Tina Devault sold a pug puppy to Michelle Leighty of Columbus. Leighty initially found Blue Ribbon Kennels of Ohio over the Internet, 10TV's Lindsey Seavert reported.
Leighty said that after contacting Blue Ribbon Kennels, Devault came to Columbus to show the puppy to Leighty. Leighty said she fell in love with the dog, whom she named Bruno.
Bruno soon became ill, and a veterinarian told Leighty the puppy had coccidia - a stomach parasite - as well as enlarged organs. Leighty said her veterinarian doubts Bruno will be able to live a full life.
Leighty said when she informed Devault of the veterinarian's findings, Devault insisted on taking Bruno to her own veterinarian before returning the dog to Leighty.
According to Leighty, after Devault took Bruno back, the breeder blamed Leighty for Bruno's condition. Devault refused to return Bruno, and Leighty complained to Hocking County authorities.
Hocking County sheriff's deputies and county dog warden Don Kiger searched Blue Ribbon Kennels, which operates out of two mobile homes. Kiger was troubled by the conditions he found.
"We saw a couple of dogs in small cages with feces. It looked like the bottom (of the cages) had not been changed in awhile," Kiger said.
Kiger eventually seized Bruno from Devault and returned the puppy to Leighty. Bruno had been separated from Leighty for eight days.
The Hocking County dog warden told 10TV individuals should always visit the breeding location before purchasing a puppy and should ask for a health guarantee from the breeder. Kiger also recommended asking a breeder for references from those who have purchased dogs in the past.
Devault told 10TV News that her parents operate Blue Ribbon Kennels but that the puppy she sold Leighty came from another kennel.
Hocking County authorities said their investigation into Devault and Blue Ribbon Kennels continues.
Stay with 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.
