Rockville Pet Store Banned From Selling Dogs, Hit With $500K Fine

ROCKVILLE, MD —Just Puppies, a pet store with locations in Rockville and Towson, will no longer be allowed to sell dogs in Maryland following allegations that it sourced its dogs from puppy mills, a violation of state law. The store also agreed Friday to pay a $500,000 civil penalty, according to the office of Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh.

The fine could be reduced to $100,000 if the company complies with the terms of the settlement, Frosh’s office said.

The Attorney General’s office charged the stores in June with violating both the No More Puppy-Mills Act – a state law banning the sale of puppy mill puppies in retail pet stores that went into effect Jan. 1, 2020 – and the Consumer Protection Act. Frosh’s office alleges that the stores misled consumers about their relationships with pet breeders, and continued to sell puppies even after the City of Rockville revoked the store’s pet license.

As part of the settlement, Just Puppies has also agreed to refund customers who have bought dogs with a congenital disorder or hereditary condition or illness at the stores since Jan. 1, 2020, or to cover the cost of certain medical treatments for those dogs, Frosh said.

“This settlement resolves allegations that Just Puppies and its owner violated laws intended to protect animals from irresponsible breeding and mistreatment,” Frosh said in a statement. “Consumers who were misled by Just Puppies and purchased sick dogs will get their money back or receive compensation to help pay for their pet’s care.”

Customers eligible for refunds will be contacted by the Attorney General’s Office. They can also contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 410-576-6569 with questions.

Related:

• Rockville Pet Store Charged With Violating No Puppy Mill Act