Board continues Puppygram sales enforcement case; subpoenas ordered for three animal-control officers

The Louisville Metro Code Enforcement Board continued a multi-count enforcement case against Puppygram on March 21 and directed staff to subpoena three animal-control officers to appear at the next animal-control hearing on April 18. Animal Services alleged multiple violations of the Louisville Metro ordinance prohibiting retail pet stores from selling dogs and cats, citing five incidents dated Oct. 3–7, 2024 with $500 penalties attached to each count.

Officer Kelsey Valance told the board officers entered the facility on multiple dates and were told staff were selling puppies. Valance said officers Ratliff, Sergeant McMichael and Officer Thompson provided the basis for the citations. Defense counsel objected to hearsay and argued the board needed the actual officers who observed the alleged sales to satisfy due-process and confrontation concerns.

Hearing officer Aaron Cole said the potential penalties were significant and that animal-services officers who issued or witnessed the citations should be present. Cole continued the matter to the April 18 docket and instructed staff to issue subpoenas for Officers Thompson, Radcliffe and McMichael to appear. Cole noted the board will allow defense counsel to cross-examine any live witnesses at the continued hearing.

The case was recorded as ENFBRD-24-081122056 (Puppygram). The charges allege multiple counts of retail sales prohibited under the cited ordinance; the board did not rule on guilt or fines at the March 21 hearing and instead scheduled the matter for continued testimony with the issuing officers present.