Woman who sold Tommy Fury and Molly Mae puppy once in court for supplying dog with broken leg
THE woman who sold Molly-Mae Hague her tragic puppy was once in court for flogging a dog with a broken leg.
Love Island star Molly-Mae revealed her heartache this morning as new puppy Mr Chai died after suddenly falling ill - just days after boyfriend Tommy Fury gave it to her.
Breeder Elena Katerova, who runs Tiffany Chihuahuas & Pomeranians, previously failed to tell another customer, Jane Martin, her Pomeranian puppy had had a metal splint inserted into its leg six weeks before she bought it for £5,000.
Writing on review site Trustpilot in 2018, Jane explained Elena had taken her to court for refusing to return the dog after refunding the full sum she paid for it.
Jane said she wanted to keep the pup and arrange a suitable price taking into account the leg injury, however, the court ruled against her.
The Mirror reported at the time that she was ordered to pay Elena £1,201, but the disgruntled pet owner then issued a successful counterclaim that saw her recoup £927.
Jane wrote: "Any decent company would never of let things get this far, they would never have sold a dog in this state claiming it was a perfect example of the breed. TC have never apologised for their actions or the upset they have caused myself and my family."
Other customers left positive reviews praising the company, and it has an average rating of 4.7 out of five.
Elena was at the centre of controversy again in 2018 when she appeared on This Morning with three chihuahuas, one of which wore a dress.
Viewers complained the dogs looked "terrified" as they sat shaking as Elena talked to hosts Rylan Clark-Neal and Lisa Snowdon about controversial "teacup dogs".
These dogs weigh between two and five pounds, and measure fewer than 17 inches when fully grown.
One This Morning viewer wrote at the time: "#ThisMorning The breeder clearly doesn’t give a damn about her dogs and is not a responsible breeder purely because she breeds small dogs/runts! Money talks & dogs health walks!"
Another shared: "Sorry unless I’m missing the point , I think it’s a tad cruel . Poor little things were shaking! They’re terrified! Probably being shoved in her backpack as we speak!!#ThisMorning."
Today Molly-Mae - who was slammed after revealing the pup had been imported from Russia for her birthday last week - shared the devastating news of her dog's death on Instagram.
“It is very uncommon for puppies to die but imported puppies are considered to be at a higher risk of having health issues due to poor breeding, lack of veterinary care, malnutrition and difficult journeys to the UK.
“The best thing you can do to spare the heartache of losing a pet is to do your research, go to a reputable breeder or rehoming charity in the UK, and always use the to make sure you have a healthy, happy puppy.”
The devastating news comes nearly one week after Molly was first gifted the pup, who went on to have his own Instagram account.
He was purchased from Cheshire-based breeders Tiffany Chihuahuas & Pomeranians.
Taking to her Instagram Story last week, the Love Island beauty excitedly shared pictures of a dog pen and bowls as she awaited the dog's arrival.
She explained: "Sat waiting for you, little monster. An hour before I become a dog mum. Has anyone ever received a puppy at night? What are you meant to do? Put them to bed or stay up with them??! Honestly, this is going to be so entertaining."
Molly added: "He was meant to be here on my birthday btw guys but he's coming from Russia so there were delays etc."
Horrified fans flocked to social media to slam Molly-Mae's choice to import her pet - with some outraged by her decision not to adopt an animal in need from the UK, and others worried about the global pandemic.
Russia closed its borders to foreign visitors in March due to coronavirus, with the decree extended indefinitely last month.
One wrote: "MOLLY MAE’s F***ING DOG IS COMING. From. RUSSIA. THe ignorance, I’m so disgusted."
Another added: "Wait Molly Mae is having a puppy shipped to her from Russia?
"There’s literally so many dogs sat in adoption centres and they choose to get a dog shipped from another country wtf is that about?"
On Molly's birthday, 21-year-old Tommy surprised her with a designer carry case for her dog and other pet treats, leaving a handwritten note from the pooch.
With respect to Molly-Mae's statements about the death of Mr Chai, a pathology report undertaken in June following the publication of this article, was found to be inconclusive as to the cause of death