Customers of a Tucson-based pet retailer, Pets at Park Place, are voicing concerns about purchasing dogs that quickly succumb to serious illnesses, with allegations of inadequate response from the store regarding the health issues.
Cathleen Doolittle, one such customer, shared her experience after buying a boxer named Darla for $2,500 in September from Pets at Park Place, situated within Park Place Mall. Doolittle revealed that Darla fell ill almost immediately after leaving the store, necessitating costly medical treatments. Despite informing the store about Darla’s health complications, Doolittle claimed they insisted the dog was healthy before the sale and declined to provide assistance.
Doolittle presented medical records indicating that Pets at Park Place administered five deworming treats to Darla within a month and a half, raising questions about the store’s awareness of potential health issues. The records also revealed Darla’s origin from a commercial breeder in Missouri, offering limited information about the conditions she might have been exposed to.
While many states, including California, have prohibited the sale of commercially bred dogs at retail stores, Arizona’s lenient laws hinder local governments from establishing their own regulations. Tucson City Councilmember Steve Kozachik expressed concerns about the lack of regulations, stating, “We have real concerns about where they’re sourcing their pets from; the fact is the law doesn’t have any teeth so we can’t go in there and request their records.”
Pets at Park Place has faced criticism from animal activist groups like SPEAK since its opening, with regular protests outside the store. Gary Vella, a leading member of SPEAK, pointed to Arizona’s current legislative landscape, labeling it a “virtual dumping ground for what we call puppy pushers.”
Doolittle’s case is not isolated, as another anonymous customer reported similar issues last month, describing it as a concerning pattern rather than an isolated incident. The News 4 Tucson Investigators attempted to reach out to Pets at Park Place for their perspective but received no response to emails and phone calls made over the past month.
As the allegations against Pets at Park Place continue to surface, questions persist about the sourcing of pets and the need for stronger regulations to ensure the well-being of animals sold in retail establishments.
