Four men were observed selling miniature poodle puppies for $1,500 each from a white Mercedes SUV in Midtown Manhattan's Diamond District. The individuals were seen hawking the dogs from baby strollers in broad daylight on West 47th Street.
This incident marks at least the fifth time in less than a year that similar sales have been observed involving the same vehicle, which had covered license plates and was parked in a no-standing zone. This most recent observation involved four sellers and up to twelve puppies, an increase from previous sightings. The puppies, described as two-month-old mini poodles, were displayed in crowded baby carriages on a day when temperatures reached 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
A New York Police Department traffic officer reportedly walked past the vehicle without intervening. The NYPD confirmed that a 911 call was made regarding the sellers around 4 p.m., but the individuals had fled by the time officers arrived.
Selling dogs on the street is illegal in New York City. In December 2024, the state enacted the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act, which mandates that New Yorkers adopt from shelters or purchase from responsible breeders located outside the city. Backyard breeding, which the sellers claimed to be involved in, is also forbidden within the city.
Violations of these laws are punishable by fines of up to $1,000, issued by the state Attorney General's Office. One of the sellers, who identified himself as Tyshawn Walker, initially told a New York Post reporter posing as a customer that they bred the dogs. However, when questioned about the legality of the operation, he claimed they were not selling puppies but were instead offering free "puppy yoga."
The ASPCA stated it was aware of the situation and was on standby to assist the NYPD if requested. "The NYPD is the primary agency that enforces animal cruelty laws across the five boroughs," an NYPD spokesperson told The Post. "The ASPCA is on standby to support the NYPD with this situation should they request our services."
Brian Shapiro, state director for Humane World for Animals, called the sales "an immediate red flag" and stated that such activities violate city and state laws designed to protect both pets and consumers. The sellers also provided a phone number and Instagram account to interested customers.
