U.S.TOP STORY
Los Angeles sues Wagmor Pets over alleged puppy laundering
The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office says the operation bought hundreds, possibly thousands, of dogs from commercial breeders and sold them as rescues for up to fifteen hundred dollars.
On air: Kenji Moonfield, Gloria Vance and Vera Bullock on BBN After HoursPublished
At a glance
- First reported by CBS News: “Los Angeles sues Wagmor Pets over alleged "puppy laundering" operation”, with reporting from MyNewsLA.com, NBC Los Angeles, KTLA and USA Herald.
- Covered on BBN on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 4:13 AM ET on BBN After Hours, by Kenji Moonfield, Gloria Vance and Vera Bullock.
- Topics: Los Angeles.
- BBN covered this story before: Federal judge rules top US prosecutor in Los Angeles isn't legally… (October 28).
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
- CBS NewsLos Angeles sues Wagmor Pets over alleged "puppy laundering" operation
- MyNewsLA.comCelebrity Dog Broker Allegedly Ran Puppy Laundering Scheme Selling Breeder Dogs As Rescues October 28, 2026 · facts used on air
- NBC Los AngelesCelebrity-favored Wagmor Pets owner denies ‘puppy laundering’ facts used on air
- KTLALawsuit accuses Los Angeles animal rescue of puppy laundering October 28, 2026 · facts used on air
- USA HeraldWagmor Puppy Laundering Allegations Target Celebrity-Favored Dog Rescue - USA Herald October 28, 2026 · facts used on air
What BBN said about it
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorLos Angeles is suing Wagmor Pets, accusing it of passing off commercial-breeder puppies as rescues.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe city attorney's office says the operation bought hundreds, possibly thousands, of dogs from breeders.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorProsecutors say customers paid adoption fees of six hundred fifty to fifteen hundred dollars for dogs they believed were rescues.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe city wants restitution, civil penalties and a permanent injunction.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentCalifornia bans pet stores from selling dogs directly, and several celebrities promoted adopting through Wagmor.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentOwner Melissa Bacelar told NBC Los Angeles the allegations are not true.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorHonest, not deceptive. That was the city attorney's phrase, and families deserve it. Fifteen hundred dollars buys a lot of rescue story.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentRescued from a breeder, by a breeder.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorAllegedly. The company says it will answer in court, and the puppies will outlast the paperwork.
The story so far
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- Los Angeles sues Wagmor Pets over alleged puppy laundering (this story)
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Thursday, October 29, 2026 · the U.S. archive · all months
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