Owner knifed at back door of pet store

A TV report had said the victim's shop sold sick puppies that died.

By DONG-PHUONG NGUYEN, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published December 18, 2001

BRANDON -- Mike Julian heard a knock at the back door of his pet business Sunday night and thought it might be employees picking him up for a Christmas party.

He opened the door to find a man with a knife. The stranger attacked, stabbing Julian in the leg.

The man said he hoped Julian felt the same suffering and death that the animals he sells have endured.

The attack, which occurred shortly before 8 p.m., left Julian battered and shaken, workers said Monday. The 37-year-old owner of Puppy and Kitty Nursery on State Road 60 near Valrico Road in Brandon was recuperating at home and could not be reached for comment.

Authorities do not know why Julian was targeted, but customers and nearby business owners kept busy Monday exchanging theories.

Julian's shop was the subject of a Channel 28 investigation last month; the television station reported that he sold sick puppies, some of which died after they were purchased.

Julian, who owns two other shops -- one in New Port Richey, the other in Palm Harbor -- works out of the Brandon location. He sells purebred puppies, with prices ranging from hundreds to more than a thousand dollars each.

Channel 28 reported that the state and the Better Business Bureau have received dozens of complaints about the business. The company buys its puppies from breeders and puppy mills in the Midwest, the station reported.

"I don't know if it was based on the TV story, disgruntled customers or what," said sheriff's spokesman Lt. Rod Reder.

Jerri Cleckler, who shelled out $995 for a boxer at the Brandon store almost two years ago, said while she does not condone violence, she believes there are many unhappy and frustrated customers.

Cleckler's dog, Duke, had kennel cough and had to be nursed back to health after $1,400 in medical bills. Julian refused to meet with her, Cleckler said.

The store's general manager declined to comment.

The attacker is described as white man, with a goatee, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds.

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