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NewsMyNewsLAOctober 28, 2026Los Angeles County

Los Angeles City Attorney Sues Studio City Pet Businesses Over Alleged Puppy Laundering Scheme

Photo: MyNewsLA

The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office filed a lawsuit against a Studio City pet operation and its CEO for allegedly buying dogs from commercial breeders and reselling them as rescues. The suit seeks a permanent injunction, restitution for consumers, and civil penalties for violations of state and local animal welfare and unfair competition laws.

Animal WelfareConsumer ProtectionLegal ProceedingsBusiness Regulation
Read the full story at MyNewsLA

Why It Matters

Consumers who paid adoption fees for animals marketed as rescues face potential restitution, while local pet operations face court orders and financial penalties over commercial breeding sales practices.

Key Facts

  • The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office filed a lawsuit against Wagmor Pets, Wylder’s Holistic Pet Center Inc., Melissa Bacelar, and Doho House LLC.
  • The lawsuit alleges the defendants purchased dogs from commercial breeders and puppy mills and resold them as rescued animals.
  • The legal action cites alleged violations of the California Unfair Competition Law and the Los Angeles Municipal Code.
  • The suit alleges the operations used a purported nonprofit organization to evade laws prohibiting the sale of live dogs in pet stores and sales by dog brokers.
  • The lawsuit alleges that numerous dogs sold by the defendants died after being adopted.
  • The City Attorney's Office is seeking a permanent injunction, restitution for affected consumers, and civil penalties.
  • Melissa Bacelar denied the allegations, stating the lawsuit recycles claims from a previously dismissed class-action case.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationLos Angeles City Attorney’s Office“Filed the lawsuit against the defendants”locationStudio City“Location where the defendants' businesses are based”PersonMelissa Bacelar“CEO of Wagmor Pets, Wylder’s Holistic Pet Center, and Doho House”OrganizationWylder’s Holistic Pet Center Inc.“Named defendant in the lawsuit”PersonHydee Feldstein Soto“Los Angeles City Attorney”OrganizationWagmor Pets“Named defendant in the lawsuit”OrganizationDoho House LLC“Named defendant in the lawsuit”OrganizationAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals“Provided definition and context regarding puppy laundering schemes”