LI Pet Shop Owner Charged After 11 Sick Puppies Rescued

BALDWIN, NY — A puppy shop owner is facing charges after authorities said he sold sick puppies.

Puppy 4 You owner Pecardy DeLeon was charged with three counts of violating the state's agricultural law, police announced Tuesday.

Agents seized 11 dogs with "major health issues," including one that died, according to Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.

"The Puppy for You corporation failed to follow proper vaccination and deworming protocol," Ryder said at a news conference.

He said the Merrick Road shop did not have adequate ventilation, causing the dogs to get overheated. Ten of the dogs seized had parasites, officials said.

"They were considered a diseased animal. How horrific is that?" Ryder said.

The Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has been caring for the puppies since they were seized from the shop in March. The puppies are between 6 weeks and 3 months old; some are cleared for adoption.

Medical bills for the dogs exceeded $54,000, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said. The SPCA will seek donations to help cover the expenses.

"Animal abuse is not tolerated here in Nassau County," Curran said. "When there is a sign of animal abuse there [are] often other kinds of crime."

DeLeon is due back in court Wednesday. He could face up to a year in prison and/or a $1,000 fine if convicted.