California IN BRIEF : SACRAMENTO : Pet Distributor Settles Lawsuit

A major pet distributor with more than 20 outlets in California has settled a Superior Court lawsuit filed by three Sacramento residents who charged they were sold sick “puppy mill” dogs, according to Martin Blake, attorney for the dog owners. Under terms of the settlement, Blake said, Docktor Pet Centers Inc. agreed to set up a $50,000 fund to make restitution to dog owners, to donate $100,000 to humane societies in the state and hire a veterinarian to inspect its facilities. The three dog owners did not seek damages, only correction of the problem. Since the suit was filed in early 1988, the Docktor firm has been sold, Blake said. The settlement was reached with the firm’s new owners, he said.