It's been almost a month since Sasha, the German Shepherd puppy Doreen Longo brought home from a Woodbridge pet store as a Christmas present for her daughter, died a bloody, painful death from parvovirus.
So far, Longo hasn't gotten the one thing she's wanted: to get the township, the county, or the state to shut down the store from which she bought her puppy and which has been charged with selling puppies stricken with the disease.
"I am so disgusted, it's not even funny," Longo said from her Toms River home. She said she's done nothing but try to get someone to go after Rocco Guarruto, the owner of Fancy Pups, and she said she's gotten little satisfaction for her efforts.
The one hope she had was a lawsuit the Middlesex County Dept. of Consumer Affairs (MCDCA) has against Guarruto of Fancy Pups.
The suit was scheduled to be heard earlier this month in Woodbridge Municipal Court, but it was postponed. It's been rescheduled for 8:45 am this Thursday, Jan. 26.
"I'm not holding my breath. This isn't the first time it was postponed," Longo said.
Puppy Lemon Law
The reason why MCDCA has jurisdiction over several suits against the Woodbridge pet store is because of New Jersey's "Puppy Lemon Law."
That entitles people who have sick or dead animals to get a refund from the pet store within 14 days of purchase, provided they have a veterinarian sign paperwork that certifies the puppy was not fit to be sold.
Ironically, a puppy sold in New Jersey is supposed to come with certification signed off on by a vet that the puppy was in good health and could be sold to an owner.
The documentation Longo received didn't have a vet signature on it. State law requires that such paperwork be kept on site at a pet store.
Renee Cirillo, whose job with the state health department is to check up on pet stores, inspected Fancy Pups recently. She said that store didn't have any of that documentation on the premises.
"They were cited for it," Cirillo said.
But the penalties, if any, for breaking the law are mild indeed. All Fancy Pups has to do is "rectify the situation," she said.
"They just have to bring the documentation on site."
There apparently isn't any follow up, though, at least not on the state level. Cirillo said they are only called in an extreme situation.
Usually the county Board of Health has jurisdiction over pet stores, including licensing and annually inspecting them.
Who has responsibility?
In Middlesex County, though, both Woodbridge and Edison elected to take on the responsibility by running their own township health departments.
Woodbridge spokesman John Hagerty insisted vigorously several times that "Woodbridge doesn't license pet stores, we have no responsibility for them. We don't license it, certify it, or register it. That's the county's job. We have nothing to do with it."
After being asked to check again, Hagerty admitted Woodbridge's Health Dept. did have oversight over pet shops in the township.
Longo said her contacts with the township administration have proven equally difficult.
"I keep calling [Mayor John] McCormac. I've never gotten a phone call back from him," she said.
Longo did get a phone call from someone else in the administration who she said told her "Woodbridge had run a sting operation" on the pet shop.
"They said that there wasn't enough they found to close them down," she said.
Cirillo agreed. She was at the store for the inspection, and said she found its condition to be "mediocre."
"There were violations", such as not keeping required documentation on the site with the puppies, "but it wasn't enough to shut it down.
"The animal records weren't there to review. Maybe there would've been nothing there. I can't fault them for what I didn't see. My concern was how frequent this occurence was. I don't have that info," Cirillo said.
Cirillo's office received complaints about Fancy Pups, as did the county and state Consumer Affairs offices, and the NJ SPCA.
According to Longo, she was told the only entity involved with the pet store that had never received a complaint against it was Woodbridge.
"I spoke to the health inspector [Philip Bujalski], who told me he never had a complaint," Longo said.
Pup was parvo-positive
During Sasha's illness, Longo ran up $1,500 in vet bills.
Dr. Robert Cimer, who treated the puppy at Calling All Creatures in Toms River, said the dog not only tested positive for parvo, but had been depleted by "three different types of intestinal parasites and a several viral infection."
According to Dr. Cimer, Sasha had not been innoculated against parvo, as the Fancy Pups owner claimed. State law does not require that puppies get an anti-parvo vaccine.
Dr. Cimer said that "a good breeder would always innoculate against parvo."
"We have a copy off the sticker from the vaccine label. It did not have parvo in it," the vet said. "The benefits far outweigh the risk, because puppies with parvo almost always die."
The veterinarian said that parvo had almost disappeared, but it's made a resurgence in the state because of pet stores who bring in pets from puppy mill owners, many in neighboring Pennsylvania.
