V 1 - Schall v. Breeders Club, Et Als. FILED Complaint 9-19-18
V 1 - Schall v. Breeders Club, Et Als. FILED Complaint 9-19-18
Plaintiffs Allison and Heather Schall (“Plaintiffs”), by and through their attorneys, state
as follows:
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INTRODUCTION
Plaintiffs to enter into agreements that Plaintiffs believed were for the purchase of a puppy
agreement for Cooper. As a result, Plaintiffs do not actually own Cooper, and they owe far more
disguised an extreme rate of interest as a “lease” payment, in violation of New Jersey law.
agreements for puppies, preying on consumers’ emotional connections with the dogs who are the
4. Reasonable consumers like Plaintiffs, convinced they are purchasing a dog, then
face the impossible decision of whether to pay the inflated amounts required by the agreements,
6. This type of fraudulent scheme has been prohibited by legislatures in Nevada and
California because of its harmful and wrongful nature. The New Jersey Legislature is also
considering passing a law banning these types of contracts. Whether the practice is banned as a
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PARTIES
7. Plaintiff Allison Schall is, and at all times relevant to the Complaint was, a
8. Plaintiff Heather Schall is, and at all times relevant to the Complaint was, a
10. Defendant My Pet Funding, LLC (“My Pet Funding”) is a Wyoming limited
liability company, with a principal office at 45999 Center Oak Plaza, Suite 100, Sterling,
Virginia 20166.
California limited liability corporation with its corporate headquarters located at 4095 Avenida
12. Doe Defendants 1 through 5 are fictitious names for any entities or persons that
have been assigned contractual rights under Plaintiffs’ agreements with Defendants Breeders
Club, My Pet Funding, or Monterey Financial Services, but who are not known to Plaintiffs.
Plaintiffs consequently sue these Defendants by their fictitious names. Plaintiffs will seek leave
to amend this complaint to state the true names and capacities of the fictitiously-named
13. Venue is proper in this Court pursuant to Rule 4:3-2 because Plaintiffs are
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14. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendants. The Court has specific
jurisdiction over My Pet Funding and Monterey Financial Services because they have
purposefully availed themselves of the privilege of doing business in the State of New Jersey, by
respectively originating and servicing Plaintiffs’ pet lease in New Jersey. This Court has general
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
15. In late summer of 2017, Plaintiffs decided to buy a puppy for their mother, Ann
Schall. Having owned Golden Retrievers in the past, Plaintiffs decided to focus their search on
16. Plaintiffs searched online for puppies, and soon found a local pet store advertising
Golden Retriever puppies for sale. That pet store was Breeders Club.
17. On September 11, 2017, Plaintiffs called Breeders Club and inquired about the
advertised puppies. A Breeders Club employee said the store had received several Golden
Retriever puppies the previous day that were available for purchase. The employee said the
puppies would cost approximately between $100 and $500 total, but provided no further details.
18. On or about September 12, 2017, Plaintiffs visited Breeders Club’s store in
Middletown, New Jersey. On arrival, a Breeders Club employee told Plaintiffs the store had
only received two Golden Retriever puppies, both of which were approximately two months old.
The employee also told Plaintiffs that one of the puppies was already sold, so they had to decide
whether they wanted to take the only remaining puppy. They were told that there was no way to
predict when Breeders Club would be getting more Golden Retriever puppies.
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19. Plaintiffs asked how much the puppy cost. The Breeders Club employee indicated
that the puppy cost $3700, but that Breeders Club could contact the breeder on Plaintiffs’ behalf
and attempt to negotiate that price. The Breeders Club employee then left Plaintiffs in a play
area with the puppy, stating that she would call the breeder.
20. Plaintiffs were left in the play area with the puppy for approximately one hour.
When the Breeders Club employee returned, she informed Plaintiffs that the puppy’s purchase
price could not be reduced because, according to the breeder, his breeding line was “top shelf.”
