Animals Seized From Illegal Kennel In Franklin County
08 August 2009
by Anai Rhoads
AnaiRhoads.org -- An unlicensed dog kennel in Pennsylvania was shut down Thursday, after a discovery that the make-shift facility contained an assortment of ill and mistreated animals.
A visitor to the kennel contacted the police after witnessing a slew of weak and ill animals. Wardens quickly secured a warrant to examine the property.
Dog wardens and the Washington Township Police Department then removed all of the 29 animals from the Waynesboro dog kennel, including a deceased animal.
In the state, Dog Law dictates that any home or facility must obtain a license if there are expected to be more than 25 animals on the property per year.
"Unlicensed kennels are difficult to regulate because they are often intentionally secretive about their operation," said Jessie Smith, the state's special deputy for Dog Law. "Unfortunately, without undergoing a regular inspection, as a properly licensed kennel would, the conditions can go unchecked for long periods of time and dogs can be in need of veterinary care. We take unlicensed kennels very seriously and will work to shut down any illegal kennels that come to our attention."
The Franklin County kennel, owned and operated by Donna Cook, was said to have mostly Papillons, Yorkies and Poodle mixes. Additional animals included a variety of birds and cats. The animals were found in dire condition and in need of immediate veterinary care.
Some animals were said to have oozing eyes, severely matted fur and ear infections. Cook had stacked four cages upon another, where the animals in the crates below were rained on by urine and feces. The conditions were so filthy, that there was evidence of living and dead maggots. The animals were also left with little access to water and ate old and moldy food.
Governor Edward G. Rendell signed Act 119 of 2008 into law in October of that year. The Act is designed to protect animals from maltreatment and abuse at the hands of puppy mills and backyard breeders.
"The previous dog law was ambiguous about what charges could be filed against illegal kennels, beyond charges for failure to get a license," said Smith. "Act 119 makes it clear that wardens can also cite for any unsatisfactory conditions for which a regularly licensed kennel would be held accountable, and we will file those charges in this case for sanitation, upkeep and any other applicable violations."
Cook has a history of abusing and neglecting animals in her care. She was cited in 2001 for animal cruelty and for operating a kennel without a license. Current Dog Law charges against Cook are pending. All charges for animal cruelty and neglect will be issued by the Washington Township Police Department.
The Antietam Humane Society in Waynesboro are said to currently have possession of the animals rescued. Each live animal is in the process of being examined by local veterinarians.
A hotline has been established for those who wish to report unsatisfactory or illegal kennels. Please call the toll-free hotline at 1-877-DOG-TIP1 if you encounter facilities such as these.
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