With Sasha, Dr. Cimer said that the paperwork Longo received didn't give any indication which puppy in the litter it belonged to. "There was no description, nothing. It is supposed to describe the puppy so you know which one it refers to. [Guarruto] could have copied [one vaccination certificate] for the entire litter."
'She vomited blood'
Longo was with the puppy when it died. "I whispered to Sasha that he could go if he was too sick to stay. Then all of a sudden, he started yawning and vomiting blood."
She "screamed" and called for the vet assistants, who tried to get the puppy away from her. "My pants were full of blood. The puppy was crying, an unearthly sound," she remembered.
And then it was still.
"That poor, poor puppy. No creature deserves to die like that. No puppy should be sold anywhere in this state with a horrible disease like that," Longo said, her voice choked in anger and tears.
Meanwhile, Longo said she will be in Woodbridge municipal court on Thursday for the Middlesex County Dept. of Consumer Affairs hearing against Guarruto and Fancy Pups.
"I can't even get a new puppy because my home can't be certified as parvo-free for at least a year. No one will sell me a puppy, or let me adopt one, because of that," she said.
"This store should be put out of business," Longo said. "And the laws need to be changed to stop this from happening to anyone else."
marge petrow
1:26 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Parvo is a very painful disease and a horrible way for a dog to die.Sasha suffered for the sake of making money-how sad.All "puppy Mill" pet stores should be shut down.Animals from puppy mills have a host of diseases and behavorial problems.Shelters have many homeless animals for adoption that need good homes and most shelter animals are s/n,tested for heartworm/lyme's disease/ fiv/all vaccines & temperment tested for a very nomimal adoption fee. Many dogs and cats end up in a shelter through no fault of their own and make excellent pets through adoption.Please consider going to an animal shelter and adopt-don't shop & maybe, just maybe the "puppy mills" will shut down if no one buys from a pet store.
Paul E Taylor Jr
3:12 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
SICK, no pun intended. Puppy mills are the worst place to buy a puppy. Shake-A-Paw is another outlet that buys from puppy mills. If you want to see what breeding is like from one, go to humane society and ASPCA sites and watch the video.Also DO NOT buy a puppy online, these are the worst places to buy a puppy. Go to your local shelter and adopt. My brother in law had bought a Rottie from a responsible breeder, this person NEVER overbred dogs and 14 months later, after driving from Bloomfield NJ to Wall Twp 3 times a week for chemo, he had to put the dog to sleep. The day he drove down to do it, the breeder went with him for the trip to be moral support. This breeder was so good, she had promised him a free dog when he was ready to have another one. That is what you want in getting puppies.
tweetiexx
4:50 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Rocco Garruto also has an online puppy selling business called "Shepherd's Plus" which advertises on www.puppyfind.com .
Nadine Hemy
6:53 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
If you want a pet, consider adopting from a "kill" shelter or rescue group. You will be saving a life - but you will be the one who's blessed - you'll see! It is beyond disgusting how greedy puppy mills breed "pure-breds" in the most deplorable and cruel conditions - and these puppies are sold at pet stores - while millions of unwanted beautiful puppies (and young dogs, cats, kittens, etc) are put to death every year... FOR WHAT? Be aware of backyard breeders too- who knowingly breed dogs with potential health issues. All of this will end when the demand ceases - so adopt your next friend from a shelter :-)
Drucillia Demiglia
7:32 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
AMEN
NJViolet
7:38 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
I'm so sorry that this beautiful, innocent puppy had to die like this. I'm sick to my stomach thinking of it. Being a 2nd time "mommy" to a GSD this is just so upsetting. My heart goes out to the family for having to go through this. The low lives who make these animals suffer for a quick buck should be subjected to injections of viruses and toxins and beg for mercy! Sickening.
Melissa
8:45 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
First off I feel so sorry for that poor dog and its suffering. 1) In this day and age this woman was an ignorant fool for purchasing from a pet shop. I feel bad for the dog but not for her. She needs to take credit for her role in this situation as a consumer supporting the practice of buying and selling living creatures as merchandise. Her selfish decision contributed to an industry that is commonly known to the public as sub-par. I guess she didn't watch Oprah that day... 2) Shutting down one crappy pet store doesn't shut down the industry. I hate pet stores. The puppy mill that is breeding these dogs will just find another buyer in another pet store to sell to. 3) There are great adoptable animals at shelters all over that need homes. 4) Nice "creative editing" of the article there Deborah Bell. I like how you pieced together different quotes to make the story read a certain way to serve your agenda. So much for responsible reporting. Did you even tell her you were a reporter or that you were quoting her? I used to work for that office. For the record I'm neither a fan of pet shops nor government. But I know the frustrations & limitations of working for government.You go in & want to make change but you are limited by what you are able to enforce. Instead of pointing fingers at government workers who are just cogs in the system we should be strengthening the laws for them to enforce and demonizing the people that peddle animals like wares....and the idiots that buy them.