21. Plaintiffs asked which breeder the puppy had come from. The Breeders Club
employee responded that the puppy was from a “reputable breeder,” but Breeders Club’s policy
was not to provide breeder information due to privacy concerns. The Breeders Club employee
also stated that Breeders Club only purchased from the “best breeders” and Plaintiffs should not
Contract Terms
22. Plaintiffs indicated that they could not afford the puppy’s price. At that point, the
Breeders Club employee offered Plaintiffs what she called a “payment plan.” When Plaintiffs
asked how the payment plan worked, the Breeders Club employee stated that Plaintiffs would
first have to determine how much money they could spend that day and how much money they
could afford to pay monthly. The Breeders Club employee explained that Plaintiffs would have
23. The Breeders Club employee also noted that if the purchase price was not paid in
full by the end of that two-year period, Plaintiffs would have to pay an extra fee. When Plaintiffs
asked if the extra fee meant interest, the Breeders Club employee responded that the extra fee
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was “kind of like” interest, and that it was a one-time fee that was standard and customary for
puppy purchases.
24. The Breeders Club employee made several other verbal representations to
(b) Plaintiffs would be reimbursed by Breeders Club for any veterinary expenses
(c) If the puppy died, for any reason, Breeders Club would replace him with a
(d) It was in the puppy’s best interest to continue eating the food sold by Breeders
Club; and
(e) The store would provide training services for the puppy free of charge.
25. Plaintiff Allison Schall filled out what was presented to her as an application for a
payment plan on the employee’s iPad. After that application was approved, Plaintiffs decided to
move forward with purchasing the puppy, who they named Cooper, believing they were
purchasing the puppy and that their family would own Cooper as soon as they left the store.
Their decision was also based on the Breeders Club employee’s prior representation that they
would easily qualify for the payment plan, and because they had spent significant time with
26. Plaintiffs believed that they would be making payments directly to Breeders Club
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27. Plaintiffs also went ahead with the purchase in part because of the employee’s
representation that Golden Retriever puppies were rare, there was no telling when the store might
get another, and any additional puppies Breeders Club might acquire could be more expensive.
28. The Breeders Club employee took Plaintiffs’ Social Security numbers, and
eventually presented Plaintiffs with documents that they understood to comprise a purchase
contract.
29. Plaintiffs were not able to review the documents because the Breeders Club
employee kept the documents in her possession at all times, except when she indicated where
30. The purchase contract consisted of two documents: the first, on Breeders Club
letterhead, was titled “Puppy Contract” (“Breeders Club Puppy Contract”). See Exhibit A. The
second, on My Pet Funding letterhead, was titled “Consumer Pet Lease Agreement” (“My Pet
31. All the papers constituting both the My Pet Funding Lease Agreement and the
Breeders Club Puppy Contract were stapled together into one document and presented to
32. The Breeders Club Puppy Contract consists of (1) an initial page with handwritten
specifications about the puppy and the purchase terms; (2) a sales receipt; (3) a two-page
document entitled “Arbitration Contract”; (4) a one-page document entitled “Know Your Rights,
A Statement of New Jersey Law Governing The Sale of Dogs and Cats”; (5) a one-page
document entitled “Training Agreement”; (6) a three-page document entitled “Pet Shop
Notification Form”; (7) a one-page document entitled “Breeders Club of America, Inc.
Guarantee”; (8) a one-page document explaining that Breeders Club was under the jurisdiction of
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the Middletown Health Department; (9) a one-page document with contact information for
certain area veterinarians; and (10) a one-page document relating to puppy care. See Exhibit A.
33. The My Pet Funding Lease Agreement consists of (1) a one-page document
Information Concerning Your Lease”; (3) a six-page document entitled “Consumer Pet Lease
Agreement”; (4) a one-page document entitled “Puppy Health Warranty Contract”; and (5) a
34. Although the Breeders Club employee broadly explained the payment terms,
Plaintiffs did not have a meaningful opportunity to read and review the documents prior to
signing. The Breeders Club employee rushed Plaintiffs through signing the documents, and
claimed they needed to sign the paperwork in the play area (with Cooper present) because
35. Both Plaintiffs initialed and signed all relevant portions of the Breeders Club
Puppy Contract.
36. Plaintiff Allison Schall is listed as “Lessee” in the My Pet Funding Lease
Agreement.
37. Plaintiffs were informed and believe that the Breeders Club employee who
convinced Plaintiffs to sign the Breeders Club and My Pet Funding Lease Agreements was
38. The Breeders Club employee told Plaintiffs that the puppy had a base price of
$3,700, with a $265 down payment, but that the total payment would be around $4000.
