Hudson Valley Pet Store Closes Amid Controversy

American Breeders: Puppies & Kittens in the Dutchess Shopping Plaza on Route 9 in Wappingers Falls, closed its doors on Sept. 30. The store has been the site of many protests lately because the owner is facing charges of animal cruelty.

The stores landlord Frank Buyakowski tells the Poughkeepsie Journal, the decision to close was a mutual agreement between him and the owner, Richard F. Doyle.

Following an investigation in July, Doyle was charged with three misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. An April investigation from the Poughkeespie Journal found that many Dutchess County residents purchased sick puppies from the 55-year-olds pet store.

Doyle owns other pet stores in Danbury, Connecticut and Mohegan Lake. No plans have been announced at this time as to what will replace American Breeders in Wappingers Falls.