Deborah Bell
9:21 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Melissa, tone it down a notch. It's not in general a good practice to call someone who tried to save the life of a puppy and who suffered greatly at its death names.
Everyone is allowed an opinion. You need to present yours in a way that is not offensive. Also, I'm not sure who the"her" is you are referring to in this: "Did you even tell her you were a reporter or that you were quoting her?" The two women I spoke to for this story, Doreen Longo and Renee Cirillo, were obviously both aware I was talking to them for a news story. The only "agenda" as far as I'm concerned is to write a factually accurate story, and that is what was done here.
Tom Maras
12:37 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Have purchased dogs and cats from stores like Animals n’ Things and others, as well as top end breeders. Fortunately, all of the those animals were healthy or treatable and many lived very long lives. Have adopted shelter dogs and cats as well. ( No secret about my being Pro CNR and anti shelter killing of Ferro cats). Perhaps, I was lucky with my adoptions/rescues, but most likely it was a matter of having a competent, independent Vet examine the animal immediately. Early intervention is important!
The argument of buying animals from “Pet Stores” won’t get resolved on site. It just to complex and too emotional an issue. What can get resolved , by residents demanding ( by calling Mr. Green, the Township’s Health Director’s office), is closer inspection of local pet stores and salons and enforcement of the codes.
Mellissa’s comments about the “cogs” in government service being limited by the system are justified and understandable. However, it is amazing how those cogs can turn when the public winds up the ‘springs’ that drive them! Call Mr. Green, often, and do wind him up!
wetfrog18
8:59 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Someone's getting paid off.
wetfrog18
10:15 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
It's my opinion that's all. However, there are many things that go on in town that the tax payers aren't aware of. For instance, the BOE is saving a lot of money by outsourcing school bus routes to the cheapest bidder, Negba. If the parents of the kids ever really knew what their kids are riding on, they would be up in arms. If our officials didn't investigate this bus company for all their unsafe conditions then why would they care about the poor conditions these defenseless puppies are suffering through. Their cutting their budget at the expense of the kids.
tweetiexx
10:48 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Want to hear something "funny" The mayor of Woodbridge is a customer of Fancy Puppies. Now I understand WHY his office is doing NOTHING to correct this obvious problem. Wonder what MacCormic paid for his dog? No wonder Woodbridge is in the crapper. Can anyone spell C-O-V-E-R-U-P....CORRUPTION.....
Tom Maras
9:40 am on Thursday, January 26, 2012
Paid? Paid? Does he pay his bar taps or for seats at ballgames with old friends, e.g., John Lynch (http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/06/former_state_sen_john_lynch_wi.html) or does Mac enjoy “comp status'? Free-bees, if you will.
Felicia Luburich
2:15 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Melissa is RIGHT. These horror pits stay open because people buy dogs from the, Same with dope. If people didn't use it no one would produce it. There is NOT enough room in this space for a full explanation about pure bred dogs, who should be doing the breeding & from whom pups should be purchased. Quality doesn't cost : IT PAYS !! Go to the library. Check out dog books on e Bay; second hand ones too. Go to www.AKC.org & start learning about dogs before you decide on a breed & from whom you will purchase it. Not every breed is suited to every person's situation. Good breeders won't sell you a dog if they don't think it is the right kind of home & people for the breed. I have 16 generations of my own VERY special generations of meticulously chosen & paired pure breed. People should be so careful who they procreate with !!
Kathy o
7:00 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Felicia, I couldn't agree more! research!
Drucillia Demiglia
7:31 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
ADOPT/RESCUE !
Nicole
9:51 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Has anyone contacted the Board of Health, ASPCA, PETA, Humane Society to shut this scumbag down?