39. Under the Breeders Club Puppy Contract, Plaintiffs agreed to a total cost of
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40. The My Pet Funding Lease Agreement indicated the total “lease obligation” cost
would be $4509.33, with an initial payment of $265.00 and 27 monthly payments of $161.05.
See Exhibit B at 3.
41. The Breeders Club employee did not explain why there was a difference in price
between the two agreements, and rushed Plaintiffs through the signing and contracting part of the
exchange.
42. The Breeders Club employee flipped quickly through the documents, focusing
mainly on the amount to be paid and the pages indicating how to care for Cooper.
43. In addition to the monthly payments and the $265 down payment Plaintiffs made
while at Breeders Club, the My Pet Funding Lease Agreement lists a “Purchase Option at End of
Lease Term” of $552.40. The Breeders Club employee never told Plaintiffs that this payment
that would be due at the end of the monthly payments was, in effect, a “balloon payment”
44. The My Pet Funding Lease Agreement also lists “Official Fees and Taxes” over
45. Under the My Pet Funding Lease Agreement, the total cost to purchase (the “lease
obligation” plus the mandatory final payment) Cooper would be over $5000. See Exhibit B at 2.
46. Plaintiffs made the $265 down payment while at Breeders Club. That payment
included the first monthly payment to My Pet Funding ($161.05), along with an item billed as a
“My Pet Funding Warranty” for $69.56. Plaintiffs also put an additional $34.39 down in cash.
See Exhibit A at 2.
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47. Plaintiffs were left alone in the play area with the puppy for the majority of the
time they were at Breeders Club. During the discussions between Plaintiffs and the Breeders
Club employee, the Breeders Club employee discussed only the “purchase” of Cooper.
48. The Breeders Club employee never used the words “lease” or “rent” or mentioned
that Plaintiffs would not own Cooper outright. By failing to disclose this information, Breeders
Club misrepresented the nature of the contract and omitted material elements of the contract.
offer financing, and includes a link to ‘Payment Plans’ through My Pet Funding. The website
50. If the Breeders Club employee had told Plaintiffs they were not buying Cooper
that day, they never would have signed the documents that were hastily placed in front of them
for signature.
51. If the Breeders Club employee had told Plaintiffs that they were leasing, and not
actually purchasing, Cooper, they never would have signed the documents or agreed to the terms
of the agreement.
52. The Breeders Club employee never let Plaintiffs hold onto or review the
documents that constituted the agreements, except when she had them sign the last pages.
53. The Breeders Club employee never informed Plaintiffs that the contracts would
54. Plaintiffs brought Cooper home that day (September 12, 2017).
55. Approximately two months after bringing Cooper home, and in an effort to pay
the full balance off early, Plaintiff Heather Schall called My Pet Funding to find out whether
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they could pay more than the minimum monthly payments and expedite the completion of the
payments due. A My Pet Funding representative informed her that she could either pay off the
purchase price in full or make the agreed-upon monthly payments, but that she could not make
56. On or about January 2018, after Plaintiffs had made the first four or five monthly
payments, Plaintiffs contacted My Pet Funding to determine the total payoff amount remaining
for Cooper. A My Pet Funding representative indicated that Cooper’s payoff amount still totaled
approximately $3700.
57. Concerned that the price was still the same as when they first visited the store
months earlier, Plaintiffs reviewed the documents provided to them at the time of purchase and
discovered, for the first time, language in the My Pet Funding Lease Agreement referencing a
“lease” and a “renting fee.” As stated above, all of the papers comprising both agreements had
been stapled together as a single document and represented to Plaintiffs as a single contract..
58. Around the same time, Plaintiffs were becoming suspicious of the amounts My
Pet Funding was removing from their bank accounts and the finance charges being assessed.
Plaintiffs asked their older sister, Brenda Lando, to help them clarify the issue with My Pet
Funding.
59. When Ms. Lando contacted My Pet Funding, she was informed that My Pet
Funding was no longer handling the transaction, even though Plaintiffs had never been informed
of that fact. The My Pet Funding representative informed her that Defendant Monterey was
60. This was the first time that Plaintiffs were told that Monterey, and not Breeders
Club or My Pet Funding, was in charge of the contract they had signed.
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61. On or about March 17, 2018, upon contacting Monterey, Ms. Lando was told that
she could pay $3700 to purchase Cooper outright. She was also told she could not access
information about the contract online, and that Monterey was unfamiliar with the particular terms
of the contract.
