PENNSYLVANIA -- Rudy led his puppy into the yard on Blue Sage Drive in Upper Macungie, he said.
First, he looked to see if the neighbor's pit bull-boxer mixed breed dogs were out.
He said he never saw them behave aggressively toward another dog, but he didn't want to risk it with his new 4-month-old Irish Setter.
"I had Duke in the yard and they weren't out right away," 12-year-old Rudy Bailey III of Upper Macungie testified Wednesday morning. "And (the pit bulls) ran out and I said, 'Duke, come,' and he didn't. He thought they were playing."
But the pit bull mixes weren't playing. One went for Duke's neck and one for his belly.
Rudy said he never heard his neighbor, Nicole Pugliese, yelling as she lay over Duke to protect him. She was asking him to get Duke, but he didn't.
"I knew he was already gone."
As he sat in a plastic seat at the prosecution's table next to Upper Macungie Detective Adam Miller, Rudy told the story three times. He started by telling District Judge Michael Faulkner's courtroom the story of the Oct. 12 incident from beginning to end.
Then he walked through it slower a second time as Miller asked him a series of questions, noting how his other dog, King, ran outside to protect Duke's body, but was attacked as well. King, a Yorkshire terrier-poodle mix, later died of his injuries.
When defense attorney Eric Dowdle, who was representing the pit bull-boxers' owner, Nicholas Okane, gently quizzed him about a few points, Rudy stayed steady. He didn't waiver, he didn't hesitate and he was direct in his answers through all 30 minutes. But when it was over, he couldn't hold it in anymore. The boy wept for his puppy and his terrier.
aulkner found Okane guilty of two counts of harboring a dangerous dog.
"You can't look at a dog like you do a person," Faulkner said, noting dogs act on instinct and people can reason. Faulkner said Nicholas Okane, the owner of the pit bull mixes, seemed to be a "responsible owner," with a large, metal, 6-foot fence.
Faulkner ordered Okane to pay two $250 fines, court costs and ruled the pit bulls are "dangerous dogs."
It was a tense but sober hearing.
As the second witness, Rudy's father, Rudolf Bailey Jr., entered the courtroom he could hear his son's sobs, and he shot Dowdle a look before testifying. He told Faulkner that his son came running into the house yelling, "'Duke is dead, Duke is dead.'"
A construction worker, who was working on a job site about 50 to 70 yards away also testified.
David Gobrecht, of Kay Builders, said he heard a scream that sounded like a little child. But when he turned it was the puppy.
"It looked like two sharks attacking something in the water," Gobrecht said. "It was aggressive. It was coordinated."
Upper Macungie police shot the male pit bull with a Taser before they could coral the two dogs back into their home.
Pugliese also testified. She said she saw Duke poke his head through the fence and she warned, "Pick your dog up, I don't know if they'll hurt him."
Because the two pit bull-boxer mixes have been deemed dangerous by a judge, Okane will have to register the dogs with the state and follow a series of restrictions, including posting a "dangerous dogs" sign, keeping them confined and, when they are outside their enclosures, they'll have to be muzzled and leashed.
Okane has 30 days to appeal Faulkner's ruling to the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas.
(The Morning Call - Dec 16, 2015)
Showing posts with label irish setter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label irish setter. Show all posts
Friday, December 18, 2015
Monday, July 27, 2015
More than 350 dogs seized from puppy mill in UK
UNITED KINGDOM -- An investigation is underway after Gardaí arrested a man and two women in connection with alleged animal cruelty and neglect at a farm in Co Carlow.
Gardaí launched the investigation in April after a joint operation with Carlow County Council and the ISPCA.
A total of 351 dogs and 11 horses were removed from the farm in Myshall at the time.
Most of the rescued dogs had chronic skin, eye and teeth problems, as well as matted fur.
Several of them had untreated injuries and badly infected paws from being soaked in urine.
The majority of rescued dogs were adult females – cocker spaniels, Siberian huskies, Yorkshire terriers, Bichon Frise crosses, Cavalier King Charles, and Shih Tzus – as well as large-breed puppies under the age of five weeks.
Most of the animals were brought to the ISPCA National Animal Centre in Longford, while others were taken to the ISPCA Equine Centre in Mallow and to welfare groups.
The three people arrested on Monday are in their 40s and were being detained under Section Four of the Criminal Justice Act at Carlow Garda Station.
