MUSKEGON, Mich. — The Lakes Mall stated Friday that they will not be pursuing a lease with a controversial designer puppy shop.
In a Facebook comment posted around 5 p.m., The Lakes Mall in Muskegon said they will not pursue a lease with The Barking Boutique to open a store in their mall:
“The Lakes Mall works with a wide variety of retail and non-retail uses in order to accommodate a wide range of consumer needs. We will not pursue a lease with The Barking Boutique to open a store in the mall.”
CBL & Associates Properties, the corporate office, confirmed the post is official.
Many people were worried that the store would sell dogs from puppy mills and unethical breeders; a worry disputed by the shop in a statement Thursday:
“The Barking Boutique was established so area families can share in the wonderful and rewarding experience of welcoming a puppy into their home. While shelters provide an excellent and appropriate alternative for many individuals and families seeking their life-time companions, we specialize in select puppies provided by USDA regulated breeders. At the time of purchase, all of our customers are guided through a thorough ‘puppy basics’ booklet which is a take-home reference guide. Our goal is to educate families about the best way to care for, raise, and train a puppy so families will have the best experience at home. All of our puppies have had their scheduled vaccinations, and to further our commitment that each and every puppy we sell has the best opportunity for a long and healthy life, the Barking Boutique covers all standard veterinarian care costs associated with the puppy’s first year of care including spay/neuter. The puppies also are vetted locally to ensure the best health and practices!”
The puppy store was originally going to open in May.