62. Plaintiffs then called Breeders Club to inquire about the specifics of the
agreements, and the amounts they were being charged by My Pet Funding/Monterey. A
Breeders Club employee stated she did not know anything about the details and instructed
63. Plaintiffs then contacted My Pet Funding to inquire about the fees being charged.
64. A My Pet Funding representative confirmed it was My Pet Funding’s position that
65. To date, Plaintiffs have made all monthly payments according to the terms of the
66. Within the first two weeks after bringing Cooper home, Plaintiffs had to bring
(c) An area of missing fur of the type that can be associated with stress and
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67. Plaintiff Heather Schall called Breeders Club to discuss reimbursement for
Cooper’s treatment costs. Despite Breeders Club’s initial representations that it would cover
these types of veterinary costs, Ms. Schall was told by a Breeders Club employee that Cooper’s
68. Shortly after Plaintiffs brought Cooper home, Plaintiffs sent Breeders Club proof
of the veterinary expenses they incurred for conditions Cooper had when they purchased him.
70. In May 2018, Plaintiffs brought Cooper to the veterinarian to be neutered. The
veterinarian discovered that Cooper had a congenital defect known as cryptorchidism, so that one
71. The veterinarian who performed Cooper’s neutering surgery informed Plaintiffs
that cryptorchidism is a hereditary condition, and that Cooper’s breeder and Breeders Club
as two months old. Dogs with cryptorchidism have a higher incidence of testicular cancer in the
retained testicle or testes, and may also exhibit the unwanted behavioral traits of unneutered male
73. Because surgery on cryptorchid dogs requires additional and more complex
about $500 more than it otherwise would have if he did not have the condition.
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74. Because of the dangers associated with cryptorchidism, as well as the increased
expense of neutering a cryptorchid dog, Breeders Club should have informed Plaintiffs of
75. In performing preparatory tests for the neuter surgery, the veterinarian discovered
that Cooper also had cardiomegaly (an enlarged heart), a condition that he certainly had when he
conditions.
76. Because the veterinarian informed Plaintiffs that performing surgery on a dog
with an enlarged heart poses a heightened risk of heart failure due to the anesthesia, Plaintiffs
77. An enlarged heart is also a hereditary condition. Cooper’s breeder knew or should
have known that the trait could have been passed on to Cooper, and thus should have disclosed
78. Because of the dangers associated with an enlarged heart, including abrupt death,
as well as the increased expense of caring for a dog with an enlarged heart if he lives a long life,
including lifetime monitoring, potential medications, and treatment for the condition, Breeders
Club should have informed Plaintiffs of Cooper’s heart condition before purchase.
79. In response to the news about Cooper’s enlarged heart, and based on their
veterinarian’s recommendation, on or about June 11, 2018, Plaintiffs spent roughly $450 on an
ultrasound examination to further diagnose and evaluate the nature of Cooper’s enlarged heart.
80. Based on this examination, the veterinarian determined that, despite his heart
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81. Despite Breeders Club’s initial refusal to disclose the name of the breeder from
whom Breeders Club obtained Cooper, Plaintiffs found his name in the documents from
Breeders Club.
82. Plaintiffs discovered the breeder who sold Cooper to Breeders Club was Bob
Mehmert, and that Breeders Club had falsely represented that Mr. Mehmert was a “reputable
breeder.” In fact, from 2010 through at least 2016, Mr. Mehmert was cited by the USDA for
multiple violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act, including failure to provide the dogs in
his control with (1) adequate veterinary care, (2) a safe environment, (3) sanitary living areas, (4)
83. On information and belief, Mr. Mehmert has been cited by the United States
Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) with numerous additional violations through at least 2016.
USDA also sent Mr. Mehmert at least one warning letter based on those violations.