They have since been released without charge and a file is now being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
(U.TV - July 27, 2015)
Gardaí launched the investigation in April after a joint operation with Carlow County Council and the ISPCA.
A total of 351 dogs and 11 horses were removed from the farm in Myshall at the time.
Most of the rescued dogs had chronic skin, eye and teeth problems, as well as matted fur.
Several of them had untreated injuries and badly infected paws from being soaked in urine.
The majority of rescued dogs were adult females – cocker spaniels, Siberian huskies, Yorkshire terriers, Bichon Frise crosses, Cavalier King Charles, and Shih Tzus – as well as large-breed puppies under the age of five weeks.
Most of the animals were brought to the ISPCA National Animal Centre in Longford, while others were taken to the ISPCA Equine Centre in Mallow and to welfare groups.
The three people arrested on Monday are in their 40s and were being detained under Section Four of the Criminal Justice Act at Carlow Garda Station.
They have since been released without charge and a file is now being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
(U.TV - July 27, 2015)
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Dog Bite Sends Woman to Hospital; Off-Leash Lab's Owner Fined
CONNECTICUT -- Police say a dog bite late Monday morning sent an elderly woman to the hospital because she was bleeding so badly.
According to Animal Control, a Bichon Frise mix on Dan’s Highway bit the victim’s lower left calf around 11:30 a.m. The woman had been visiting a friend here in New Canaan—the dog’s owner—got bit and reported the bite about 90 minutes later, police say.
Under state law, dogs that bite humans on their own property may under 14-day quarantines at home.
***
Police on Monday fined a town resident $136 for having a cream-colored Labradoodle off-leash at the New Canaan Nature Center.
The fee is up from its previous $90 under a new state law that puts additional administrative processing fees (which go to Hartford) on some local ordinances.
Two people had phoned police to report the off-leash dog, Animal Control said.
***
A 10-year-old German Shepherd dog that had been reported missing overnight was found deceased the following morning on a neighbor’s front deck, police said.
The animal, a well-loved pet, had been let out to relieve itself and went missing on Feb. 11, and was found around 8:17 a.m. the following morning, police said. The dog showed no signs that he had been struck by a car, Animal Control Officer Maryann Kleinschmitt said, and could possibly have suffered a heart attack as a result of exposure to extreme cold.
***
An Irish setter on Feb. 11 attacked and killed a raccoon on its Weed Street property, police said. It happened around 5:42 p.m. The dog, which is up-to-date on its vaccinations, was not wounded. The raccoon tested negative for rabies, police said.
(New Canaanite - Feb 27, 2015)
According to Animal Control, a Bichon Frise mix on Dan’s Highway bit the victim’s lower left calf around 11:30 a.m. The woman had been visiting a friend here in New Canaan—the dog’s owner—got bit and reported the bite about 90 minutes later, police say.
Under state law, dogs that bite humans on their own property may under 14-day quarantines at home.
***
Police on Monday fined a town resident $136 for having a cream-colored Labradoodle off-leash at the New Canaan Nature Center.
The fee is up from its previous $90 under a new state law that puts additional administrative processing fees (which go to Hartford) on some local ordinances.
Two people had phoned police to report the off-leash dog, Animal Control said.
***
A 10-year-old German Shepherd dog that had been reported missing overnight was found deceased the following morning on a neighbor’s front deck, police said.
The animal, a well-loved pet, had been let out to relieve itself and went missing on Feb. 11, and was found around 8:17 a.m. the following morning, police said. The dog showed no signs that he had been struck by a car, Animal Control Officer Maryann Kleinschmitt said, and could possibly have suffered a heart attack as a result of exposure to extreme cold.
***
An Irish setter on Feb. 11 attacked and killed a raccoon on its Weed Street property, police said. It happened around 5:42 p.m. The dog, which is up-to-date on its vaccinations, was not wounded. The raccoon tested negative for rabies, police said.
(New Canaanite - Feb 27, 2015)
Monday, October 20, 2014
Charges dismissed against owner of kennel in Berks County
PENNSYLVANIA -- A Berks County district judge has dismissed all charges against a kennel owner who had been accused of animal cruelty.
Paul Ober was charged in May with five counts of animal cruelty after the Pennsylvania SPCA responded to his Celtic Farms and Kennels Inc. in Penn Township and found several dogs it said were in poor health.
Ober surrendered the dogs, one of which had to be put down, officials said.
