State Police responded to a residence on Ten Rod Road Dec. 5 after neighbors complained of noise and lights that had been left on for three days.
When troopers entered the residence to check on the well-being of the residents, 62-year-old Donald Perkins and 58-year-old Kathleen Perkins (aka Kathleen McKenna), they found six Papillon dogs in individuals crates "standing in their own urine and feces with little water and no food," according to a press release.
Ten golden retrievers were found living in outdoor kennels in similar conditions.
A website states that Kathleen and Donald Perkins are the owners and operators of Céile Goldens, "producing top-quality golden retrievers for over 25 years."
"Producing healthy, intelligent, and beautiful dogs has always been our focus. With an emphasis on obedience and personality, not only do our puppies become loving and treasured family members, but many go on to serve their communities as search and rescue dogs and therapy dogs," the website states.
After obtaining permission for a court-authorized search, troopers and Exeter animal control officers removed the 16 dogs and one cat from the residence. Police contacted the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal to assist in the investigation and learned that the organization had received a complaint about unsafe animal conditions earlier this year, but were not let inside.
Exeter animal control officers have also responded to the residence "numerous times" this year for complaints of unsafe animal conditions, police said.
Donald and Kathleen Perkins were arrested at their residence on Dec. 11. The couple had been out of state on vacation. They were arraigned by Justice of the Peace Joseph Scott and released on $5,000 personal recognizance. Both are scheduled for a District Court re-arraignment on Dec. 16.
Each conviction on a cruelty to animals offense carries a potential jail sentence of 11 months, a fine of between $50 and $500, or both.
(Providence Journal - Dec 12, 2015)
There has been a horrible mistake here. Someone who promised to take care of these lovely dogs let Don and Kathy down in a major big way. I hope they are exposed for the creeps they are. The Perkins are not "puppy-mill" owners. I'll stake my life on it.
ReplyDeleteWell, I did post a newer article that said a 3rd person was going to be charged - a caretaker? I'm thinking they paid this person to take care of the animals while they were out of town and the caretaker simply took their money and left the animals to suffer. If that's the case, I'll post the articles.
DeletePlease post the newer article. Of all people, I can't imagine Kathy and Don having a puppy mill and neglecting dogs.
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