Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched an investigation (PDF) into Ryan Thompson, the owner of the dog-breeding business Fallen





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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:*
February 12, 2025




*Media Contact:*
Danny Wimmer <[email protected]>






AG Nessel Launches Investigation into Another Alleged Fraudulent Pet Scheme

*LANSING* – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched an investigation (PDF) [ [link removed] ] into Ryan Thompson, the owner of the dog-breeding business Fallen Timbers in Morenci, for allegedly falsifying veterinarian records for at least three dogs sold to Michigan consumers. 

In November 2024, a consumer filed a complaint with the Department of Attorney General alleging that she adopted a four-month-old boxer puppy from Fallen Timbers for $1,500 after finding the business through its Facebook page. She was provided with a health guarantee in the sales contract assuring her that the puppy had been “immunized,” “wormed,” and was in “good health.” She also received veterinarian records purportedly from Hillcrest Veterinary Clinic. However, when the consumer picked up the puppy, it appeared to be in poor health. A subsequent vet visit confirmed the puppy had a respiratory infection and tested positive for coccidiosis, giardia, and cryptosporidiosis. The Hillcrest Veterinary Clinic told the Department they never examined the puppy.  

Another consumer reported a similar experience after adopting an English bulldog puppy from Thompson in 2022 for $3,000. She also received a “health guarantee” and veterinarian records; this time purportedly from Fieldstone Veterinary Care. However, the puppy had a congenital defect, and the records were allegedly fraudulent. It is alleged that Thompson falsified records from Fieldstone Veterinary Care on at least one other occasion. 

“Puppy scams are becoming more common and sophisticated, putting both Michigan animal lovers and animal welfare at risk,” Nessel said. “When adopting, especially online, research the breeder, never purchase a puppy without seeing it in person, and keep all documents and communications. My office will continue to pursue bad actors who deceive consumers looking to adopt a pet.”   

Attorney General Nessel settled an investigation into a different alleged fraudulent pet adoption scheme [ [link removed] ] last month. The Attorney General is reissuing her consumer alert on puppy scams [ [link removed] ] to provide Michiganders with tips to avoid being scammed when purchasing dogs online. Attorney General Nessel also encourages any consumer who believes they may have been provided falsified paperwork in purchasing a pet from Thompson or his business to contact the Department’s Consumer Protection Team. To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:   

Consumer Protection Team [ [link removed] ]
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form [ [link removed] ] 

 

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