UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION: Ashland pet shop slammed by animal rights group

ASHLAND, VA (WWBT) - The Humane Society of the United States accuses Pauley's Pups in Ashland of dealing with shady breeders who have been convicted of animal cruelty. One of the breeders allegedly had dogs with such severe dental problems that the roots of their teeth were visible!

"I want things done right," said store owner William Pauley. "If there is anything wrong...show it to me I'll correct it."

Pauley's Pups in Ashland was slammed in a recent undercover Puppy Sales investigation by the Humane Society of the United States.

"We've been in it 20 years," said Pauley. "Have we ever had problems? Sure! You are going to have problems every now and then."

Pauley claims he had no clue about the Humane Society's September visit. The group claims Pauley's store is linked to problem puppy sellers. The society says one of the sellers was cited for Animal Welfare Act violations in February 2012. The citation allegedly came as a result of that seller having two dogs with such severe dental problems that the roots of their teeth were visible.

"They say that we have to get them from USDA licensed breeders and we do that," said Pauley. "Are you going to look at every breeder and find spotless records? Unfortunately, we don't find spotless records on every parent."

The Humane Society claims, at the time of their visit, no breeder information was posted near the puppies in the store, as required by state law.

"It's a lie," said Pauley. "They are on my cages."

Pauley allowed us inside his pet shop. We did find written note cards on the cages with that alleged breeder information.

The business also has signs instructing visitors that they must wear an apron and gloves when handling the puppies.

"Because viruses and bacteria are so easy to track in on puppies," said Pauley. "That's why we would do that...to try prevent anything from coming in from the outside to these babies."

Pauley usually has about 50 puppies at any given time. He insists, after two decades, some problems are to be expected.

"But the deal is to make it right," said Pauley. "That's why we are A plus accredited. We go above and beyond, I feel in my heart, to make it right if anybody is having problems with a puppy."

Pauley says if your veterinarian finds your pet unfit you can return it within 10 days of purchase.

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