CAUSES OF ACTION
85. Under the New Jersey Uniform Commercial Code, if the Court finds a contract or
any clause of a contract for the sale of goods to have been unconscionable at the time it was
made, the Court may (1) refuse to enforce the contract; (2) enforce the remainder of the contract
without the unconscionable clause; or (3) so limit the application of the unconscionable clause as
86. Both the Breeders Club Puppy Contract and the My Pet Funding Lease
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because:
a. The contracts at issue are contracts of adhesion which Plaintiffs had no right
or opportunity to modify;
c. Plaintiffs were given a “take it or leave” it option once Defendants knew that
unconscionable terms;
f. The price ultimately paid for Cooper by Plaintiffs far exceeded his actual
purchase price, and Defendants relied on Plaintiffs’ inability to pay for Cooper
h. The “My Pet Funding Warranty” provided benefits, such as the opportunity
his veterinary care, that were wholly duplicative of statutory benefits under
the New Jersey Pet Protection Act (see N.J.S.A. § 56:8-95(g)-(i)), but charged
$60 for these statutorily mandated benefits that Plaintiffs were already entitled
to for free;
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i. The final payment clause after all the monthly payments have been made is
j. Plaintiffs were misled into thinking they were buying Cooper for a reasonable
price;
k. The “payment plan” under which Plaintiffs were required to pay Defendants
l. Unlike other common forms of financing, the company has structured the
financing so that there are no restrictions on the fees or interest that are
charged;
purchasing Cooper and recognizing that Plaintiffs were not given the
transaction;
cancellation, Cooper’s future health would be put into question, given that the
restrict consumers from rehoming pets, raise the potential that pets will be
possession of the animal are against public policies protecting consumers from
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ensuring their guardians can make important decisions regarding their health
and welfare;
dog or cat at the end of a “lease” term violate public policies protecting
representatives;
v. Under the My Pet Funding Lease Agreement, Plaintiffs cannot travel with
w. Under the My Pet Funding Lease Agreement, My Pet Funding retains the
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88. According to the My Pet Funding Lease Agreement, if Plaintiffs do not meet their
obligations under the lease, My Pet Funding may reclaim Cooper. This violates public policies
in favor of protection of animals and maintaining the bond between humans and their companion
animals.
89. It is unclear whether the reclamation provision in the My Pet Funding Lease
Agreement means that if Plaintiffs miss even one monthly payment, or are a few days late with a
payment, Cooper could be taken away from his owners and placed in an undetermined location,
resold, or euthanized, and Plaintiffs would have no recourse to get him back. This is a violation
of Plaintiffs’ rights and of the public policies of protecting animals and keeping pets together
90. Further, according to Defendant My Pet Funding, the My Pet Funding Lease
collect the same unconscionable fees as Defendant My Pet Funding, and has stepped into
91. Based on Defendants’ conduct, Plaintiffs have suffered actual damages, punitive
93. Defendants’ conduct described herein violated the New Jersey Uniform
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94. If Defendants’ agreements with Plaintiffs constitute leases, they are consumer
leases because Plaintiffs are natural persons who took the lease for the family purpose of gifting
95. If a Court finds that a lease contract or any clause of a lease contract is
unconscionable, the Court may (1) refuse to enforce the lease contract; (2) enforce the remainder
of the lease contract without the unconscionable clause; or (3) so limit the application of any
96. If a Court finds that a consumer lease was induced by unconscionable conduct,
97. Both the Breeders Club Puppy Contract and the My Pet Funding Lease
and Cooper before revealing material terms such as price and financing cost;
c. The conflicting and confusing language in the Breeders Club Puppy Contract and
d. The Breeders Club employee’s control of the Breeders Club Puppy Contract and
their substance.
98. Both the Breeders Club Puppy Contract and the My Pet Funding Lease
because:
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a. The contracts at issue are contracts of adhesion which Plaintiffs had no right
or opportunity to modify;
c. Plaintiffs were given a “take it or leave it” option once Defendants knew that
unconscionable terms;
g. The price Plaintiffs will ultimately pay for Cooper is in great excess of his
i. The “My Pet Funding Warranty” provided benefits, such as the opportunity
his veterinary care, that were wholly duplicative of statutory benefits under
the New Jersey Pet Protection Act (see N.J.S.A. § 56:8-95(g)-(i)), but charged
$60 for these statutorily mandated benefits that Plaintiffs were already entitled
to for free;
j. The final payment clause after all the monthly payments have been made is
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k. Plaintiffs were misled into thinking they were buying Cooper for a reasonable
price;
l. The “payment plan” under which Plaintiffs are required to pay Defendants
m. Unlike other common forms of financing, the company has structured the
financing so that there are no restrictions on the fees or interest that are
charged;
purchasing Cooper and recognizing that Plaintiffs were not given the
transaction;
cancellation, Cooper’s future health would be put into question given that the
restrict consumers from rehoming pets, raise the potential that pets will be
possession of the animal are against public policies protecting consumers from
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ensuring their guardians can make important decisions regarding their health
and welfare;
dog or cat at the end of a “lease” term violate public policies protecting
representatives;
ensuring their guardians can make important decisions regarding their health
and welfare;
w. Under the My Pet Funding Lease Agreement, Plaintiffs cannot travel outside
of the contiguous United States with Cooper without permission from My Pet
x. Under the My Pet Funding Lease Agreement, My Pet Funding retains the
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100. According to the My Pet Funding Lease Agreement, if Plaintiffs do not meet their
obligations under the lease, My Pet Funding may reclaim Cooper. This violates public policy in
favor of protection of animals and maintaining the bond between humans and their companion
animals.
