Los Angeles Sues Wagmor Pets Over Rescue Allegations
The city seeks over $7 million, alleging the organization misrepresented puppy mill dogs as rescues to local families.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Dogs
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The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office has filed a lawsuit against Studio City-based Wagmor Pets and owner Melissa Bacelar. The legal action alleges that the organization operated an illegal commercial enterprise by purchasing dogs from puppy mills and misrepresenting them as rescues to solicit donations.
Why it matters
The lawsuit alleges that the business disguised a for-profit puppy mill operation as a non-profit animal rescue to exploit donors and customers. This legal action aims to shut down these practices and secure over $7 million in fines for the alleged deceptive conduct.
The lawsuit alleges the business charged up to $1,500 in adoption fees for dogs sourced from auctions in Rocky Comfort, Missouri. Prosecutors are now seeking more than $7 million in total fines against the organization.
The players
Los Angeles City Attorney's Office
The local government agency responsible for enforcing municipal codes and protecting residents from fraudulent business practices.
Wagmor Pets
A Studio City animal organization that marketed itself as a rescue but is now accused of operating as a commercial puppy mill.
Melissa Bacelar
The owner of the organization who allegedly purchased dogs from out-of-state auctions and misrepresented their origins to customers.
The details
The complaint alleges that the owner purchased hundreds of dogs from breeders and passed them off as rescues to attract adopters and donors. The business reportedly used misleading photography of animals unrelated to the dogs being offered. Veterinary documentation indicates that dogs were being shipped from auctions directly to the facility in Studio City.
Timeline
2019: Wagmor Pets received national attention after a feature on the Ellen DeGeneres talk show.
2024: The Times documented separate customer lawsuits filed against Bacelar.
The week of October 20, 2026: The Los Angeles City Attorney filed the current lawsuit against the organization.
The Home Front
This case follows a growing trend of local regulatory actions targeting organizations that blur the lines between commercial breeders and non-profit rescues. It marks a significant shift in oversight for pet adoption practices across the Los Angeles area.
If you adopted a pet from this organization, keep your adoption records and financial receipts organized in case they are needed for future legal proceedings. Consult with a licensed veterinarian if you have ongoing health concerns regarding a pet sourced from a breeder or rescue.
The takeaway
When choosing to add a pet to your family, be wary of adoption solicitations that use stock photography or cannot provide clear records of the animal's rescue origin. Always verify the status of any pet organization through official state records or local consumer protection offices.
Further reading
For more on finding reputable local pet resources, visit the Dogs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Times.
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