiting refusal to negotiate pet costs with consumers;
- Banning Puppyland from advising consumers on loans;
- Stopping false advertising of breeding standards and health guarantees; and
- Clearly advertising the price range of puppies.
Why It Matters
This action underscores the ongoing regulation and scrutiny of advertising, regardless of the industry, by state AGs. It is particularly noteworthy due to its emphasis on deceptive advertising practices concerning health claims albeit puppy mill-related. Such regulatory scrutiny is commonly seen in the consumer health and wellness sectors.
*Senior Government Relations Manager
