From April Dembosky:
Two puppy dealers were arrested Thursday after buyers complained that their pups died within days of purchase.
Christopher John Derek Ellis and Leeanna Rachelle Kamp sold Yorkshire terriers, French bulldogs and other pedigrees - for $600 to $2,000 each - from their storefront California Pets and Supply in Dixon and online at YorkieAngel.com. They also sold $20 tickets for two puppy lottos.
The Solano County District Attorney's office began investigating after several customers sued the duo in civil court for recovery of veterinary bills and purchase fees.
Ellis and Kamp were arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and violation of lottery laws.
More than 50 dogs were taken into custody and are being examined.
"It reached the point where we felt we had no other alternatives," said David W. Paulson, Solano County district attorney, whose office has been investigating the business for almost two years. "There were some serious issues that could be threats to public health."
Veterinarians are not yet sure of the puppies' exact cause of death, but are concerned that the disease may be communicable to other pets, or even humans.
Customers that stepped into the Dixon pet store could transmit illness from their shoes and are advised to have their own pets checked, Paulson said.
Customers who suffered economic loss from purchasing a sick puppy are asked to contact the District Attorney's Office at (707) 784-6859.
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