BOSTON (AP) - A Massachusetts man has been ordered to permanently stop operating an unlicensed and unsanitary pet shop out of his home and to pay more than $480,000 in penalties and damages for selling sick and dying puppies to customers.

State Attorney General Maura Healey announced Monday that a judge entered a default judgment against Heath Morse, of Shrewsbury, barring him from ever selling dogs in the state.

The state sued Morse in November.

Authorities say from 2016 until October he sold more than three dozen Bulldog puppies for thousands of dollars each. More than a quarter of the puppies sold ultimately died, many within days of purchase, and customers paid thousands in veterinary bills to treat or euthanize sick dogs.

A working number could not be found for Morse.

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC.