The couple bought a puppy that died in a month despite thousands spent on vets, suit claims
ALPINE -- A couple is seeking tens of thousands of dollars in damages after a King Charles Spaniel puppy they purchased from a pet shop early this year quickly fell ill and died, according to a lawsuit filed in Bergen County Superior Court.
The puppy, "Cuddles," was purchased from Just Pups, a chain pet store which had locations in a number of New Jersey towns, including Paramus, East Brunswick and Emerson, NorthJersey.com reported.
The chain's owner, Vincent LoSacco, has been socked with hundreds of animal-cruelty charges this year, including for alleged offenses at stores in East Brunswick and Paramus, where 134 charges were brought after authorities said in April that dogs were found inside a van in dirty, overcrowded conditions.
The charges were dramatically reduced in a plea deal LoSacco reached with authorities last week.
In the suit, filed last month by Neal and Sharon Berger, the plaintiffs allege their puppy became very sick within 48 hours after he was purchased from Just Pups. The couple said they spent more than $8,000 on medical bills and that Cuddles spent all but five days in veterinary hospitals before he died in March, about a month after he was purchased.
The state's Pet Purchase Protection Act says buyers may be entitled to restitution if an animal becomes very sick or dies within 14 days of purchase.
Just Pups has been sued multiple times in recent years, resulting in at least four settlements and two dismissals.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.