Controversial Dog Seller Now Center Of Criminal Investigation

INDIANAPOLIS -- A woman who promised to shut down her dog-selling business following more than 40 complaints about the health of the animals is now the center of a criminal investigation.

State and county officials searched the Owen County property of Tammy Gilchrist on Monday, examining animals and removing one, Call 6's Rafael Sanchez reported. They also took business records related to her dog-selling business.

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Numerous customers said they paid Gilchrist, who operated under several assumed names, for puppies that were sick or were never delivered, or for kennel papers that were never provided.

In many cases, the animals had parvovirus, scabies, ringworm or were infested with fleas.

There is a nationwide push to hold people who sell sick animals accountable. Eighteen states currently have a pet lemon law, which allows customers to get a refund or repayment of veterinary bills when a dog becomes sick or dies shortly after it was sold.

Indiana could join that list because of Rep. Trent van Haaften, a Democrat representing Mount Vernon. He and his wife, Beverly van Haaften, bought a schnoodle from Gilchrist that died three days later.

"I think animals need to be protected, and I think people who take advantage of animals and people who love animals need to be stopped," Beverly van Haaften said.

When Call 6 recently sent volunteers with hidden cameras out to puppy shop, Gilchrist said she planned to open a pet store.

"We'll be opening our store in January," Gilchrist said. "We're thinking about Bloomington."

The state sued Gilchrist in March 2006 in a suit that is still pending. At the time she agreed to a court order that required her not to misrepresent the health of animals she was selling.

Recent complaints indicated that Gilchrist has strayed from the deal. A court gave state and county authorities permission to examine the Owen County property and puppies on Monday.

"The investigators felt it was good they were there," said Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter. "There certainly is evidence that warrants investigative work to see if they fit criminal arena. If they do, we will bring charges."

Call 6 was unable to reach Gilchrist's attorney on Tuesday about the criminal investigation, but last week he told Call 6 he expected the attorney general's lawsuit to be dismissed in the near future. Carter said his office has no plans to drop the case.