Suit: Chesco SPCA tried to "destroy" local firm

The owner of an animal-control company has sued the Chester County SPCA and its director, alleging that they conspired to destroy his business with help from state officials.

In the suit, filed in federal court Monday, Rahn Monrea'l, co-owner of Delaware County Animal Control, seeks more than $675,000. The private company contracts with municipalities to pick up stray animals and take them to the Chester County shelter.

Monrea'l alleges that the shelter and its director, Adam Lamb, arranged with dog-law officials to bring criminal charges of seizure and detention of dogs last month against his company. The charges were withdrawn two weeks later, but were used to deny Monrea'l's company access to the shelter, which prompted towns to drop their service contracts, the suit said.

The shelter then offered to step in and provide the same services, according to court documents.

In addition, Lamb and the shelter made "false and misleading statements" to reporters and local government officials accusing Monrea'l's company of criminal misconduct and animal abuse, the suit said.

The suit also names the county and state dog law officials.

State Department of Agriculture spokesman William R. Nichols said officials had not seen the suit and declined comment.

Lamb had no comment, but in a news release he said, "We believe that it will become clear as this process unfolds that we have been diligent in advocating for lost or abandoned pets in Chester and Delaware Counties."

Neither Delaware County Council Chairman Mario Civera Jr nor Monrea'l could be reached for comment.

Gerald Schrom, Monrea'l's attorney, said his client has been in business for decades.

"This is a guy who is dedicated to his job, and for him to be trashed like this is outrageous," he said.