Fall River man charged with selling puppies illegally in RI

February 9, 2016 4:26 pm

By Jennifer Petracca

news@abc6.com

A Fall River man is facing multiple charges Tuesday after police say he tried selling sick puppies illegally in Rhode Island.

30-year-old Justin J. Wagner was arrested on February 3rd, charged with importing dogs into the state without valid importation certificates or certificates of veterinary inspection, as well as a charge of operating a pet ship without a license.

The Department of Environmental Management first learned of Wagner’s illegal businesses through the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) after they received a tip that puppies were posted for sale on Facebook under a page called, "Loyal Labs," and under "RI Online Yard Sale."

Investigators believe the dogs were brought from a puppy mill in Pennsylvania before being sold through "Loyal Labs."

At the time of his arrest, Wagner was in possession of seven, 9-week-old Labrador Retriever puppies, which were all turned over to the RISPCA. The dogs were dehydrated and infested with worms.

Anyone who may have purchased puppies from "Loyal Labs" is asked to contact their vet and have the pet examined immediately, as they may have been in contact with the seized dogs.

Wagner has been in trouble before, facing animal cruelty charges in Barnstable, accused of leaving his puppy in a hot car. Last July, the state shut down his Fall River business, called, "Beauty in the Beast K9 Services."

Wagner is scheduled for an arraignment on Monday.