A Riverside woman suspected of trying to sell puppies too young to be taken from their mother was cited Friday, and her canines seized, during an undercover sting carried out by the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.
Animal Services spokesman John Welsh said the operation was conducted about 1:30 p.m. on Pleasant Street, just off of the Riverside (91) Freeway.
The suspect, 21-year-old Kandace Marie Simpson, had posted an online advertisement for the six pups, and two animal control officers posing as man and wife went to the property, pretending to be prospective buyers, according to Welsh.
After discovering that the collie mixes were only four weeks old, the officers issued misdemeanor citations to Simpson with an order to appear in court, Welsh said, noting that under state law, it is illegal to sell a puppy less than eight weeks old.
Department of Animal Services Cmdr. Chris Mayer said puppies are routinely advertised for sale on Craigslist, Facebook and other social networking sites, and it can be hard for officers to keep up.
“Fortunately, we have many animal advocates who tip us off to these illegal animal sales,” Mayer said. “We hope today’s action helps curb some of these illegal sales. We also hope to educate would-be buyers that they’re engaging in an unlawful act, and they’re buying a dog that could have many health issues.”
According to Welsh, Simpson signed a release surrendering the puppies and their 5-year-old mother to the Department of Animal Services.
The canines, now housed together at the Western Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley, will receive complete health examinations and may eventually be placed for adoption.
Anyone aware of illegal puppy sales was asked to contact the Department of Animal Services at (951) 358-7387.
–City News Service