December 29, 2015
A New Jersey puppy shop owner was arrested Sunday for allegedly continuing to sell dogs after being barred from doing so by a court order, NJ.com reports.
The shop's owner, Rocco Garruto, 63, was charged with a single count of contempt of court.
An order of the Woodbridge Municipal Court barred Fancy Pups pet shop in Avenel, Middlesex County, from selling dogs after an inspection of the facility earlier this month led to the discovery of animals in unsanitary conditions, authorities said.
According to township authorities, Fancy Pups was selling dogs that were "clearly unhealthy and unfit for sale," NJ.com reports.
An inspection of the facility earlier this month led to the discovery of animals who were forced to live in feces- and urine-soaked shredded newspapers, without access to water and with flies buzzing around the customer area, police said.
The court order required Garruto and several employees to stop selling, purchasing or transferring dogs. However, police said Garruto continued to do so from Crystal Auto Sales, which he also owns.
Three dogs were reportedly found at the auto sales location. A total of 13 dogs were surrendered. Officials say the dogs were suffering from a variety of ailments, including giardia, malnutrition and parvovirus.
Garruto and two of his employees were also cited with more than 110 violations of state animal cruelty regulations and the municipal health code, MyCentralJersey.com reports.
Read more from NJ.com here.
