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Round Rock resident and state advocates urge investigation into Forever Pets after two puppies died
Summary
A Round Rock resident told the council she lost two puppies bought from Forever Pets and urged a formal investigation; the Texas Humane Legislation Network presented inspection records and asked the city to review ordinance enforcement and strengthen local remedies where allowed.
Jamie Martinez, a Round Rock resident, told the City Council she bought two Doberman puppies from Forever Pets at the Round Rock Outlet Mall and that both animals fell ill and died days after purchase. “We purchased a Doberman puppy from the store in the amount of $4,000 … Within a day of bringing her home, she began demonstrating signs of sickness,” Martinez said, describing repeated vet bills and what she called broken promises from the store.
Francesca Cellino, representing the Texas Humane Legislation Network, told the council Round Rock inspection reports show recurring violations at Forever Pets and said the pattern—sick animals, steep veterinary bills and limited store remediation—persists despite fines. “Inspection records describe puppies being kept in dirty enclosures, showing signs of illness and housed in conditions that fail to meet basic standards for care,” Cellino said.
Martinez asked the council to open a formal investigation into Forever Pets and to explore enforcement measures and stronger oversight of pet stores. Mayor Craig Morgan responded that city authority over some aspects is limited and encouraged Martinez to contact state legislators; he added, “we will look into it” and said staff would follow up offline.
The public commenters cited online reviews and petitions alleging similar experiences from other buyers and said inspection records document multiple ordinance violations. City staff present acknowledged the inspection findings discussed by THLN and said the city enforces its pet‑store ordinance but that remedies at the local level are constrained by state law in some instances.
What happens next: Martinez said she will provide documentation to staff; the mayor offered to have staff speak with her after the meeting. City action beyond staff follow-up was not recorded in the meeting minutes; the council did not take a formal enforcement vote at this session.
Sources: Public comment at the Aug. 14, 2025 Round Rock City Council meeting. All quotations are taken from speakers' remarks during the public-comment portion and attributed to the speakers listed by the meeting transcript.
