(WXYZ) — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel put an alleged inhumane and unsanitary puppy mill in Hillsdale County on notice.
Complaints against the mill detailed that its owner, Paul Steury, and his associate, Peter Miller, were selling sick puppies and adult dogs to consumers and providing false documentation of the breed, age, health and vaccination records. Providing false or misleading information in connection with the sale of goods is a violation of the state's Consumer Protection Act.
“For many Michiganders, pets are an extension of their family,” Nessel said. “These puppy mill operators appear to be brazenly taking advantage of Michigan consumers and their love for animals with zero regard for the health or welfare of the dogs they’re selling.”
The AG's office says puppy mills are inhumane, dog breeding operations that keep dogs in overcrowded and unhealthy conditions. They are also not regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The AG's office says breeders hide their poor conditions by meeting buyers at offsite locations or selling through pet stores or online.
“While every dog deserves a loving home, my office will make it a priority to protect Michigan residents from Unscrupulous exploiters of pets who violate our state’s consumer protection laws in an effort to line their pockets at the expense of animal welfare,” Nessel added.
