10.02.2008

Largest Puppy Mill Raid in PA History

Almost Heaven Kennel was busted last night. Again.

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A matted poodle (?) in PA SPCA triage tent

More like Almost Hell.


Investigators found 65 dead animals in freezers and seized 125 sick dogs.

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A Shih Tzu going to triage tent

There were approximately 800 animals on the property including this caged monkey.
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The SPCA says Derbe Eckhart, kennel owner, admits to hundreds of charges of animal cruelty.

He has over 20 years of charges and convictions of animal abuse & neglect and received a lifetime ban from the AKC. The following is from PetAbuse.com

Oct 1, 2008
Alleged: Puppy mill - 800 animals, 125 seized

Jul 19, 2006
Not Charged: Housing exotic animals

Aug 2004
Civil Case: Dog breeders given lifetime ban by AKC


Apr 1999
Not Charged: AKC suspended breeder using alias to register dogs

Jun 1991
Convicted: Convicted abuser operating unlicensed kennels

May 1991
Convicted: Convicted abuser operating unlicensed kennel

Apr 1990
Convicted: 10 puppies die from lack of sustenance

Jun 1989
Convicted: Convicted abuser suspended from AKC until 2019

Aug 1988
Convicted: 45 dogs, 3 cats starved, removed from home

Sentence: Fined $100 each for 32 citations for cruelty to animals; sentenced to 2 to 10 months in Carbon County Prison for allowing unsanitary conditions at the kennel.

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