Kennel Raid

[ColColt]

There seems to be another Kennel raid with a worse outcome in PA recently. From the article it indicates a license must be obtained for ownership of 26 or more dogs, at least in PA. Apparently this fellow couldn't take care of 26 dogs much less several hundred. Make one wonder why he couldn't handle 26 since others supposedly can handle 900 or more...very interesting.

Pennsylvania Kennel Raided, Dogs Seized
Authorities recovered deceased dogs and seized 72 others found living in
deplorable conditions at an unlicensed kennel. Humane officers and
Pennsylvania state dog wardens executed a search warrant at Calico Creek
Critters kennel last week as part of Governor Edward G. Rendell's
efforts to crack down on dog breeders who operate unsatisfactory
kennels. Authorities removed between 20 and 30 deceased dogs and 72
others living at the kennel located in Northwest Pennsylvania, according
to Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture officials.
Kennel owner Lore Massey is being charged with operating a kennel
without a license and failing to maintain sanitary and humane
conditions, state officials said.
Kennels housing 26 or more dogs must have a license to operate and are
routinely inspected by state investigators. In a separate and unrelated
incident, dog wardens removed 18 dogs from a kennel earlier this month
in Lancaster County, Pa., and humane officers charged kennel owner Ervin
Zimmerman with animal cruelty.
Zimmerman had previously received five citations for unsatisfactory
kennel conditions. State dog wardens were on Zimmerman's property to
revoke his kennel license due to the citations, when they saw dogs with
matted fur and open sores, which prompted authorities to confiscate the
dogs and charge Zimmerman with animal cruelty.
Last October, Governor Rendell proposed an overhaul to the state's dog
law to improve conditions for dogs bred and sold in the state. Since
then, Rendell has appointed a special deputy secretary, a special
prosecutor, and an investigation team to enforce state dog laws. In
addition, all inspection records for the state's 2,600 licensed kennels
have been posted online.



Agriculture: About Dog Law Enforcement

And yet another cited for animal cruelty in PA. Maybe they just can't handle quantities of dogs.

WASHINGTON COUNTY KENNEL CHARGED, DOGS SEIZED
State Dog Wardens, Washington County Humane Officers Find Dead Dogs, Poor Conditions

HARRISBURG – State dog wardens and humane officers removed 70 dogs from an unlicensed Washington County facility as part of Governor Edward G. Rendell’s effort to crack down on unsatisfactory kennels.

State dog wardens were asked to help humane officers execute a search warrant at Calico Creek Critters kennel in Centerville on Tuesday. The wardens found between 20 and 30 dead dogs in various states of decomposition, and 72 other dogs living in the house.

The owner, Lore Massey, is being charged by the wardens for operating a kennel without a license and failing to maintain sanitary and humane conditions.

Jessie Smith, the state’s special deputy for dog law, said any kennel with more than 26 dogs per year must obtain a license and be inspected annually.

“Unlicensed kennels are difficult to regulate, and in an animal hoarding situation, it is even more difficult,” said Smith.

Smith said animal hoarding is a disorder that causes people to keep large numbers of animals in their home without proper care.

“Animal hoarders are often in denial about their situation and the conditions in which the animals are forced to live,” said Smith. “These situations include neglect and cruelty, but without information from neighbors or outsiders, officials are often unaware of their existence.”
Smith said dog wardens cannot cite for cruelty, but work closely with humane officers who can. She said anyone who believes they know of an unlicensed kennel should call the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement at 717-787-4833 and report it.

On Oct. 17, 2006, Governor Rendell announced sweeping changes to the state’s dog law and regulations. The Governor also took actions to increase the enforcement of current laws by hiring Smith as Special Deputy, a special prosecutor and several new dog wardens.