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NewsKTLA 5October 28, 2026Los Angeles County

Los Angeles City Attorney sues Wagmor Pets over alleged puppy laundering scheme

Photo: KTLA 5

The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office filed a lawsuit Tuesday alleging that animal rescue Wagmor Pets and its owner bought hundreds or thousands of dogs from commercial puppy mills and resold them to consumers as rescues. The legal action seeks to halt the alleged fraudulent practices and impose more than $7 million in civil penalties.

Animal WelfareConsumer ProtectionLegal ProceedingsBusiness Regulation
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Why It Matters

Consumers who paid high adoption fees for what they believed were rescued animals face financial loss and potential veterinary costs from undisclosed health issues, while the rescue faces court orders and multi-million dollar penalties.

Key Facts

  • The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office filed a lawsuit against Wagmor Pets and its owner, Melissa Bacelar, on Tuesday.
  • The lawsuit alleges the rescue bought hundreds or thousands of dogs from commercial puppy mills and resold them as rescued animals.
  • Prosecutors are seeking more than $7 million in penalties for alleged violations of city and state laws.
  • The legal action aims to bar Wagmor Pets, Bacelar, and two other controlled organizations from engaging in fraudulent business practices.
  • The lawsuit claims some sold dogs had health issues and died shortly after adoption.
  • Melissa Bacelar disputed the accusations, stating the claims were previously litigated and dismissed.
  • The City Attorney’s Office established an email contact for individuals who purchased dogs from the rescue or have case information.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationLos Angeles City Attorney’s Office“Announced and filed the lawsuit against Wagmor Pets.”locationStudio City“Location of Wagmor Pets.”PersonMelissa Bacelar“Chief executive and owner of Wagmor Pets.”PersonHydee Feldstein Soto“Los Angeles City Attorney.”OrganizationLos Angeles Times“Reported on customer lawsuits and interviewed Melissa Bacelar.”OrganizationWagmor Pets“Animal rescue operation in Studio City named as a defendant.”OrganizationAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals“Provided a definition for puppy laundering.”