Puppy sold with fatal illness: VR Pets and Kennel in Moosapet fined
The store was directed to refund Rs 22,000, pay Rs 10,000 as compensation, and Rs 15,000 towards litigation costs to the complainant
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Representational Image
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad District Consumer Commission–I has imposed a penalty on VR Pets and Kennel, Moosapet, for selling an underage puppy with fatal illness without proper vaccination records.
The store was directed to refund Rs 22,000, pay Rs 10,000 as compensation, and Rs 15,000 towards litigation costs to the complainant.
Puppy sold as healthy, no vaccination certificate given
According to the complaint, Shashirekha Vedantam of New Nallakunta bought a 42-day-old tricolour Shih Tzu male puppy from the store on March 2, after the shop owner, K Ravi, assured her that the puppy was healthy and vaccinated.
He claimed the next dose was due on March 11. However, he did not provide the vaccination certificate, despite repeated requests.
Puppy fell critically ill within days
Just four days after purchase, the puppy developed severe vomiting and blood discharge. A veterinarian conducted a CPV-Ag test, which confirmed Parvovirus, a serious viral infection common in unvaccinated pups. The complainant spent Rs 15,000 on treatment, but the puppy died on March 12.
Seller ignored requests, legal notice was unanswered
During the period of the puppy’s illness, the complainant again sought the vaccination record, but the shop owner did not respond. A legal notice sent on March 28 also went unanswered. This led her to file a complaint before the Consumer Commission on June 9.
Clear violations of animal welfare and breeding rules
After reviewing the evidence, the Commission observed that the store had violated multiple provisions under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules.
These rules prohibit the sale of puppies below eight weeks (56 days), mandate first vaccination within six weeks, and require sellers to maintain and provide health and vaccination records.
The commission stated that failure to follow these norms amounted to unethical trade practices and a deficiency in service, and accordingly issued directions against the pet store.
