The Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley (HSSBV) Cruelty Investigation Department is looking for members of the community who have purchased sick puppies via Craigslist ads.
On April 11, 2018 at the 3600 block of Daisy Lane in Phelan, the HSSBV Cruelty Department with support from San Bernardino County Sheriffs, San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control and Rancho Cucamonga Animal Control conducted a search warrant at the residence of a family, all positively identified by victims, of selling sick and underage puppies. Over 30 dogs were taken into protective custody. One male member of the family with prior felonies was taken in to custody when weapons were found at the home.
If the following, or elements of the following, happened to you during or after the purchase of a puppy since 2014, please contact the HSSBV immediately at 909-386-1400 ext 216.
• You responded to an ad for a labradoodle, or small toy breed dog on Craigslist
• You met the seller in a parking lot of an Inland Empire business, specifically a Starbucks parking lot. The most common cities these sellers frequent are Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario.
• The sellers were members of a clean cut Caucasian family, driving newer vehicles or SUVs.
• The puppy you purchased became sick after you went home and/or died. Most commonly the puppy would be diagnosed with parvo.
• The puppy you purchased was under 6 weeks old and you were told by the seller it was over 8 weeks old.
• You contacted the seller regarding the sick puppy and they were aggressive, threatening, and unhelpful, or did not respond to you at all.
• Sellers use different names and contact information on these sales.
If you have any information regarding an experience like this, please contact the HSSBV immediately at 909-386-1400 ext 216.
Never purchase puppies from Craigslist, social media or the internet.