Judge Orders Just Pups Store To Remain Closed

PARAMUS, N.J. - Just Pups in Paramus will remain closed, a state judge ruled Friday, the result of a suit filed by the owner, Vincent LoSacco, to get the store reopened.

LoSacco has been at the center of controversy after police found 67 puppies inside a van behind the store. He filed the suit on Thursday against the borough of Paramus. The dogs are not under the care of Tyco Animal Control.

"I feel like my dogs were stolen from me," LoSacco said.

The Paramus Board of Health ordered the store closed Monday for an inspection. LoSacco mistakenly opened the store Tuesday, but the Board of Health ordered it remain closed Wednesday.

State Superior Court Judge Lisa Perez Friscia ruled that the Paramus Board of Health provide LoSacco with a copy of the inspection report.

Firscia also ruled special Board of Health hearing scheduled for Monday was postponed to May 2. LoSacco requested he be granted adequate time to prepare for it. If the Board of Health decides to revoke LoSacco's license, the Borough Council may take formal action on the license at its May 3 meeting.

Customers lodged complaints with the Better Business Bureau against Just Pups, which also has locations in East Brunswick, Emerson, and East Hanover. The East Brunswick store's license was revoked earlier this year after allegations of animal cruelty surfaced. Three dead dogs were found during an inspection at the store.

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