Los Angeles, CA (11/27/19) – The six living dogs seized in the “Sick Puppy Peddler” case have been officially released to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA). Judge Teresa Sullivan signed the Order to Release Evidence at a preliminary hearing for Gustavo Gonzalez in case number BA47836, in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center this morning.
Three of the 7-month-old Golden Retriever puppies – Squid, Belle, and Eric – will be available for adoption on Saturday, November 30th at 10am at the spcaLA P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village & Education Center in Long Beach (7700 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815). The other dogs have been adopted by their foster parents.
Puppy Eric, now 7-months-old at spcaLA
On June 6, 2019, spcaLA seized six Golden Retrievers in the course of the animal cruelty investigation into the actions of Gustavo Gonzalez. The investigation resulted in Gonzalez being charged with 73 criminal counts for selling puppies that became very ill soon after they were sold to more than two dozen victims. Gonzalez remains in custody with $1,055,000 bail. The dogs have been in spcaLA protective custody since June.
At spcaLA, the dogs underwent a robust plan of veterinary and behavioral care. Due to their rough start in life, spcaLA is offering a free 1-hour private training session to the dogs’ adopters, as continuing their positive reinforcement training plan is paramount. spcaLA Veterinary Services noted the dogs now appear to be in good general health, but that adopters should follow-up with their family veterinarian, as some may have breed-related orthopedic and other concerns.
Interested parties are encouraged to review spcaLA adoption requirements and fees on spcaLA.com, and arrive at the Village at 10am on Saturday, November 30th. Adoptions are done on a first-come, first-serve basis, and all spcaLA adoption requirements apply. If multiple adopters are present at opening, spcaLA staff will “draw names from a hat” for first chance at adoption.
spcaLA is the only private animal welfare organization in Los Angeles that is also Law Enforcement. spcaLA Humane Officers hold the same powers of Peace Officers in the state of California when investigating animal cruelty. spcaLA is a non-profit agency that relies on donations for its programs and services, including animal cruelty investigations. To donate, please visit spcaLA.com or call 323-730-5300 x3233.
The case remains under investigation by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, DCBA, the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation and the Downey Police Department.