Chelsea Puppy Shop May Face $70K Fine For Abusing Pets: AG

CHELSEA, NY — A Chelsea puppy store that sold sick, injured and abused puppies to unsuspecting consumers could face up to $70,000 in fines and restitution charges, prosecutors announced Thursday.

Owners of the now-closed Chelsea Kennel Club at 213 Seventh Ave. stand accused of abusing and selling sick puppies through unauthorized breeders in a new lawsuit from the New York State Attorney General's office.

"It is not only shameful, but illegal to sell sick and injured pets, let alone abuse these animals." said Attorney General Letitia James.

Chelsea Kennel Club heads Yardena and William Derraugh were also accused of false advertising and engaging in veterinary practices without a license, prosecutors said. The lawsuit stemmed from a Humane Society investigation in 2017, according to James' office.

Undercover investigators from the Humane Society saw employees smack puppies, hold them down, yell or pick them up by the scruff of the neck, Patch previously reported.

One newly adopted puppy died just six days after a consumer adopted the animal, according to James' office.

And pet store staffers even made some pups sicker by prescribing unhealthy does of expired medicines without consulting a veterinarian, according to prosecutors.

The undercover Humane Society investigation about the animals' treatment sparked calls for the shop's closure and the Chelsea Kennel closed its doors in 2017. The Department of Consumer Affairs filed a lawsuit against Derraugh in May.

"No puppy should be forced to endure the type of treatment we documented at Chelsea Kennel Club," said Kitty Block, president of the Humane Society.

"We appreciate the effort of the Attorney General's office in securing justice for these animals and New York consumers," Block said.

It was not immediately clear if the Derraughs had obtained lawyers and Patch was unable to reach them for comment.