Lawsuit accuses Los Angeles animal rescue of running puppy laundering operation

24/7 LiveChicago & Suburban Cook Co.North SuburbsWest SuburbsSouth SuburbsNW Indiana AnimalsLawsuit accuses Los Angeles animal rescue of running puppy laundering operationThe City of Los Angeles is suing a celebrity-favorite dog rescue in Studio City accused of operating a puppy laundering scam.KABCThursday, October 29, 2026 6:14PMShareLOS ANGELES -- The City of Los Angeles is suing a celebrity-favorite dog rescue accused of operating a puppy laundering scam.The lawsuit claims Wagmor Pets pretended to save animals while actually buying hundreds, and possibly thousands, from commercial dog breeders and puppy mills and then selling them to unsuspecting people as rescue pets."Consumers who believed they were giving rescued puppies loving homes were, instead, allegedly misled into financially supporting the very commercial dog breeding industry they sought to avoid," read a press release from City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto's office.Kim Sill, a board member for animal rescue Shelter Hope Pet Shop, says people have reached out to her over the years with complaints about the business.Top Stories2 college students found dead after going missing while hiking, police say5 burglary suspects in custody after west suburban police chase ends in I-290 crash, police say2 hours ago$156M announced for IL housing programs to support BUILD; initiative expected to face opposition2 hours ago"In California, the legal limit for a rescue dog is $500 . She's been selling them way over $2,000 and cooking the books to make it look like it's going to different places and that's against the law," Sill said.The owner of Wagmor Pets denies any wrongdoing, calling the lawsuit a rehash of old claims that were previously litigated and dismissed.She took to social media to defend the business, saying "The allegations are not true, and we will prove it in court, just like last time."Report a correction or typoCopyright © 2026 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.Related Topics PETS & ANIMALS ANIMALS PET RESCUE U.S. & WORLD LAWSUITAnimalsA dinosaur fossil that looks like a mini T. rex just sold for a giant $47 millionPolice in New York wrangle runaway cow after wild chaseGreat horned owl recovers, returns to wild after allegedly being beaten by teens with baseball batMan who snatched flamingo from Las Vegas hotel exhibit found guilty of animal crueltyWatch LiveON NOWTop Stories2 college students found dead after going missing while hiking, police say5 in custody after west suburban police chase ends in I-290 crash2 hours ago$156M announced for IL housing programs to support BUILD initiative2 hours agoNanny caught on video punching, shaking baby, CA prosecutors say1 hour agoBaby dies after teen girl gives birth at South Side elementary schoolBears acquire All-Pro defensive tackle Simmons in trade with TitansBears' Williams to continue wearing Caddix 'smart cleats' despite fineMore violations found during inspection at embattled funeral home2 hours ago