101. It is unclear whether the reclamation provision in the My Pet Funding Lease
Agreement means that if Plaintiffs miss even one monthly payment, or are a few days late with a
payment, Cooper would be subject to being taken away from his owners and placed in an
undetermined location, resold, or euthanized, and Plaintiffs would have no recourse to get him
back. This is a violation of Plaintiffs’ rights and of the public policy of protecting animals and
102. Further, according to Defendant My Pet Funding, the My Pet Funding Lease
collect the same unconscionable fees as Defendant My Pet Funding, and has stepped into
103. Plaintiffs have suffered injury and damages directly caused by Defendants’
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Count 3: Violation of New Jersey Truth-in-Consumer Contract, Warranty and Notice Act
(Unfair Trade Practices)
N.J.S.A. § § 56-121 et seq.
105. The New Jersey Truth-in-Consumer Contract, Warranty and Notice Act
“leases or licenses real or personal property” or “purchases real or personal property” for cash or
on credit, and the property is obtained for personal, family, or household purposes. See N.J.S.A.
§ 56-12:1.
the Breeders Club Puppy Contract and the My Pet Funding Lease Agreement, is in writing.
109. Dogs are considered personal property under New Jersey law.
Breeders Club Puppy Contract and the My Pet Funding Lease Agreement, constitute consumer
112. The Act, commonly known as the “plain language law,” requires a consumer
contract to be written in a simple, clear, understandable, and easily readable way. See N.J.S.A. §
56-12:2.
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113. A creditor, seller, or lessor who fails to comply with this provision is liable to the
consumer who is a party to the consumer contract for actual damages sustained, along with
punitive damages and attorneys’ fees and costs. See N.J.S.A. § 56-12:3.
114. Defendants have breached their obligations under the contract by:
was in fact leased, despite describing the transaction as a “purchase” and “sale”
b. Failing to comply with their obligations under the Breeders Club Puppy Contract
115. If a material provision of the contract violates the Act, the court may reform or
limit a provision in the contract to avoid an unfair result. See N.J.S.A. § 56-12-4.1.
116. The contract for Cooper was not written in “a simple, clear, understandable and
a. The total purchase price noted on the Breeders Club Puppy Contract is $3717.
(Exh. A at 1). Instead, Plaintiffs are scheduled by the My Pet Funding Lease
b. The My Pet Funding Lease Agreement states that “You are leasing the Pet and
(Exh. B at 3);
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Consumer Product Lease” (Exh. B at 2) but never defines this term nor
5);
(Exh. A at 1);
f. The Breeders Club Puppy Contract identifies Plaintiffs as the “Purchaser” and
g. Breeders Club implied to Plaintiffs that upon signing the Agreements, they
would own Cooper outright, even though they would continue to make
h. Breeders Club provided Plaintiffs with the Breeders Club Puppy Contract,
at 3), and the Breeders Club Puppy Contract included consumer disclosures
i. Sections of both the Breeders Club Puppy Contract and the My Pet Funding
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j. Both the Breeders Club and My Pet Funding Lease Agreements are over 3000
k. Both the Breeders Club and My Pet Funding Lease Agreements contain
confusing cross-references;
any notice mailed to My Pet Funding, but allowing My Pet Funding to mail
of Cooper (Exh. B at 8), while also referring to Plaintiffs as the “lessee.” (Exh.
B at 3).
