Pet shop at centre of sick puppies row gets authority warning

Petholics in Jumeirah Lakes Towers was asked to prove it was complying with regulations on animal welfare after complaints made by customers who purchased puppies with the deadly parvo virus.

Jarryd Goodman bought a dachshund puppy from Petholics for Dh5,000 but soon discovered it had parvo virus, a highly-contagious disease that can be fatal.

DUBAI // A pet shop whose customers claimed it was selling puppies suffering a deadly virus has been warned about its conduct following an investigation by freezone authorities.

Petholics in Jumeirah Lakes Towers was asked to prove it complied with regulations on animal welfare after complaints made by customers who purchased puppies with parvo virus.

Regulators stepped in for a second time to check on the operation, weeks after a notice was issued stating that Petholics was closed because of violations of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre freezone authority rules.

Jarryd, 32, a South African environmental safety officer, demanded a Dh5,000 refund after the dachshund puppy he bought from Petholics was found to have the virus.

“It’s been absolutely terrible. I’m so angry,” he said.

“The shop smelt bad, and I didn’t like the environment the pup was living in. Knowing anywhere outside of the shop would have been a better environment for the dog, I took him home.”

A day after getting the dog, named Binu, its health rapidly deteriorated. Jarryd called the shop and was told to return the animal so it could be checked. Binu was taken to another vet, who diagnosed parvo virus, a highly contagious disease that can be fatal.

Petholics gave Jarryd his money back and the puppy was returned to the shop. Jarryd has registered a complaint with Dubai Municipality and Dubai Police.

A Dubai Multi Commodities Centre spokesman said the shop will continue to be checked to ensure it is conforming with the rules.

“Due to the nature of its business, as a pre-requisite to holding its freezone licence, Petholics is required to demonstrate compliance with the regulatory requirements of all applicable government authorities, which Petholics has now done,” he said.

“DMCC does not tolerate non-compliance with its rules and regulations and will continue to monitor, as it does all member companies, to ensure compliance is upheld.”

A member of staff at the shop said it had done nothing wrong and denied selling sick animals.

Animal welfare volunteer Evelyn Priess was disappointed the shop has been allowed to continue operating.

“The DMCC needs to remain vigilant to crack down on illegal practices,” she said.

“There is evidence available to prove unethical actions. The wrongdoings of this particular shop owner are widely known and there has to be an end to it.”