Bronson Announces Arrest In Pet Fraud Case
For Information, Contact:
Terence McElroy
(850) 488-3022
Major Bob Johnson
(850) 245-1300
Bob.Johnson@freshfromflorida.com
December 3, 2008
TALLAHASSEE – Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson announced today the arrest of a Hernando County woman for selling a Port Richey couple a puppy with a bogus health certificate.
Charged with Use of a Fraudulent Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, a third-degree felony, was Rosemarie A. Gulliver, 59, of Brooksville. She was booked at the Hernando County Jail, where bail was set at $2,300.
According to Bronson’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement, which investigated the case and made the arrest, Gulliver is alleged to have used a year-old health certificate and altered it to make it appear as though it belonged to the 8-week-old Newfoundland puppy that she sold to the couple last May for $650.
“Providing fraudulent health certificates is a serious issue as it generally means the animal has never been examined by a veterinarian as required by law, and therefore there is no assurance of the puppy’s health,” Bronson said. “Not only does it potentially victimize consumers who purchase pets, but it endangers the life of the animal.”
The case arose from a complaint filed with Bronson’s office by the couple, who noticed that the health certificate with which they were provided was a photo copy - and not an original. After checking with the veterinarian whose signature appeared on the document, the couple suspected that they had been defrauded.
Under Florida’s Pet Law, dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks of age when sold or offered for sale, and each animal must be accompanied by a Florida health certificate signed by a licensed and accredited veterinarian within the past 30 days documenting required vaccinations, tests and treatments for internal or external parasites.
In addition, the law requires a dealer to provide a purchaser with information on the buyer’s rights under the law, which includes the right to return, exchange or receive reimbursement for veterinary expenses if an animal is deemed unfit by a licensed veterinarian within 14 days of purchase.
The department’s Division of Animal Industry assists consumers, veterinarians and pet dealers in educating them about the pet law and making sure that its provisions are followed. For additional information or to file a complaint, consumers can call 1 800 HELP FLA (435-7352) or 850 410-0900.
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