400 American Eskimo dogs seized from mill
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More than 400 American Eskimo dogs have been removed from a puppy mill in Kennewick, Washington in what is being called “one of the worst cases” of abuse animal welfare workers have seen.
“The conditions were not only shocking, but also heartbreaking to veteran deputies,” said Benton County Sheriff Larry Taylor, who led the raid Wednesday at the Sun Valley kennel of 66-year-old Ella Stewart.
Stewart was arrested May 12 after a deputy responded to an unrelated call at her neighbor’s home, according to an Associated Press report.
Dogs were found living in wooden crates, shopping carts and other makeshift kennels caked with feces and soaked with urine, investigators said.
Taylor said the dogs weren’t seized at the time because there was no place to put them. Emergency kennels are being prepared at the Benton County Fairgrounds.
Inga Gibson, with The Humane Society of the United States’ West Coast regional office, said the raid was “one of the largest in Washington state and close to one of the largest in the country.”
Stewart pleaded not guilty to one misdemeanor count of second-degree animal cruelty in Benton County District Court. If convicted, she faces up to 90 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. Prosecutors reviewing the case said they may file additional charges.
Posted by jwoestendiek May 29th, 2009 under Muttsblog, videos.
Tags: $400, abuse, american eskimo, benton county, breeder, breeding, conditions, crates, dog, dogs, ella stewart, hsus, humane, investigation, kennewick, neglect, puppy mill, raid, shopping carts, sun valley kennel, washington
Comments
Comment from bluhawkk
Time May 29, 2009 at 1:14 pm
When – will – this – end…..
Comment from Nancy
Time May 29, 2009 at 4:47 pm
How is this a misdemeanor? 400 dogs and 1 count?
Please!!!!!
Comment from Kelsy
Time May 29, 2009 at 7:20 pm
WHY WHY is the punishment so small for animal abuse?!?!? I want her to be stoned to death
Comment from MJ
Time May 30, 2009 at 12:40 am
My husband and I own a healthy American Eskimo we love and adore.
Where can we send a little money
to help with expenses for these puppies?
Comment from Lorie
Time May 30, 2009 at 7:03 pm
People can donate money to the sheriff’s office that will be designated to specifically help cover costs of food and medical care for the dogs. Checks made out to the Benton County Treasurer can be sent to Sheriff Taylor at 7122 W. Okanogan St., Building A, Kennewick, 99336.
Comment from Shades of gray
Time May 30, 2009 at 8:45 pm
There’s an interesting article here about the circumstances that led to this nightmare and some of the changes that are being made that will diminish the likelihood of re-occurence:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/northwest/story/761181.html
Comment from casperddog
Time June 3, 2009 at 1:36 am
The American Eskimo Dog Assn of Washington is helping out the Eskies rescued from the puppy mill. Here is a link to their site where there is information on how to help http://www.angelfire.com/wa/ANGELHEARTESKIES/AEDAWRescueInfo.html
Comment from Deborah Powell-Porrazzo
Time August 14, 2009 at 11:38 am
It breaks my heart to see humans do this to this wonderful little breed of dog. I recently had to let my own rescued American Eskimo, Sparkles, go to the Rainbow Bridge. I do not know her complete background, but from what she WAS able to tell me, I could tell that it must have been something horrible and heartbreaking. She was one of the best dogs I have ever had the privildge of knowing. God Speed these angels to help this little dogs.
Comment from Brandia
Time December 30, 2009 at 10:52 pm
URGENT: I run Finally Home Rescue, we have taken in 54 of these dogs, all but 10 have been adopted so far, it’s a slow & painful process to get them socialized, get their dental done, get them healthy, restore their confidence & find appropriate homes for them. I so far in debt it will take me atleast 5 years to recover. This woman is going to trial very soon, I need as many of you as I can to contact the Benton County prosecutor to let them know you have not forgotten about these precious little souls. Her court date is January,11,2010 please don’t let these little souls be forgotten. You can contact me at finallyhomerescue@yahoo.com & look for us on Petfinder.com, petharbor.com or adoptapet.com, if you have any questions or need any information. Looking at these comments makes my heart feel so glad that there are so many who really do care for these little ones. Thank You very much. Brandia
Comment from Anne’n'Spencer
Time May 29, 2009 at 12:43 pm
So what do you have to do to be charged with first degree animal cruelty??