NAPLES, Fla. — A report from the Humane Society listed a dog breeder in Naples in its latest “Horrible Hundred” puppy sellers list.
The report says at least 26 puppies have died at Florida Puppies Online in Naples since 2017.
The store manager, Kimberly Collins says their organization has been a target since last October when Collier County commissioners voted against banning the retail sale of animals in pet shops.
The organization has been accused of violating guidelines and breeding puppies in inhumane conditions, leading to the deaths of several animals.
“ All were under vet care, we have provided domestic animal services with the vet records on those puppies, the death certificates. Unfortunately when you deal with live animals things happen, ” sais Collins.
A local advocate for animal rights, Kelly Hyland says they are concerned about the conditions animals may endure in commercialized breeding centers.
“Another concern for our community was the health issue, some of the dogs have sicknesses that are contagious to humans as well, ” said Hyland.
“We like to promote adoption or through a reputable breeder, ” said Kelly Hyland.
Florida Puppies Online denies allegations of non-reputable breeders.
“All of our breeders are licensed by state and federal and they are regulated, ” says Kimberly Collins.
She says The Humane Society has similar numbers when it comes to fatalities over the past several years.
“As far as the numbers, The Naples Humane Society has had 27 dogs die in there care and 47 euthanized, ” said Collins.
Florida Puppies Online says they are currently working with the county to ensure they meet regulations.
“The vast majority of our puppies go home happy and healthy, we have happy customers, ” said Collins.
Stick with fox 4 as we follow the latest on the conditions of puppy mills and sellers in SWFL.
