Three men from Philadelphia, who market themselves as "celebrity breeders," are accused of illegally selling puppies out of a Mercedes SUV in New York City's Diamond District. The men have been selling designer dogs, including toy poodles, cavapoos, cockapoos, goldendoodles, and Pomeranians, for prices up to $4,500 each.
Investigators have identified Brandon Rone, 34, Tyshawn Walker, 31, and Dasheim Harris, 29, as key figures in the operation. All three reside in Philadelphia. They promote themselves on Instagram, showcasing luxury items like Rolex watches and Louis Vuitton bags, and claim to have sold a dog to the rapper Cardi B, sharing a photo of her with a dog in April. Rone operates under the business name "Pups R Us," while Walker sells puppies through "FUReverhome."
It remains unclear where the dogs are bred. Rone claims they are "home raised," but photographic evidence suggests dogs are kept in vehicles. Rone himself lives in a Philadelphia home without a backyard.
Philadelphia authorities have previously taken action against Rone and Walker. In November 2024, both men were charged for illegally selling dogs in a Walmart parking lot outside of Philadelphia. Rone pleaded guilty and was fined $400, and Walker also pleaded guilty, though his penalty was not specified. Harris has a prior record including a 2021 gun charge in Philadelphia, but no conviction.
Despite previous investigations and tips, the men have not been apprehended by the NYPD. Police responded to 911 calls in Midtown Manhattan but found that the individuals had already fled. The group has been observed selling dogs in Manhattan at least five times over the past year, with Rone posting social media videos of his activities in New York City to a now-deleted Instagram account.
Animal welfare organizations have expressed strong concerns about the operation. Sarah Barnett, executive director of the Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia, stated that the group has been a subject of calls for years, noting they were known to sell puppies in a Walmart parking lot and even outside an animal rescue center. When confronted by a reporter, Rone initially denied his involvement, claiming he offered "puppy yoga" before hanging up.
Mian Osumi, Policy and Advocacy Manager at Voters for Animal Rights, criticized the business model, stating, "These puppies are being treated like disposable toys—with sellers pocketing a pretty penny off animals who are often sick, stressed and traumatized before they’ve even had a real chance at life." Osumi emphasized the lack of veterinary oversight and accountability in such operations.
New York City law prohibits the sale of pets in unlicensed locations. Furthermore, since 2024, the state's Puppy Mill Pipeline Act restricts pet shops from selling dogs, limiting legal purchases to those from responsible breeders or shelters. The Manhattan District Attorney's office, responsible for enforcing these laws, has not yet commented.