Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist is announcing that he is opening an investigation of Wizard Of Claws after NBC 6 found unhappy customers nationwide who say their expensive dogs got sick soon after buying them.

"We buy the best of the best. We pay a premium," said Jim Anderson, who runs Wizard of Claws.

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Atty. General Launches Investigation
Puppy Heartbreak Part I
Puppy Heartbreak Part II
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That claim is at the center of the state's investigation of Wizard of Claws -- the Pembroke Pines-based pet store run by Anderson.

He sells thousands of expensive dogs nationwide.

"The Wizard Of Claws celebrity kennel specializes in world class quality teacups," the store's television commercial says.

"This looks like it could violate Florida statute 501, which is unfair trade and deceptive practice," Crist told NBC 6.

Crist announced his investigation, seeking to protect pet owners and pets.

"That's why it's great that NBC 6 brought it to our attention," Crist said. "So we have the opportunity to do good here, to make justice happen, and to make sure that these consumers and these animals are treated right."

Since NBC 6's investigation aired, we've received complaints from an additional 115 customers, bringing the total to 275 unhappy customers in 34 states, Mexico and Canada. Most claim their dogs got sick soon after buying them. Some died.

Customers paid thousands of dollars because they say they were told the dogs were high quality.

"First of all, we buy these dogs strictly off breeders that my boss had done business with. Their dogs are from breeders. They're not from puppy mills," a Wizard Of Claws salesman said when NBC 6 visited the store.

But NBC 6 went undercover into Midwestern breeding operations tracing the origin of some of Wizard Of Claws' dogs to these very places. Experts call them "puppy mills" known for disease and defects.

"I'm literally shocked," said Florida State Sen. Larcenia Bullard (D-Miami-Dade).

NBC 6 showed its report to Bullard, whose two bills would license pet stores, require inspections and help consumers. She says the NBC 6 report underscores a need for change.

"There has to be some regulation and I'm not certain why there hasn't already been," Bullard said.

And one of the legislators behind Florida's Puppy Lemon law now wants to give it more teeth.

"What's more American than loving your pet dog, than protecting puppies? I mean, that's what this is about," said State Sen. Dave Aronberg (D-Palm Beach County).

"Having an inspection that just makes sure pets are treated humanely -- even in a store -- how would you oppose that? Or why would you oppose something like that?" Crist said.

Crist is also calling for unhappy customers of Wizard Of Claws to call his hotline: (866) 9-NO-SCAM.

NBC 6 asked Anderson for his reaction Wednesday, who said his business was strong, but he referred us to his attorney. He did not immediately return our calls.

Meanwhile, unhappy customers plan a demonstration outside Wizard Of Claws on March 11.

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Airdate: March 1, 2006
Reporter Jeff Burnside, Investigative Producer Scott Zamost