Humane Society report finds problem breeders in Pa. and beyond
In Pennsylvania, five breeders – including four ‘repeat offenders’ – were listed in the report for alleged violations
Giselle greets her visitors at Fayette Friends of Animals Nov. 24. The shelter has seen an influx in adoptions during the coronavirus pandemic (Uniontown Herald-Standard photo)By Cassie Miller – Capital-Star
HARRISBURG, PA – A report issued last month by the Humane Society of the United States is shedding light on problem dog breeders and dealers across the country and in Pennsylvania.
The 10th annual “Horrible Hundred” report was first published by the Humane Society of the United States in 2013 to “warn consumers about common problems at puppy mills and puppy-selling dealers and push for new legislation and stronger enforcement of humane laws.”
Since its inception, the report has covered more than 650 breeders and dealers in 33 different states, depending on the availability of state and federal breeder data.
In Pennsylvania, five breeders – including four “repeat offenders” – were listed in the report for alleged violations including unsafe and unsanitary kennel conditions, missing or inaccurate documentation, and operating without a license, according to inspections conducted by state dog law officials.
The Pennsylvania Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, which is overseen by the state Department of Agriculture has faced a funding deficit in recent years due to stagnating licensing fees, causing animal protection groups to sound the alarm about the state’s ability to oversee dog breeding operations in the commonwealth.
Kristen Tullo, Pennsylvania state director for The Humane Society of the United States, told the Capital-Star that the Bureau’s efforts to oversee and take action on problem breeders are “often hampered due to insufficient funding.”
Those cited in Pennsylvania, per The Humane Society of the United States:
REPEAT OFFENDER; FIFTH TIME IN THIS REPORT. May 2022 68 John King/Sunrise Kennel, Narvon, Pennsylvania: Veterinary checks were ordered on dogs five times in less than three years.
REPEAT OFFENDER; SECOND TIME IN THIS REPORT. Bobbie Yoder/Little Mountain Doodles, Myerstown, Pennsylvania: Found buying/selling puppies from undocumented/questionable sources for several years in a row; unlawfully interfered with enforcement of the dog law by providing “incorrect/fraudulent” information to state dog wardens.
REPEAT OFFENDER: Margaret (Molly) Graf/Eichenluft Working German Shepherds, Newville, Pennsylvania: State inspectors had questions about a deceased puppy; AKC breeder repeatedly operated without the proper license and with May 2022 67 too many dogs and was charged and suspended in the past; kennel was listed in four prior Horrible Hundred reports.
REPEAT OFFENDER: Blanche S. Plute, McDonald, Pennsylvania: Received verbal and written warning from state inspectors for rusted and broken enclosures; some dogs did not have adequate space.
Steve and Kendra Musser/Treehouse Family Puppies, Jonestown, Pennsylvania: Warning and citation for excessive feces and poor sanitation issued to breeder who markets dogs on Facebook.
