Accused sick puppy peddler arrested on felony charges after years of FOX 11 investigations
LOS ANGELES (FOX 11) - The accused sick puppy peddler FOX 11 has been investigating for over two years has been arrested on felony animal cruelty and other charges on Thursday afternoon at his residence in Downey.
Gustavo Gonzalez allegedly accused of illegally selling sick and dying dogs to unsuspecting customers responding to his Craigslist ads.
Some of these puppies died within days or months after being taken home.
In FOX 11's last report animal cruelty investigators with SPCA Los Angeles launched their own criminal investigation of his actions as a result of our investigations.
Our previous reports can be seen here:
1) FOX 11 confronts man accused of selling sick puppies
2) FOX 11 confronts man selling sick puppies for 3rd time
3) SICK PUPPY PEDDLER: FOX 11 confronts sick puppy seller for 4th time; law enforcement investigating
Now, law enforcement has finally stepped in and the accused sick puppy peddler is in custody at the Downey Police Department.
'Today Gustavo Gonzalez of Downey was taken into custody by Downey PD, he is being charged with 28 felony counts, cruelty to an animal, one felony count reach residential burglary and grand theft, 22 misdemeanor counts of petty theft', according to Ana Bustilloz, SPCALA Director of Communications.
'The complaint charges that the defendant sold 28 puppies to 25 families across Southern California, from February 2018 through April 2019, most of those puppies died thereafter.'
Read the full complaint here:
Gonzalez Complaint Link 1 (PDF file)
Gonzalez Complaint Link 2 (PDF file)
Police tell FOX 11 reporter Bill Melugin that Gustavo Gonzalez’s bail has been set at $740,000 and he faces up to 36 years in prison if convicted. He is accused of selling 28 sick dogs to 25 families, almost all of which died.
Gonzalez's arraignment is scheduled for June 10.
Authorities want to hear from more victims.
If you feel like you are a victim, please call the LA County Department of Business Affairs at 1-800-593-8222.