Southern California man charged with selling 28 sick puppies

DOWNEY, Calif. (AP) — A man who allegedly sold more than two dozen sick puppies to people around Southern California has been charged with animal cruelty.

The case announced Thursday charges Gustavo Gonzalez of Downey with selling 28 puppies to 25 families. Prosecutors say many of the puppies died soon after they were brought home.

Gonzalez also is charged with residential burglary and grand and petty theft. If convicted, he could face up to 36 years in prison.

It’s not immediately clear whether he has an attorney.