http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/4048637/detail.html
As the saying goes...buyer beware (and wise up)

Proposal Aims To Stem Tide Of Smuggled Pets
Public Pet Sales Would Be Banned

NATIONAL CITY, Calif. -- A proposal to amend the city code could prevent kittens and puppies from being sold in public, NBC 7/39 reported Tuesday.


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IMAGES: 16 Puppies Seized At Border
IMAGES: Puppy Smuggling




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Animal advocates say the amendment is designed to stop a growing problem that is costing pet owners hundreds of dollars and immeasurable amounts of grief: the sale of smuggled pets.

"You feel helpless, you can't save them," said one woman who bought a smuggled pet. "They're dying and you can't do anything. You take them to the vet and they can't fix them."

"People see a puppy like this and think it's just adorable," said Janeen Reed, Animal Control Officer for the National City Police. The person says, 'For $350, you can have this puppy.'"

Police say sick animals are often sold to unsuspecting owners in store parking lots, in front of fast food places and outside ATM machines.