Stony Point dog breeder faces cruelty charges
A 50-year-old Stony Point dog breeder faces animal cruelty charges after was accused of selling a sick puppy, according to the Hudson Valley Humane Society.
John Principe, owner of Retrievers for You, was arrested by officers for the Humane Society following a complaint from someone who bought the sickly golden retriever puppy, which was allegedly stricken with coccidia and giardia.
"This is a contagious and highly infectious disease that is hazardous to other animals and potentially humans," said Chief Richard Raheb of the Hudson Valley Humane Society.
Principe, a licensed breeder who sells puppies from his home, faces a misdemeanor charge of selling a sick, contagious animal under state agricultural laws. He turned himself in to the Stony Point Police Department on Monday, Raheb said.
The puppy is recovering and under the care of the Humane Society, he said.
Principe, who is due to appear in Rockland County court Oct. 1, couldn't be reached for comment.
Raheb said the investigation is ongoing.
