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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Raided again, Agents descend on Almost Heaven for a second day

Humane officers last night seized dozens of additional animals - including monkeys, birds, cats and horses - from the Lehigh County kennel where 216 dogs were removed 24 hours earlier.

Agents from the Pennsylvania SPCA and Lehigh County Humane Society executed a search warrant at Almost Heaven kennel, the problem-plagued facility ordered shut down by state yesterday, where they found more sick and injured animals. 

A PSPCA veterinarian was on the scene evaluating animals late tonight, so the count of animals removed is preliminary, but it is believed about 20 cats,  five dogs, two horses, "a roomful of birds" and as many as five spider monkeys were taken to shelters.

Kennel owner Derbe Eckhart - who officials say has been charged with additional violations based on yesterday's raid - is scheduled for trial in July on animal cruelty charges relating to an October raid where agents removed 60 sick dogs.

As a result of that raid and ongoing violations, the Department of Agriculture revoked Eckhart's kennel license. Commonwealth Court denied Eckhart's emergency appeal on Monday and officials with the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement said they moved quickly to shut the kennel and remove all but 25 dogs, fearing they might be shot if Eckhart was given notice to downsize his kennel.

Under Pennsylvania law, no license is needed for fewer than 26 dogs.

Eckhart's website lists four breeds of cats (Snowshoe, Siamese, Ragdoll and Persians) for sale as well as cockatiels and lovebirds.

The warrant resulted from information provided by the Humane Society of the United States staff and state dog wardens during their search of the property on Tuesday.

The 216 dogs were taken to an emergency shelter in Harrisburg for evaluation. Some of the dogs have already been distributed to shelters throughout the region for adoption. Pennsylvania shelters receiving dogs are the Humane Society of Harrisburg, the Humane Society of Berks County and Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter. Animal Allies of New Jersey also received dogs.

 
Posted by Amy Worden @ 11:24 PM  Permalink | 3 comments
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 11:51 AM, 06/25/2009
    Kudos for the HSUS and SPCA follow up and removal of more animals. Now, get the remaining out so that they can also start living. This breeder needs to be in jail with no chances of ever doing these acts again... heck, can they take his property to help cover the medical expenses of all of these animals and the legal fees to shut him down???
    — dkm
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:04 PM, 06/26/2009
    I agree. This person should be jailed and should not be allowed to even own pets when he gets out. If you are breeding animals, you should have a license, no matter how many dogs you have. I am completely against buying dogs and cats from pet stores, completely against that! Adoption is the only way to go, but I also recognize that it is important to maintain breed standards, especially in dogs. People that breed quality purebred show dogs generally know what they are doing and have a genuine love for their dogs. That would mean that their dogs would be bred, but not overbred, perhaps two litters in the female dog's lifetime. Of course because of that, a person is going to pay top dollar for one of those dogs. Hey, if that's what someone wants to do, go for it. But any other dog should be adopted or rescued. With so many breed rescues there is actually no need to buy a dog from a pet store and support animal abusers and animal cruelty. If you like pomeranians (one of my favorites) do some research and find your local pomeranian rescue. There are so many unwanted and loveable animals out there just waiting for a home. Please save a life and adopt!
    — Professor Smart E. Pants, PhD.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:16 PM, 06/26/2009
    Places like this would never even exist if people were more mindful and educated.
    — Professor Smart E. Pants, PhD.


3 comments
About Amy Worden
Amy Worden is a politics and government reporter for the Inquirer. In that capacity she has explored a range of animal issues from dog kennel law improvements and horse slaughter to the comeback of peregrine falcons and pigeon hunts. From hamsters to horses, animals have always been part of her life. To pass along a tip or contact Amy, click here.
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