PA Cocker spaniel breeder raided twice

Pennsylvania SPCA
Pennsylvania SPCA

Barbara Dienner of Lititz, PA violated a court order forbidding her from owning more dogs. On March 27, Pennsylvania SPCA raided her home seizing 19 dogs from her farm. Dienner faces numerous charges including unsanitary confinement. Last December 16, Dienner’s farm was raided seizing 62 cocker spaniel mixes. Jerry Buckley of the PSPCA said “unfortunately it does not appear that the previous charges and penalties were a sufficient deterrent for Ms. Dienner.”

Since 2011, Dienner has over 60 citations related to her puppy mill including running a kennel without a license.

St. Louis breeder surrenders dogs

puggle puppy
Photo J.B. Forbes

A breeder in Howell County, Missouri has agreed to surrender 135 dogs so she could close her business.  This was the breeder’s decision and not the result of law enforcement.  “I just think it got to be too much,” says Brian Thomas a statewide investigator.  “She couldn’t find anybody to help her.”

Cocker spaniels were among the 10 breeds surrendered. Humane Society of Missouri President Kathy Warnick said, “We will provide veterinary treatment, socialization and find them the loving homes all dogs deserve.”

Michigan cocker spaniel breeder loses lawsuit

On November 21st, a Washtenaw county jury found in favor of the Humane Society of Huron Valley in the lawsuit filed by Ralph and Melinda Hart. The lawsuit filed on June 2011 claims the humane society did not have authority to seize the Hart’s dogs. The lawsuit sought $1 million dollars in damages and the return of 13 dogs.

The Humane Society of Huron Valley speaks of the case on their Web site:

In essence, a couple forced 17 dogs, used solely for breeding and showing, to live their entire lives in cruel confinement–within a crowded garage in dirty wire bottom cages. The Cocker Spaniels had no form of comfort, minimal socialization, and a lifetime of veterinary care that never went beyond the preparation required for competition in the show ring.

Melinda Hart, President of the Detroit Cocker Spaniel Club, owns Hartline Cockers.

Update: Kiron cocker spaniel breeder pleads not guilty

Last Friday Mary Brodersen pleaded not guilty to 93 counts of animal neglect despite the deplorable conditions her cocker spaniels were found in.  Five were found dead.

Timeline of events:

Dates in timeline may be approximated

Cocker spaniels rescued from Iowa breeder

Officers in Sac County, Iowa seized 88 cocker spaniels from an unidentified breeder. Officers described the conditions as “deplorable.” Cockers had matted hair with feces and the smell was terrible. “It didn’t look like this facility was inspected by any jurisdiction,” said Josh Colvin of the Animal Rescue League (ARL). “These animals were basically being stacked on top of each other.” As many as six cockers are possibly pregnant. Colvin describes this as one of the worst cases of abuse he’s seen in the state. Police say charges are forthcoming. Cockers inspected by the Anamosa Veterinary Clinic had eye infections, sores, and severe dental disease.

The cocker spaniels were transported to various shelters throughout the region. Some stayed with the ARL. Four additional rescues will assist in care. Please make donations to the Cedar Valley Humane Society or the ARL. The cockers should be available for adoption in a couple weeks. None of them were aggressive. “This is great step in the direction of getting them adopted,” said Bob Citrullo, executive director of the Cedar Valley Humane Society.