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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

PSPCA cites Basset breeder for lack of vet care, sanitation

A Philadelphia woman, whose illegal kennel was the subject of a raid last month, has been charged with failing to provide vet care and for poor sanitation.

Wendy Willard, owner of Murder Hollow Bassets in Roxborough, was issued 22 citations during a follow up inspection on Friday, according to the Pennsylvania SPCA.

Willard, who competed her hounds at prestigious sporting dog events around Philadelphia and in Virginia's fox hunting region, surrendered 11 dogs to humane officers on July 27. The officers found filthy kennel conditions and dogs covered in feces and infested with parasites, the PSPCA said. The agency removed the animals because there were 23 dogs on the property, 11 more than are allowed under the city's animal ordinance.

Willard was given two weeks to make improvements and get vet care for the remaining animals, but the PSPCA said in press release that when the officers returned last week "overall living conditions remained poor."

Willard was issued 11 citations for unsanitary conditions, 11 citations for lack of veterinary care and two tickets for barking. Graphic photos of the dogs detailing their condition and their housing have been turned over to the district attorney’s office. Efforts to reach Willard were unsuccessful.

Agents first went to the property on July 21 in response to neighbor complaints about noise and order. When they found no one at home they left a card telling the owner to contact them. When Willard failed to contact them, they returned on July 27 to inspect the property. Willard refused and threw stones at the officers' vehicles as they left, said George Bengal, the PSPCA director of law enforcement. They returned later that day with a warrant to search the property.

The dogs were turned over to Basset hound rescue groups, the PSPCA said.


 
Posted by Amy Worden @ 1:35 PM  Permalink | 11 comments
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:29 PM, 08/11/2009
    "thew stones at the officer' vehicles as they left"... sounds like an intelligent woman right there.. sheesh.
    — benw
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  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 12:27 PM, 08/12/2009
    When Virginia's father said (concerning Santa) if you see it in the Sun it must be true, maybe newspapers were not biased. This is one side of a story, which has been released and embellished by the Pa Spca 3 times. The last line of the article is problematic because dozens of well meaning basset lovers are trying to locate these dogs with no success. One of the long term questions here is whether a non profit corp dependent on donations should have a law enforcement cotract with the city. I think it truly corrupts the system as various special interests weigh in and the spca scrambles to satisfy these various constituencies. Let's just pray that all the dogs are safe.
    — flagday
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:42 AM, 08/18/2009
    But where are the hounds now? Why hasn't the PSPCA returned phone calls? Again, three of the hounds were not hers. Please help us bring Anxious, Harlem and Sappho home!
    — loves animals
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:03 AM, 09/03/2009
    and suddenly comments dissappear?
    — flagday


11 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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