By DON DARE
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - A controversial puppy store in West Knoxville is closed after one of its puppies died of distemper.
The store at 8239 Kingston Pike hasn't been open since the weekend, and the owner, Steven Glatz, says he isn't sure when it will reopen.
A sign on Puppy Zone's front door says it's closed temporarily for remodeling and when it reopens it will be renovated.
However, Glatz said by phone a Siberian Huskey puppy purchased in late May died of distemper, a contagious disease among dogs.
Glatz said something slipped through with that puppy and he's "never had anything like this happen before."
He says he's working with veterinarians on different levels to solve the problem and figure out what happened.
Although Glatz wouldn't confirm it, 6 News has been told five other puppies may also have died of distemper.
In October 2010, a 6 News investigation revealed hundreds of puppies purchased by Puppy Zone came from unregulated, out of state dealers and breeders where dogs live in puppy mill type conditions.
At the time, Glatz said he was unaware of the conditions and wouldn't buy from those breeders in the future.
Currently, an investigation is underway and some animals remain quarantined.
The sign says Puppy Zone is scheduled to reopen Friday at noon, but Glatz said that hasn't yet been determined.
This sign is on the store's front door.
