GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Police are searching for a former Gwinnett County dog breeder convicted of animal cruelty who is accused of going back into business - against court orders.
Monica Wong was ordered to stay away from animals after customers from across the country say she sold them sick puppies. Some of those pets died just days or weeks after coming home.
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11Alive Investigator Rebecca Lindstrom has followed this case for more than four years as Wong's business moved from her house to an old Bruster's ice cream store to a formal pet store in Gwinnett County.
But this month, Lindstrom has heard from two people who say they purchased or attempted to purchase dogs from Wong. One buyer, who asked to remain anonymous, told investigators Wong sold her a dog, pictured below, for $1,500 that died just a few days later. The second buyer said she paid a deposit but no one showed up for the delivery.
In August, Wong plead guilty to keeping animals stacked in filthy cages. After pleading guilty to 30 misdemeanor charges for poor living conditions – a judge ordered her to stop selling dogs – and even forbade her from owning a personal pet for the next seven years.
As of Monday afternoon, Wong has yet to turn herself in and police have not been able to find her.
Wong is believed to use different names to conduct business, but one buyer said she called herself Season Baron while doing business under the name TeddyBear Maltipoo Puppies. Payment was sent to an account with the name Susan Miller.
Anyone who believes they have recently purchased a dog from her is encouraged to contact wxia-investigators@11alive.com or text 404-885-7600.