Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened a civil investigation into Lone Star Pups, a Caldwell-based online puppy seller, over allegations that the company misled customers about its breeders, veterinary care, health testing and the reach of its “10-Year Health Guarantee.”
Paxton’s office announced the inquiry Wednesday and said it issued a Civil Investigative Demand seeking documents and information about the company’s business practices. The office is examining possible violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
The announcement does not amount to a finding of wrongdoing, and the state has not announced a lawsuit or enforcement action against Lone Star Pups.
State questions breeder and testing claims
Lone Star Pups offers doodle and designer breeds. Its website says it uses “trusted, reputable breeders” and states that 99% of its breeding parents are certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
The attorney general’s office alleges records show puppies receive pre-purchase veterinary examinations in Holmes County, Ohio, which the office described as a region known for large-scale and, in some cases, unethical commercial breeding operations. State investigators also allege customers who seek breeder-specific information are frequently denied it.
The office also alleges an undercover investigation found the health testing included only two of four screenings required for the OFA certification the company markets.
In OFA’s Canine Health Information Center program, requirements vary by breed. A CHIC number confirms that a dog completed the required breed-specific screenings and that its owner released the results publicly. OFA says the number does not establish that the results were normal.
What the 10-year guarantee provides
Paxton’s office also challenged the way Lone Star Pups markets its health guarantee, alleging the repeated use of “guarantee” creates a false sense of security.
The company’s posted terms separate a 10-year puppy-replacement program from a cash medical-reimbursement program. Under the replacement program, a qualifying hereditary or congenital condition may result in store credit equal to the original invoice, not a cash refund. Buyers must activate pet insurance before the puppy arrives and maintain it for at least six months.
Cash reimbursement requires continuous insurance while coverage remains in effect. The terms limit cash reimbursement for cancer, pancreatitis, autoimmune disease, diabetes, intestinal disease and seizures to the first three years from birth. Other eligible reimbursement can extend up to 10 years, subject to deductible, co-pay and lifetime caps and approval from the buyer’s insurer.
Paxton said the excitement of buying a puppy “should never be exploited by companies hiding the truth behind false promises and fine print.”
Company says it will cooperate
Lone Star Pups said in a statement provided to FOX 4 that the attorney general’s office had not contacted it directly or sent a formal request for information as of Wednesday. The state’s announcement says the office issued a Civil Investigative Demand but does not say when it sent the demand or whether the company had received it.
“We will fully cooperate with any inquiry and are happy to provide any requested documents or information,” the company said.
Lone Star Pups said it operates with integrity and transparency, has connected families with healthy, well-socialized puppies and stands behind its health guarantee. The attorney general’s release did not give a timeline for the inquiry.
Provided by Dallas Express
