LOS ANGELES -- A Los Angeles judge says the owners of a Bel Air pet store that catered to celebrities could face a default judgment in a lawsuit alleging they sold sick "puppy mill" animals to about 800 people.
The judge told the plaintiff's attorney Monday to document his clients' damages so he can prepare a ruling, possibly before the next hearing April 21.
Superior Court Judge John Shook took the action because an attorney for Pets of Bel Air left the case three months ago and the defendants have not responded to court motions since then.
The fraud and false advertising lawsuit filed in December 2007 alleges the store sold puppies that later became sick or died because they were bred in so-called puppy mills. Such places mass-breed dogs for sale, often keeping them in bare, wire cages.
Wayne Kreger filed the lawsuit, claiming he bought a chihuahua from the store and it died 12 days later.
The store's clientele included Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Demi Moore.