I am so sorry this poor defenseless puppy had to die such a horrible painful death. DON'T BUY FROM PUPPY STORES - you are supporting PUPPY MILLERS!!! I am not blaming the owner of this poor puppy, seems like she has suffered immensely watching her poor puppy pass away. However, WAKE UP PEOPLE - adopt/rescue or buy from a REPUTABLE breeder!
Perfect scenario - all puppy stores are SHUT DOWN, their puppies are given to area shelters and adopted out for FREE to deserving families. I feel horrible for these poor animals in stores...it's not their fault they were poorly bred and now sick....and hopefully the right family can adopt them, get them the vet attention they need to live a long and happy life. However, that's not always the case...some are too far gone unfortunately....it's just so sad. AND UNACCEPTABLE!
This scumbag should be shut down immediately. Call the proper authorities and make it happen.
Angie R.
11:48 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
This makes me sick. I reported them to the humane society a few years back because after walking into the store with a friend i saw that the dogs were coughing and sneezing and had mucus coming out of their noses and crust in their eyes. Someone needs to CLOSE IT DOWN!
colleen murphy
5:21 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
agreed, please close them down.
Tom Maras
12:46 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
On the comment in the article about McCormac not returning calls, please remember, the election is over and he doesn’t respond well to complainers. When it comes to Mr. Hagerty, he is just a “spokesmen” for Mac and the township. Hence, his confusion on who is responsible for what in the state, county and local governments. Apparently, he may only know what he is told and instructed to say. To his credit, he admitted his ignorance on the issue and apologized for it.
Now, let’s get our local government to do its job, that being, protecting the animals and the public, and punishing the offenders.
wetfrog18
9:27 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
We're over paying too many Chiefs to do nothing.
tweetiexx
1:24 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
@Tom it's hard to get the local government (Woodbridge) to pay attention when Mac is a customer of this unscruplious "businessman". Haggerty on the other hand LIED to the News Tribune reporter regarding the violations found. He said "NO VIOLATIONS" where in fact there are 7. Obviously there is a lack of honesty from Woodbridge.
Tom Maras
1:39 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
That's something I have known, spoken and written about for awhile. The public needs to speak out more and keep the spotlight on them as well!
RedonRed
2:08 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
All you people must have never tried to Adopt a pet from a shelter or adpotion agency ! These places make it so very hard and the terms they have for adoption are boardline rediculous ! In most cases you have a better chance of adopting a human then a dog. And the prices they charge for adoption are outrageous as well. I'm against pet adoptions by anymeans, but I do think they need to make it alittle easier and reasonable to do so. If Foster care did a investiagtion into the home for a human adoption like the shelters do for a pet, HALF the people would not be foster parents of children!!! Trust me on this one.
All this poor woman wanted to do was get her child a puppy for Christmas. How she went about getting it should not make a difference. The fact remains that there was a serious breach of contract and they should be held responsible. And had they been properly supervised & regulated there would be no room for any of the negligence that occured. Pointing fingers on who should have or could have is not going to get this resolved. A judge needs to step up to the plate and rule on this.
Get off your high horses and leave this poor woman alone. Have a little compassion and put yourself in her shoes for a minute.
Sara
1:56 pm on Friday, January 27, 2012
I'm sorry you feel the need to lump all shelters together. I have had bad experiences and wonderful experiences with shelters but what you have to realize is that a lot of these places have not only invested their time and money but also gone through a lot of heartache themselves to get some of these animals healthy and adoptable. Why would they then just give an animal to anyone who walks off the street?
I have adopted several animals (latest was Jan last year) and gone through the whole application and interview process. I have always said I'd welcome a home inspection because they could then give me pointers to make my pet's life better but none have ever actually stopped by. However, I would still welcome them as I view it as not wanting to make me feel bad about how I live but simply wanting an animal who's probably had a crappy life so far to have a great life now with your help.
As for charging fees... Well, that's pretty self-explanatory, no? They need to make money to save these animals... If you can't justify a fee, you probably aren't ready for a pet since regular vet bills/food/necessities will cost much more than an adoption fee.
I'm sure all of us want to be viewed as an animals best caretaker but sometimes it's just not the case. Whether it's the breed vs. environment, care needed, etc. We're all not meant to be parents to particular pets. That doesn't mean you or anyone else should stop trying to find the perfect one for you.
RedonRed
2:10 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Correction, that should read, * I'm *NOT against....
sorry for the typo.
