Just Puppies of Maryland, Inc., Just Puppies, Inc., and Mitchell Thomson Agree to Refund Payments for Sick Dogs, Pay Civil Penalties, and Ban on Selling Dogs in Maryland
Maryland 2021 – Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh announced today that his Consumer Protection Division has reached a settlement with Just Puppies of Maryland, Inc., Just Puppies, Inc., and Mitchell Thomson, the companies’ owner (Just Puppies) concerning their sale of puppies to consumers that the Division alleged violated the Consumer Protection Act and the No More Puppy Mills Act. The settlement prevents Just Puppies from selling dogs in Maryland, provides restitution to Maryland consumers who purchased puppies that had a congenital disorder or hereditary condition or illness at the time of purchase, and imposes civil penalties.
The Division alleged that Just Puppies sold puppies after January 1, 2020, when the “No More Puppy Mills Act” banned these sales in Maryland. The Division also alleged that for some of Just Puppies’ sales, the companies and their owner violated the Consumer Protection Act by misleading consumers about their relationship with the breeders from which they acquired their puppies. The Division also alleged that Just Puppies of Maryland, Inc. and Thomson violated the Consumer Protection Act when they continued to sell puppies even after the City of Rockville revoked the store’s pet shop license.
“This settlement resolves allegations that Just Puppies and its owner violated laws intended to protect animals from irresponsible breeding and mistreatment,” said Attorney General Frosh. “Consumers who were misled by Just Puppies and purchased sick dogs will get their money back or receive compensation to help pay for their pet’s care.”
In the settlement, Just Puppies agreed to refund payments made by Maryland consumers that purchased dogs with certain conditions since January 1, 2020, or pay for treatment of certain conditions. The settlement also requires Just Puppies to pay a civil penalty of $500,000. If the company complies with all other terms of the settlement and pays $100.000, the remaining penalty could be waived.
Consumers who are eligible for refunds will be contacted by the Attorney General’s Office. Consumers may also contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 410-576-6569 with questions.
