A Los Angeles animal rescue organization is facing a lawsuit over allegations of misleading adopters and disguising commercially bred puppies as rescue dogs.

The City of Los Angeles accuses Wagmor Pets, a Studio City-based rescue, of purchasing puppies from commercial breeders and puppy mills before marketing them as rescued animals. The lawsuit also raises concerns about adoption fees, with some reportedly exceeding $1,500.

Wagmor Pets founder Melissa Bacelar has denied the allegations and vowed to defend the organization in court. The city is seeking more than $7 million in penalties and consumer restitution.

The case has sparked concerns about transparency and ethical practices within the animal rescue industry. The allegations have not been proven in court.

abc7news.com