Los Angeles sues Wagmor Pets over alleged "puppy laundering" operation - CBS News

Los Angeles Files Lawsuit Against Wagmor Pets Over Puppy Laundering Allegations

The Los Angeles City Attorney filed a lawsuit against Studio City-based animal rescue Wagmor Pets, accusing the organization and its founder, Melissa Bacelar, of operating a sophisticated “puppy laundering” ring. Filed in late October 2026, the legal action targets Wagmor Pets alongside Wylder’s Holistic Pet Center, Doho House, and Bacelar, alleging they purchased hundreds of commercially bred dogs from puppy mills nationwide and resold them to unsuspecting consumers as rescued animals, according to CBS News.

Los Angeles sues Wagmor Pets over alleged "puppy laundering" operation pic.twitter.com/y42YRQM984

— https://x.com/CBSLosAngeles/status/2115678536522486000

Prosecutors state that customers paid steep adoption fees ranging from $650 to $1,500 under the false impression they were saving vulnerable animals. Instead, city attorneys contend that the funds directly financed commercial breeding operations. The New York Post reported that Wagmor built a high-profile reputation through celebrity clients including Jennifer Aniston, Ellen DeGeneres, Chrissy Teigen, and Kris Jenner, who publicly promoted adopting pets through the organization.

Deceptive Fundraising and Tax-Exempt Status Revocations

The complaint details aggressive fundraising tactics utilized by the rescue. According to city prosecutors, Bacelar solicited public donations by manufacturing crises, claiming breeders would shoot or otherwise kill dogs unless Wagmor raised sufficient funds within tight deadlines. Furthermore, the organization allegedly continued to market itself as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accepted tax-deductible donations long after both the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board revoked its tax-exempt status in May 2025.

Los Angeles sues Wagmor Pets over alleged "puppy laundering" operation - CBS News — Photo: nbclosangeles.com

“Families who open their homes to rescue animals deserve honesty, not deception,” LA City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto said in a statement. “We allege that the defendants exploited the compassion of many Angelenos for financial gain, while putting the welfare of vulnerable animals at risk.”

State law in California heavily restricts pet sales, barring traditional pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits directly. While legitimate rescue organizations are permitted to facilitate adoptions, utilizing rescue operations as a front for commercially bred puppies violates state regulations and municipal codes.

Health Violations and Denials from Ownership

Beyond the financial allegations, the lawsuit claims that Bacelar and her employees illegally administered rabies vaccines to animals without required supervision from a licensed veterinarian or Registered Veterinary Technician. Investigators also noted that Wagmor operated without proper pet shop and dog kennel permits at its Studio City location, and hosted commercial “puppy parties” without holding necessary animal acts or exhibitions permits. Prosecutors added that numerous dogs sold through the defendants died shortly after adoption.

Melissa Bacelar strongly rejected the allegations in an interview with NBC Los Angeles, calling them entirely untrue. Bacelar asserted that the current legal action recycles claims from a previously dismissed class-action filing and stems from a long-running personal dispute involving opposing attorneys.

“So before you believe what you read, read the record,” Bacelar said, pointing out that a judge previously disqualified the law firm behind the prior class action over the handling of private information.

The City Attorney’s Office is seeking a permanent injunction against the defendants, civil penalties, and restitution for affected consumers. City prosecutors have urged anyone who purchased a dog from Wagmor Pets or holds relevant information to contact them at [email protected].