The PSPCA declined to release additional information at the time the charges were filed.
(WFMZ Allentown-Oct 16, 2014)
Paul Ober was charged in May with five counts of animal cruelty after the Pennsylvania SPCA responded to his Celtic Farms and Kennels Inc. in Penn Township and found several dogs it said were in poor health.
Ober surrendered the dogs, one of which had to be put down, officials said.
The PSPCA declined to release additional information at the time the charges were filed.
(WFMZ Allentown-Oct 16, 2014)
Earlier:
Friday, June 6, 2014
Tip leads to animal cruelty charges against kennel owner
PENNSYLVANIA -- Five dogs in poor health were removed from a well-known dog kennel in Berks County, and now the owner is facing charges, said officials.
The Pennsylvania SPCA said a tip call led officials to Celtic Farms and Kennels Inc. in Penn Township in early May. According to court records, the kennel's owner, Paul Ober, has been charged with five counts of animal cruelty as a summary offense.
The PSPCA executed a search warrant and found 60 dogs. Forensic veterinarians evaluated the animals and five dogs were removed because of lack of care, said officials.
One dog had to be euthanized because of serious health issues, added Sarah Eremus, spokeswoman for PSPCA.
"There's always a lot of dogs up there and I would be surprised if they're not over the limit on the amount of dogs they're actually supposed to have," said Paula Grose, who lives down the street from the kennel.
Many neighbors in the area told 69 News they were not surprised by the charges that were filed against Ober because they've had a mountain of complaints over the years.
"Mostly noise and dogs barking all the time," said William Spatz.
According to officials, Ober surrendered the dogs that were taken. They have since been sent to a breed rescue.
69 News tried reaching out to Ober for comment, but we were told he was not available.
Now, some neighbors said they hope the charges serve as a wake-up call.
"I just want to see them abide by the laws and on the number of dogs and how they treat them and that the dogs are treated fairly," said Grose.
The PSPCA would not release any other information because the case is still under investigation.
Ober has been fined and a court date has not yet been set.
(WFMZ Allentown - May 27, 2014)
Earlier:
The Pennsylvania SPCA said a tip call led officials to Celtic Farms and Kennels Inc. in Penn Township in early May. According to court records, the kennel's owner, Paul Ober, has been charged with five counts of animal cruelty as a summary offense.
The PSPCA executed a search warrant and found 60 dogs. Forensic veterinarians evaluated the animals and five dogs were removed because of lack of care, said officials.
One dog had to be euthanized because of serious health issues, added Sarah Eremus, spokeswoman for PSPCA.
"There's always a lot of dogs up there and I would be surprised if they're not over the limit on the amount of dogs they're actually supposed to have," said Paula Grose, who lives down the street from the kennel.
Many neighbors in the area told 69 News they were not surprised by the charges that were filed against Ober because they've had a mountain of complaints over the years.
"Mostly noise and dogs barking all the time," said William Spatz.
According to officials, Ober surrendered the dogs that were taken. They have since been sent to a breed rescue.
69 News tried reaching out to Ober for comment, but we were told he was not available.
Now, some neighbors said they hope the charges serve as a wake-up call.
"I just want to see them abide by the laws and on the number of dogs and how they treat them and that the dogs are treated fairly," said Grose.
The PSPCA would not release any other information because the case is still under investigation.
Ober has been fined and a court date has not yet been set.
(WFMZ Allentown - May 27, 2014)
Earlier:
Thursday, May 15, 2014
PSPCA removes sick dogs from noted Berks Co. breeder
[The most interesting part of this article is at the end where it says that the big outdoors store Orvis "certified" this guy years ago -- and apparently "inspected" the kennel in 2012 and approved it. Good job Orvis.]
PENNSYLVANIA -- The Pennsylvania SPCA removed five elderly dogs in poor health from a nationally-known Berks County sporting dog breeder who could face animal cruelty charges.
Responding to a tip, the PSPCA obtained a search warrant to enter the state-licensed kennel in Mohrsville Thursday night where they found 60 dogs.
PSPCA forensic veterinarians on the scene evaluated the animals and determined that five dogs required further evaluation and treatment for health conditions, the organization said in a press release.
“Those were the dogs we removed in order to save them,” said Sarah Eremus, a spokeswoman for the Philadelphia-based PSPCA, which has recently expanded its law enforcement to Berks County.
She said the group had to euthanize one of the dogs because of serious health issues.