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117. Based on Defendants’ violation of the Act, Plaintiffs have suffered actual
119. At all relevant times, Defendant Breeders Club was a place of business wherein
animals were kept and displayed chiefly for the purpose of sale to individuals for personal
121. Plaintiffs exchanged money for the puppy they obtained from Defendant Breeders
Club.
122. Defendant Breeders Club failed to display the notices required by N.J.S.A. § 56:8-
123. Defendant Breeders Club failed to provide Plaintiffs with the notification forms
124. To the extent some language from the required N.J.S.A. § 56:8-94(f) disclosures
was included, it was incomplete, confusing, and contained misleading and inconsistent
references. For example, the portion of the Breeders Club Puppy Contract labeled “Pet Shop
Notification Form” references “the recourse described in subsection i. of this section” (Exh. A at
8-10), but the only subsection i. in the Pet Shop Notification Form states in its entirety that “[t]he
Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs may investigate and pursue enforcement action
against any pet shop reported by a consumer pursuant to subsection b of this section” (Id.). It
does not contain remedies for the sickness or death of any animal.
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125. To the extent that any contractual provision constituted a waiver of rights under
the Pet Purchase Protection Act, Defendant Breeders Club failed to provide Plaintiffs with the
waiver forms established by the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department
of Law and Public Safety in violation of N.J.S.A. § 56:8-94(g) and NJ ADC 13:45A-12.3.
126. Had Plaintiffs been given the disclosures required by law, they would have been
aware of their rights, could have pursued a certification by a veterinarian that Cooper was unfit
for sale, and could have pursued appropriate remedies under the Pet Purchase Protection Act.
127. Because Plaintiffs were unaware of their rights under the Pet Purchase Protection
Act, they suffered harm by paying for Cooper’s veterinary fees out of pocket.
129. Defendants made knowingly false statements and knowing omissions to Plaintiffs.
130. Defendants’ false statements and knowing omissions – including but not limited
to describing the transaction as a “sale” to Plaintiffs while knowing that the transaction was
described as a “lease” in the underlying documents; stating that Plaintiffs could not make pre-
payments; misstating the total purchase price; stating the Cooper’s breeder was reputable; failing
health problems; and representing to Plaintiffs that they would own Cooper outright – were
not limited to charging an ultimate price for Cooper in great excess of the actual purchase price
of Cooper; presenting a contract that was unfair and oppressive; charging for the “My Pet
Funding Warranty” that provided benefits that are wholly duplicative of statutory benefits under
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the New Jersey Pet Protection Act; charging an unfair interest rate; taking advantage of Plaintiffs
by relying on the emotional nature of purchasing Cooper and recognizing that Plaintiffs were not
given the opportunity to review and fully understand the financial implications of the transaction;
presenting contracts that violated public policy because in the event of a default or cancellation,
Cooper’s future health would be put into question given that the lending company has no interest
in maintaining the pet; engaging in the “pet leasing” business that involves unscrupulous lending
practices and raises the potential that pets that are repossessed will be relinquished to a shelter or
even be euthanized; presenting contracts for ownership of a dog or cat whereby ownership is
contingent on the making of payments over a period of time subsequent to transfer of possession
of the animal, thereby creating uncertainty as to who has decision-making authority for the
animal’s health and welfare; presenting a contract that provides for or offers the option of
transferring ownership of a dog or cat at the end of a “lease” term, thereby creating uncertainty
as to who has decision-making authority for the animal’s health and welfare; presenting contracts
that include onerous and unfair payment terms; presenting contracts that take advantage of
Plaintiffs’ inferior bargaining power to charge Plaintiffs more than they were promised by
Breeders Club representatives; presenting contracts that limit Plaintiffs’ rights of ownership in
regarding the transaction including, but not limited to describing the transaction as a “sale” to
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Plaintiffs while knowing that the transaction was described as a “lease” in the underlying
documents; stating that Plaintiffs could not make pre-payments; misstating the total purchase
price; stating the Cooper’s breeder was reputable; failing to disclose Cooper’s breeders repeated
135. Defendants knew that their representations and omissions were false.
137. Plaintiffs suffered economic damages by entering into the Breeders Club Puppy
omissions regarding the transaction including, but not limited to describing the transaction as a
“sale” to Plaintiffs while knowing that the transaction was described as a “lease” in the
underlying documents; stating that Plaintiffs could not make pre-payments; misstating the total
purchase price; stating that Cooper’s breeder was reputable; failing to disclose Cooper’s
breeders’ repeated administrative violations; failing to disclose Cooper’s health problems; and
entering into the Breeders Club Puppy Contract and My Pet Funding Lease Agreement.
