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Thursday, July 29, 2010

More inspections ordered for Murder Hollow Kennel

The Bassett hound kennel owner in Philadelphia who was the subject of a Pennsylvania SPCA raid last year has been ordered to allow three more months of unannounced inspections.

Under a consent order issued earlier this month, Wendy Willard has agreed to monthly inspections at her Roxborough kennel by the PSPCA through September. In addition she may only keep no more than 12 dogs (the limit under Philadelphia's ordinances), five of which must be spayed or neutered, and she must show proof of veterinary care. 

However, it states if Willard receives a state kennel license she may keep up to 23 dogs. (Murder Hollow was listed on the state kennel database with a pending license request several months ago but that listing has since disappeared.)

The court also ordered Willard to install proper drainage, repair and maintain the interior ceiling and remove feces from the barn and runs daily. In return, animal cruelty charges against Willard will be dropped pending successful completion of the inspections.

Willard, whose case generated widespread support among sporting dog and animal owners' rights groups, also was ordered to contact her supporters and "request' that they not engage in threats against humane officers. PSPCA officers reported receiving Internet death threats following the raid. 

During one visit by humane agents and state dog wardens to the property, Willard was accused of throwing stones at vehicles driven by PSPCA and dog officers.

This consent order appears to be an extension of an agreement reached by Willard and the PSPCA in January in which she had six months to clean up her property, take better care of her dogs and allow inspections. Neither the PSPCA nor the district attorney's office would comment on the case.

In July 2009, the PSPCA raided Willard's property and filed 22 citations against her for failing to adequately care for 23 dogs on her property, 11 more than allowed under city ordinances. Eleven dogs were removed, most suffering from tick and parasite infestation. (Ten of the dogs were placed with rescue groups and, according to an Internet discussion group of Williard supporters, one died while being spayed at the PSPCA.)

Willard’s pack, formed in 1986, participated in sporting dog competitions throughout the region and won awards at the Bryn Mawr Hound Show.

 

 
Posted by Amy Worden @ 10:55 PM  Permalink | 4 comments
Comments   
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:13 PM, 08/02/2010
    Where are the pictures of Wendys dogs in the field.. doing what they do.. walking the pack? What kind of silliness allows for 12 pets ( a good thing) and then says five have to be castrated? What fool thought that up? I hope Wendy gets another pack soon. Imagine having your dogs stolen and not knowing where they went and then learning that one died during an incompetent spay surgery.. you know SPAYING.. that oh so safe surgery that always ends up so well..I wonder how they will blame that on her too
    — Alice in LALA LAND
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 12:47 PM, 08/04/2010
    The savealife comment sounds like a death threat to me. Perhaps the court should be made aware that such threats show up in this format also.
    — flagday
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 3:26 PM, 08/04/2010
    With millions of animals killed in shelters each year why would any responsible person NOT spay/neuter any animal not being sued for breeding? It's a shame that all her animals weren't required to be altered. Sadly animals do die during routine surgery - just as some people do. It is not always due to an incompete surgical staff, so unless you know the details I suggest you refrain from commenting on the competency of the doctors etc invovled. Rather than getting a new pack together it would wonderful to see the "sport" of dogs tearing other innocent animals to shreds for the enjoyment of humans banned entirely.
    — Basset Lover


4 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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