Heather C
4:05 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Why do people see this as "Doreen gets what she deserves for buying her dog from a pet store"
... she wanted a puppy to love & care for. Not have her dog & money stolen from her. How about thinking about the hardship this has caused her & her family? NO ONE deserves something like this, I would never wish this upon anyone.
colleen murphy
4:39 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
he also owned a used car lot in avenel. i dont think he ever sold a car.
wetfrog18
9:27 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Colleen.......Where was the car lot? Just curious.
colleen murphy
4:42 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
he also does boarding of dogs. who would leave there healthy pet there.
Lori
6:14 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
I am in a similar situation right now with Fancy Pups.. Consumer Affairs is involved and my case will be heard in court.. I have a teacup Male Yorkie just 17 weeks old that my husband purchased for me as a surprise in November.. Well to say the least it has been a Big Surprise. Our baby boy has been sick since we got him. Have been at the vet numerous times and the poor little guy almost died on us. The vet told us that he has hypoglycemia...He had parasites, kennel cough and has undecended testicles which is going to require a operation so that the dog doe's not die of cancer which he will get if they are not removed. He is still being treated for the kennel cough. A unfit letter was written up by our vet and Rocco could care less what we have to say. This poor puppy which we named Shiloh has to have around the clock care because of the hypoglycemia..We have to make sure that he is eating every 3 to 4 hours....This place needs to be shut down.. There are 18 cases right now that Consumer Affairs have in their hand about Fancy Pups...And whoever you are that is trying to bash Doreen Longo you better take a good look in the mirror because obviously you have no idea what you are talking about...No one should have to suffer like she did seeing that poor innocent puppy die..I can only hope that other people can see our posts and do not buy from this man...
colleen murphy
7:22 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
i agree rocco is an arrogant man. he does not care about anything but himself and money.i feel bad for any one that has purchased a dog from him. good luck with shiloh.
VDubsx02
7:38 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
I bought two puppies from this store and both of them were became sick after we bought them and nearly lost their lives. This guy should rot in prison for what pain he causes to families and most importantly the animals. I hope something is done where he gets shut down for good and has to at least pay for the medical bills for anyone who bought from him.
wetfrog18
9:21 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
I bought my Boston Terrier from Woodbridge Mall and she had Kennel Cough, bronchitis and phnemonia. She was treated with Gentamyicn which the medicine made her deaf. She only knew her name for a few weeks before she became deaf. That store went out of business years ago and the Menlo Park Pet Store went out of business not too long ago. In my opinion, Animals n Things don't look like they have the healthiest puppies or kittens either. By the way her name is Daisy but she doesn't know that. I'm thankful she lived and she'll be 14 years old on Jan. 31st.
colleen murphy
9:49 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
car lot was a little past blockbuster. or maybe right before.
colleen murphy
9:50 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
happy birthday daisy.
wetfrog18
10:12 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Thank You so much Colleen! :) I was thinking of the car lot across from Peteys Hot Dogs. He gave sold my daughter a lemon and I call the police on him for forging her check.
colleen murphy
9:11 pm on Thursday, January 26, 2012
the name of my shop is colleens canine clippers. i have been here for about 25 years.
colleen murphy
10:19 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
youre welcome, just in case daisy needs a bath or her nails cut, i have agrooming shop by mcdonalds,
Tom Maras
8:37 am on Friday, January 27, 2012
Our relationship with Colleen goes back almost nineteen years.Her grooming of our Scottish Terriers, RobRoy (Bob) McGregor (deceased), Bobbrtte and Mac, who go from their shaggy winter coats to a traditional Scotti look for the summer, has always been impeccable. The cleanliness of her shop, and quality of her work and that of her staff shows how much she loves animals.
Her shop, Colleen's Canine Clippers, is located at 1258 St. George Ave., Avenel. phone: 732-636-2580
Tamara Winfrey
10:24 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The complete lack of government coordination, and the mill owner's unflinching arrogance, are just staggering. No one should have to go through this, least of all the animals. Woodbridge seems to be paying a lot of people to do nothing.
wetfrog18
8:27 am on Thursday, January 26, 2012
I will certainly come to you. What is the name of your salon? Right now my husband, Daisy and myself are bypassing the cold weather and won't be back until April. But I can't wait to meet you. I hope by then we can all get together and run this idiot out of town.
