The owner of a filthy New Jersey puppy shop was arrested Sunday for disobeying a court order that bars him from selling dogs, authorities said.
Rocco Garruto, 63, of Bridgewater, was hit with a contempt of court charge after he was allegedly found selling dogs despite a court order barring him from the pup trade.
An inspection of Garruto’s puppy store in Avenel last month revealed gross conditions and resulted in the court order. Dogs were found living in feces and on urine-soaked newspapers, according to court papers. Insects were also spotted buzzing around the unkempt facility by investigators, authorities said.
Instead of closing his doors for good, Garruto allegedly moved his business to an auto shop down the street and continued selling dogs until he was busted Sunday, authorities said.
Three dogs were rescued from the auto shop, authorities said.
It wasn't immediately clear if Garruto had an attorney who could comment on the allegations.