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142. Based on Defendants’ false statements and omissions, Plaintiffs have suffered
144. Defendants are each a “seller, lessor, creditor, lender or bailee or assignee of any
145. Defendants entered into written consumer contracts with Plaintiffs, specifically
the Breeders Club Puppy Contract and My Pet Funding Lease Agreement.
146. The Breeders Club Puppy Contract and My Pet Funding Lease Agreement contain
provisions that violate the clearly established legal rights of Plaintiffs, including:
or otherwise conflicting with the oral assurances from the Breeders Club
employee;
b. Provisions in the Breeders Club Puppy Contract that fail to include or otherwise
misstate the rights granted under the New Jersey Pet Purchase Protection Act;
Protection Act;
d. Provisions in the “Puppy Health Warranty Contract” that charged $60 to duplicate
statutory rights under the New Jersey Pet Purchase Protection Act;
f. Inserting confusing and misleading language that violates New Jersey’s “Plain
147. Plaintiffs are “aggrieved consumers” within the meaning of N.J.S.A. § 56:12-17,
because they have suffered harm by entering into the unconscionable Breeders Club Puppy
Contract and My Pet Funding Lease Agreement; not receiving Federal Truth In Lending Act
disclosures that could have prevented their entry into the My Pet Funding Lease Agreement;
being rendered unable to enforce their rights under the Pet Purchase Protection Act; and having
148. Based on Defendants’ violation of the Act, Plaintiffs have a right to a civil penalty
of at least $100, their actual damages, reasonable attorney’s fees, and court costs.
Wherefore, Plaintiffs request judgment against Defendants for actual, statutory, treble
and punitive damages, together with attorneys’ fees, if applicable, costs of suit, and any other
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Pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 4:25-4, Aaron Van Nostrand is hereby designated as
JURY DEMAND
Plaintiffs demand a trial by jury on all of the triable issues of this Complaint, pursuant to
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CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 4:5-1 that this matter is not, to the best
of my knowledge, the subject of any other action pending in any court or of a pending arbitration
proceeding, nor is any other action or arbitration proceeding contemplated. I further certify that I
am unaware of any non-party who should be joined in this action pursuant to R. 4:28 or who is
subject to joinder pursuant to R. 4:29-1(b) because of potential liability to any party based on the
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SSX-L-000430-18 09/19/2018 1:28:30 PM Pg 1 of 7 Trans ID: LCV20181627019
Exhibit A
SSX-L-000430-18 09/19/2018 1:28:30 PM Pg 2 of 7 Trans ID: LCV20181627019
SSX-L-000430-18 09/19/2018 1:28:30 PM Pg 3 of 7 Trans ID: LCV20181627019
SSX-L-000430-18 09/19/2018 1:28:30 PM Pg 4 of 7 Trans ID: LCV20181627019
SSX-L-000430-18 09/19/2018 1:28:30 PM Pg 5 of 7 Trans ID: LCV20181627019
Exhibit B
SSX-L-000430-18 09/19/2018 1:28:30 PM Pg 2 of 10 Trans ID: LCV20181627019
Case Caption: SCHALL ALLISON VS BREEDERS CLUB Case Type: CONTRACT/COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION
OF AME RICA, INC Document Type: Complaint with Jury Demand
Case Initiation Date: 09/19/2018 Jury Demand: YES - 12 JURORS
Attorney Name: AARON VAN NOSTRAND Hurricane Sandy related? NO
Firm Name: GREENBERG TRAURIG LLP Is this a professional malpractice case? NO
Address: 500 CAMPUS DRIVE, STE 400 Related cases pending: NO
FLORHAM PARK NJ 079320000 If yes, list docket numbers:
Phone: Do you anticipate adding any parties (arising out of same
Name of Party: PLAINTIFF : Schall, Allison transaction or occurrence)? NO
Name of Defendant’s Primary Insurance Company
(if known): Unknown
I certify that confidential personal identifiers have been redacted from documents now submitted to the
court, and will be redacted from all documents submitted in the future in accordance with Rule 1:38-7(b)