CHILLICOTHE, Ohio --(// BUSINESS WIRE //)-- Petland is pleased, but not surprised with the United States District Court's ruling in Arizona, which dismissed virtually all of the claims that had been made against Petland.
HSUS widely reported that they had received hundreds of complaints from Petland customers, that it (HSUS) spent months investigating 32,000 puppy purchases from Petland and that thousands of the puppies sold by Petland were from substandard breeders, or "puppy mills." However, HSUS could only muster 31 purchasers over a period of more than five years to present a claim in court. Yesterday, the court dismissed the claims of 29 of those 31 people.
Despite HSUS's press release touting a legal win, The Court's ruling leaves only two claimants who will be permitted to present the facts of their case to determine if they are entitled to any reimbursement of money based upon the claimed illnesses of their dogs.
The two claimants purchased dogs from stores in Maine and in New Hampshire, which were individually owned and operated franchises. Both locations have since closed and Petland has found no evidence that these customers ever contacted Petland, Inc. for a settlement or to discuss their complaints for resolution.
Petland is also pleased to report that the Court rejected plaintiffs' broad claims relating to the sale of pets from substandard breeders, referred to by HSUS as "puppy mills." Petland supports humane breeding practices and the humane treatment of all animals and has provided such support for more than 40 years. Tens of thousands of people have positive experiences every year in their purchase of Petland pets. In this regard, Petland will continue to strive to create a positive experience for every Petland customer.
Petland, Inc. is a franchise operation with nearly 200 quality, full service, retail pet centers across the United States, Canada, Japan, China, Mexico and South Africa. Petland is ranked among Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500.
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