The PSPCA did not identify the breeder pending charges, but a source close to the investigation confirmed it is Paul Ober, owner of Celtic Farms and Kennel in Mohrsville.
Ober, a Reading attorney who breeds Irish Setters for field hunting, has been cited repeatedly for dog law violations over the past five years.
On Monday Ober said in a brief interview that he voluntarily gave the dogs to the PSPCA and was not aware they had to euthanize one of them.
In the past, state wardens have cited Ober for keeping dogs in drum barrels, housing them in flooded pens and in outside enclosures without adequate access to shelter. They also found kennels and outdoor pen enclosures contained sharp, rusted metal edges, protruding nails and exposed electrical outlets.
In addition, inspection reports show other violations, including unkempt kennels, dirty bedding and feeders that contained mildew, mold and dirt. In one instance a warden found a puppy tied by a short tether to a fence.
In 2011 the Dog Law Enforcement Office revoked Ober’s license, citing the repeated violations.
In his appeal, Ober denied virtually all of the violations, saying the pens with the barrels were exercise areas, not permanent housing and that he kept no dogs in the flooded pens. He said tethering the young dog was a training technique. He also argued that he was found not guilty of the charges by a Berks County judge.
Ober rebuilt his kennel and received a new license in 2012.
At his last state inspection in Dec. 2013, veterinary exams were ordered on an unspecified number of dogs. The state inspection form indicates that Ober followed through on the exams as required.
Ober objected to efforts by the legislature to toughen the state dog law to address conditions in commercial breeding kennels.
In 2007 he wrote to the Independent Regulatory Review Board urging them to reject the legislation, saying there was no “scientific, veterinary or other justification for these proposed changes.”
In 2009 Ober wrote to the board again, this time over proposed canine health regulations that set higher standards for commercial breeders. He said he objected to the costs to upgrade his kennel.
Ober's website advertises that he raises AKC champion Irish Red Setters sold worldwide and that the kennel is “certified” by the Vermont-based fishing and hunting outfitter, Orvis.
Scott McEnaney, manager of endorsed services and schools, said the company would look into the matter.
"It's very concerning," he said.
McEnaney said he had not been to the kennel since Orvis added it to its small list of certified breeders about eight years ago, but that a retired dog trainer working for the company had inspected the facility in 2012. There are only 13 Orvis-endorsed sporting dog breeders nationwide.
(Philly.com - May 13, 2014)
PENNSYLVANIA -- The Pennsylvania SPCA removed five elderly dogs in poor health from a nationally-known Berks County sporting dog breeder who could face animal cruelty charges.
Responding to a tip, the PSPCA obtained a search warrant to enter the state-licensed kennel in Mohrsville Thursday night where they found 60 dogs.
PSPCA forensic veterinarians on the scene evaluated the animals and determined that five dogs required further evaluation and treatment for health conditions, the organization said in a press release.
“Those were the dogs we removed in order to save them,” said Sarah Eremus, a spokeswoman for the Philadelphia-based PSPCA, which has recently expanded its law enforcement to Berks County.
She said the group had to euthanize one of the dogs because of serious health issues.
The PSPCA did not identify the breeder pending charges, but a source close to the investigation confirmed it is Paul Ober, owner of Celtic Farms and Kennel in Mohrsville.
Ober, a Reading attorney who breeds Irish Setters for field hunting, has been cited repeatedly for dog law violations over the past five years.
On Monday Ober said in a brief interview that he voluntarily gave the dogs to the PSPCA and was not aware they had to euthanize one of them.
In the past, state wardens have cited Ober for keeping dogs in drum barrels, housing them in flooded pens and in outside enclosures without adequate access to shelter. They also found kennels and outdoor pen enclosures contained sharp, rusted metal edges, protruding nails and exposed electrical outlets.
In addition, inspection reports show other violations, including unkempt kennels, dirty bedding and feeders that contained mildew, mold and dirt. In one instance a warden found a puppy tied by a short tether to a fence.
In 2011 the Dog Law Enforcement Office revoked Ober’s license, citing the repeated violations.
In his appeal, Ober denied virtually all of the violations, saying the pens with the barrels were exercise areas, not permanent housing and that he kept no dogs in the flooded pens. He said tethering the young dog was a training technique. He also argued that he was found not guilty of the charges by a Berks County judge.
Ober rebuilt his kennel and received a new license in 2012.