Henry
4:56 am on Thursday, January 26, 2012
I have 2 yorkies from Fancy Pups. The first one became seriously ill from a virus. The Emergency vet told me to take him home because I could give him better round the clock care then they could and he probably would not make it through the night. I stayed up all night and prayed. He made it through and thank god he is now very healthy. The 2nd yorkie was a surprise gift and when taken to vet after a few days for his "check up" he was marked not fit for sale because of kennel cough. By then my kids were too attached to give it back. Not soon after he got sick with a virus causing severe vomiting. Took him to the Emergency Vet just like the first dog and again spent the whole night taking care of him. Just had his one yr check up and he is doing fine. When I bought the first dog I was told he was a tea-cup yorkie. He is not. I was told my Vet (a very popular one) was an "approving" vet. That was a lie. I believe the only reason both of my dogs survived was because of the excellent vet care. I would never recommend anyone to purchase a dog from this store. Both my dogs cost close to 1000.00 each and we had hundreds of dollars in vet bills. I have certainly learned my lesson. If I should ever get another yorkie, it will come from a certified breeder.
Tom Maras
10:58 am on Thursday, January 26, 2012
Part 1 of 2
There are many insightful comments posted on this highly personal and emotional issue. Most readers may agree that what is coming across by these posts is the following:
1. Caveat emptor, "Let the buyer beware". Do your research before you put your heart and money on the line.
2. Whether you have saved an animal from a Pet Store or a shelter, you have given that animal a better life.
3. Not everyone can afford, nor do they necessarily want, animals from top breeders.
4. Shelters charge fees because their animals have shots and Vet exams; they have to try to recover their cost of caring for the animal.
5. Any doubts about the animal you are buying should be discussed with your Vet, ASAP!
Tom Maras
10:59 am on Thursday, January 26, 2012
Part 2 of 2
6. Use a credit card for the purchase. Most card companies will give you your money back in a timely manner. Good luck with the courts if you paid cash or by check!
7. Do not assume your government is watching out for your interests. This incident shows how little they know or care about the problem.
8. Make the politicians and their minions work for what they get from you; votes and money. Go to the Clerk’s office and file an OPRA (Open Public Request Act) form requesting the Health Department’s records on inspections of pet shops and salons. Do it monthly and see if the department’s inspection increase.
9. Tell your Mayor and his Town Council you demand tighter enforcement on establishments selling and/or caring for animals. Here’s a link to their e-mails: http://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/ElectedOfficials/CouncilMembers/tabid/262/Default.aspx
10. Contact a major component of Mac’s Green Team, DENNIS M. GREEN, M.A. J.D., DIRECTOR/HEALTH OFFICER (http://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/Departments/HealthandHumanServices/Divisions/Licensing/tabid/360/Default.aspx) His phone number is: 732-634-0600, x5025; e-mail: dennis.green@ twp.woodbridge.nj.us. Tell him you want his department to protect the animals and the public; it’s why they get part of your ‘green’ every year!
RedonRed
1:11 pm on Thursday, January 26, 2012
Very informative info thanks.
colleen murphy
9:21 pm on Friday, January 27, 2012
thankyou tom, i appreciate your comments. i do my best.
tweetiexx
4:30 pm on Thursday, January 26, 2012
Today's court appearance was interesting. Rocco was in default of his restituion payment schedule. Payment #1. His excuse was his lawyers car had broken down. The state is frustrated with his arrogant attitude and will be asking to go to trial instead of doing a settlement. He also loudly pointed me out to his attorney saying "That's the other P.O.S. who's suing me" He also feels since all the witness were not there the case should be dismissed and that his "stellar" history of selling healthy puppies is not being taken into consideration and that a few sick puppies is NOTHING. Rocco should be wary about who he sits next too since the walls and all the rest of the room has ears. Next court date 2/9/2012 1pm Woodbridge Municipal Court. Today was a WIN for all us victims!!!!!!!!!!!
RedonRed
6:33 pm on Thursday, January 26, 2012
KUDOS! Keep us posted... I hope the next step goes just as well.
What nerve calling you a POS!
Heather C
10:36 am on Friday, January 27, 2012
It was horrible to even be in the same room with this person.
He thinks (whispered) people are jumping on the "bandwagon" against him due to an article they read... (this article). Hate to tell ya Rocco you did this to yourself.
sue
5:58 pm on Thursday, January 26, 2012
YEAH!!!! So happy to hear the news. Please keep us all informed until this troll is behind bars (hopefully).
