Animal rescue linked to Ellen DeGeneres accused of puppy laundering
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 13:46 · Archive
A Hollywood animal rescue linked to Ellen DeGeneres has been accused of selling commercially bred dogs as rescue animals.
The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office has filed a lawsuit against Wagmor Pets, founder and CEO Melissa Bacelar and two associated businesses, Wylder's Holistic Pet Center Inc. and Doho House LLC. The lawsuit alleges that hundreds, and potentially thousands, of dogs were bought from commercial breeders, including puppy mills, before being marketed to families as rescue animals. It also alleges numerous dogs died after being adopted through the operation.
The practice known as 'puppy laundering' allegedly allowed the defendants to disguise commercial puppy sales as animal rescues and circumvent animal welfare laws. Ellen DeGeneres, who moved from the United States to Oxfordshire in 2024, is among several celebrities publicly linked to adoptions through the organisation. Jennifer Aniston, Miley Cyrus and Kris Jenner have also been linked to Wagmor Pets.
Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto said: 'Los Angeles and California have some of the strongest animal welfare laws in the country, and my office is committed to enforcing them.' She added: 'Families who open their homes to rescue animals deserve honesty, not deception.'
How it is being reported
- Animal rescue linked to Ellen DeGeneres accused of illegal 'puppy laundering'A Hollywood animal rescue linked to Ellen DeGeneres has been accused of running an illegal "puppy laundering".Oxford Mail · 29 Oct, 13:31
- Animal rescue linked to Ellen DeGeneres accused of illegal 'puppy laundering'A Hollywood animal rescue linked to Ellen DeGeneres has been accused of running an illegal "puppy laundering".Oxfordshire Guardian · 29 Oct, 13:31
In this story: Ellen DeGeneres · Wagmor Pets · Melissa Bacelar · Los Angeles City Attorney's Office · Los Angeles
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