At his last state inspection in Dec. 2013, veterinary exams were ordered on an unspecified number of dogs. The state inspection form indicates that Ober followed through on the exams as required.
Ober objected to efforts by the legislature to toughen the state dog law to address conditions in commercial breeding kennels.
In 2007 he wrote to the Independent Regulatory Review Board urging them to reject the legislation, saying there was no “scientific, veterinary or other justification for these proposed changes.”
In 2009 Ober wrote to the board again, this time over proposed canine health regulations that set higher standards for commercial breeders. He said he objected to the costs to upgrade his kennel.
Ober's website advertises that he raises AKC champion Irish Red Setters sold worldwide and that the kennel is “certified” by the Vermont-based fishing and hunting outfitter, Orvis.
Scott McEnaney, manager of endorsed services and schools, said the company would look into the matter.
"It's very concerning," he said.
McEnaney said he had not been to the kennel since Orvis added it to its small list of certified breeders about eight years ago, but that a retired dog trainer working for the company had inspected the facility in 2012. There are only 13 Orvis-endorsed sporting dog breeders nationwide.
(Philly.com - May 13, 2014)
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Family pet suffers ear injury in latest forest attack
UNITED KINGDOM -- A FAMILY is calling for dog owners to take responsibility for their animals after their pet was attacked on the Ashdown Forest.
Denise Wilkinson was walking with her husband and two children when their Irish red and white setter, Bertie, was mauled by another dog.
The seven-year-old suffered a 10cm gash to his ear following the incident involving a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which occurred at Chelwood Vachery, near Nutley, on Saturday, September 24.
"I was quite shaken up afterwards," Mrs Wilkinson said. "It concerns me that it might happen again. It just makes me worry, because if I was stood in the way, it could have gone for me instead.
"This sort of thing is really upsetting and I wouldn't want it to happen to anyone else."
The family said Bertie laid down when he saw the other dog running at him due to his "submissive" character, having been attacked when he was younger.
Mrs Wilkinson, from Crowborough, added: "We didn't get the owner's details, as I was covered in blood and we were more concerned about getting back to the car.
"We had to get him home and up to the vets quickly, before they closed."
The family was initially forced to pay the £185 vet's bill, but the owner of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has since come forward and offered to pay the costs.
Tracy Buxton, of the Ashdown Forest Centre, who spoke to the dog's owner said: "He was extremely sorry about what happened and was genuinely unaware that his dog had caused any damage to Bertie – he appeared really shocked when I told him."
Mrs Wilkinson said she is grateful for the man's offer, but still believes dog owners should be responsible for their pets.
"Any dog that is a potential threat to another dog or person should always be walked on a lead and possibly muzzled if they are aggressive," she said.
"Bertie is even more nervous of other dogs now and I'll be more wary of letting him go off in the future," she added.
(East Grinstead Courier and Observer - October 06, 2011)
Denise Wilkinson was walking with her husband and two children when their Irish red and white setter, Bertie, was mauled by another dog.
The seven-year-old suffered a 10cm gash to his ear following the incident involving a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which occurred at Chelwood Vachery, near Nutley, on Saturday, September 24.
"I was quite shaken up afterwards," Mrs Wilkinson said. "It concerns me that it might happen again. It just makes me worry, because if I was stood in the way, it could have gone for me instead.
"This sort of thing is really upsetting and I wouldn't want it to happen to anyone else."
The family said Bertie laid down when he saw the other dog running at him due to his "submissive" character, having been attacked when he was younger.
Mrs Wilkinson, from Crowborough, added: "We didn't get the owner's details, as I was covered in blood and we were more concerned about getting back to the car.
"We had to get him home and up to the vets quickly, before they closed."
The family was initially forced to pay the £185 vet's bill, but the owner of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has since come forward and offered to pay the costs.
Tracy Buxton, of the Ashdown Forest Centre, who spoke to the dog's owner said: "He was extremely sorry about what happened and was genuinely unaware that his dog had caused any damage to Bertie – he appeared really shocked when I told him."
Mrs Wilkinson said she is grateful for the man's offer, but still believes dog owners should be responsible for their pets.
"Any dog that is a potential threat to another dog or person should always be walked on a lead and possibly muzzled if they are aggressive," she said.
"Bertie is even more nervous of other dogs now and I'll be more wary of letting him go off in the future," she added.
(East Grinstead Courier and Observer - October 06, 2011)
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