Joe mcalto
12:30 am on Friday, January 27, 2012
He's in for a rude awakening with a new number ten.
wetfrog18
8:38 am on Friday, January 27, 2012
Hopefully, he serves jail time and NEVER be allowed to have anything to do with animals again......
Heather C
10:35 am on Friday, January 27, 2012
The same thing is happening in Brick.....
http://brick.patch.com/articles/officials-remove-sick-puppies-from-brick-pet-store
tweetiexx
11:16 am on Friday, January 27, 2012
@ Heather...I read that article too. It was nice to see the Brick officials and their Mayor did what was right. Obvioulsy since the Mayor of Woodbridge is a customer of Rocco's this will not happen. Sadly Woodbridge is a "SAFE HAVEN" for puppy millers thanks to thier Mayor.
RedonRed
12:25 pm on Friday, January 27, 2012
Personally I think Brick, could not, NOT do what they did after all the publicity your
situation got ! And if thats all that comes out of all this then at least you made a difference in the lives of 39 other puppies !
tweetiexx
12:52 pm on Friday, January 27, 2012
I'm glad if my sad story help save the 39 puppies in Brick. I'm very happy!! Sad is Woodbridge Mayor McCormic doing NOTHING. People should call Mac's office and call him out on this. (732) 634-4500
tweetiexx
10:24 pm on Saturday, January 28, 2012
FYI....BUYER BEWARE
copied from today's (1/28/2011) Asbury Park Press
GERMAN Shepherd Pups /Young Adults- 100 % Hlth Cert. 35 yrs exp. Protection /companion. 732-239-5362
Yes this is Rocco Garruto's ad. Here we go again, more sick/dead puppy mill puppies. When will this MONSTER stop????
Heather C
11:50 am on Monday, January 30, 2012
35yrs experience in scamming
wetfrog18
11:26 am on Sunday, January 29, 2012
Thank you for the info Tweetie for the info......keep up the good work!
wetfrog18
11:27 am on Sunday, January 29, 2012
I'm going to blame the typo on the computer!
Heather C
7:55 pm on Tuesday, January 31, 2012
any victims of ROCCO G. consider this:
http://heyburnlaw.com/?s=fancy+pups&search=Search
tweetiexx
1:10 am on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
After some real difficult legwork. My puppy was a puppy mill dog. Sasha was purchased from a Jacob Beiler in Kirkwood, PA. Mr. Beiler is not licensed as required by law. Gretta Rosie (my pups mother) has had litters in the Spring 2011, October 2011 and is pregnant again. Rocco told me he WAS the breeder. All info was obtained from the AKC, The USDA and Mr. Beiler. Rocco Garruto is a vile and evil scam artist. He defaulted on restitution payment #1 for the other 7 families of dead/sick puppies. That was why he was in court on 1/26/2012.
Does anyone think there will be justice for these puppies? Heck no not when the Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac and his spokesman John Haggerty is protecting this MONSTER (they refer to Rocco as an honest businessman).
If you want justice because you purchased a sick/dead pup from Rocco Garruto/ Fancy Puppies please contact Edward Harrington Heyburn at 609-259-7600
Rocco's next court date is 2/9/2012 1pm. I WILL BE THERE.
tweetiexx
5:09 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Todays court appearance was quite interesting. I was a spectator again. Rocco pled guilty to his 7th count of fraud. The fine was $1K plus costs which was split up into 3 payments and $1.9K in restitution payments to the victim for his vet bills. The restitution payments are being broken down into 6 monthly payments. This man nor I bought our puppies via a payment plan. This dog did not die. Now the real juicy part. For the last 54 years Mr. Rocco Garruto has been an ILLEGAL ALIEN. Seven FRAUD cases can get him deported. The judge gave him the opportunity to postpone this case til he speaks with an imigration attorney. I also had the pleasure of video taping Rocco being served with my lawsuit papers since he refused delivery from the court. Do you think there are puppy mills in Italy and will the Italian government tolerate him selling sick/dead puppies in their country. I can't wait to see how this plays out. I wonder if Mayor MacCormic and Mr Hagerty still refer to Rocco as an upstanding business man that I'm picking on?
1stcav
5:53 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
TweetieXX: Rocco wouldn't but I would like to bye you an Espresso...Thanks for ALL you have done in the name of helpless animals in OC...CHEERS ...Chow...SGT 1 st Cav.
wetfrog18
8:41 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Thank you Tweetie!!!!!!!!!