You will find this picturesque photo on the Almost Heaven Kennel’s home page. What a lovely, homey atmosphere- don’t you think? Perhaps a nice place to board your dog or maybe get your poodle groomed there. I don’t want to forget they offer stud and breeding services as well as stated on their website. Almost Heaven Kennel is located near Allentown, PA. and has been operating for 20 years. This puppymill was raided today and is perhaps the largest puppymill raid in PA history!
Today, this kennel was finally busted. I have known about this place for years and today 20 agents from the PA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals raided this place after receiving complaints. What took them so long?? Apparently, this mill passed its August inspection. HOW????? Now here we are in October and these horrific conditions were discovered by the PSPCA agents who found numerous counts of animal cruelty and neglect. How did this puppymill go from passing their inspection to these conditions? 65 dead animals were found in a freezer. It was said that these conditions were so deplorable and horrific and the smell inside was extremely bad. But it still passed inspection two months ago. Does that make sense to you?
Late this afternoon I was speaking with a gentleman who was telling me how a dog pound was busted in PA. I was unclear about the situation until I came home and opened an email I received from Linda G. (thanks!) who kindly gave me the link over to the Morning Call about the horrific story this gentleman was telling me. You can read and see more MyFoxPhilly. Go under the breaking news and click on the puppymill video.
Almost Heaven Kennel is operated by Derbe “Skip” Eckhart. This kennel holds the largest license issued by the Dog Law Bureau. From what I hearing, 800 animals were found including guinea pigs who were dead and decaying. Mr. Eckhart has a history of animal cruelty dating back to 1988!
Lactating dogs were found without their puppies. The article also states many dogs were matted with feces. There are so many more instances of animal cruelty at this kennel according to the article. A day-old puppy died while being treated. This makes me so angry!!!!
Dogs and cats were found in stacked cages and had eye and respiratory problems. Drains were clogged with feces. Some dogs were running loose in kennels that aren’t secured. They’re wet. Most had no food or water in most of the kennels. But don’t forget, this mill passed inspection two months ago.
Animal Planet was there to videotape the raid. Don’t when we will be able to see that footage.
I am so infuriated by this because it’s been happening for years. How this puppymill passed any inspection is beyond me. There have been complaints of animal cruelty against this kennel for years. Almost Heaven was passed two months ago by dog warden, Orlando Aguirre. Mr. Aquirre cited Elmer Zimmerman back in July. Mr. Aguirre refused to comment on why he passed Almost Heaven Kennel in August. I’m not sure but I believe this same dog warden passed Elmer in February of this year. What is wrong with this picture? Elmer Zimmerman and his brother Ammon are the two puppymiller farmers who shot and killed 80 dogs in late July of this year.
Have dog wardens passed other situations similar to this? YES! I know it personally. I know of an instance where a hoarder passed her inspection by one of the dog wardens when it was clear her dogs needed to be removed. After they were finally removed, some dogs had to be euthanized due to bad health problems. Their matted hair felt like rock sitting on their bodies. Their hair was similar to dreadlocks cascading over their faces which prevented them from being able to see properly. But it was allowed to happen because she passed her inspections by the dog warden.
I feel the situation with dog wardens warrants an investigation. They are passing these places even though there are instances of animal cruelty and neglect. That is what Elmer Zimmerman was telling us the night of the candlelight vigil. He wanted to know why he passed his inspection in February but was cited 39 times in July. I am not excusing Zimmerman for the horrific act he inflicted on those poor dogs but clearly there is a problem with the inspections.
The PSPCA is filing charges while the PA Dog Law Division will be filing separate charges.
Even though there appears to be a problem with inspections, I am seeing a crackdown on puppymills. That is the good part. Saving lives and removing these animals from these deplorable conditions needs to happen.
Update: It appears that Mr. Eckhart has struck a deal with the PSPCA to keep 16 of his own dogs and 56 animals will be removed and taken to different shelters. These 56 animals are the sickest. The PSCPA said they don’t have room to keep 800 animals. He will be facing animal cruelty charges. They will back today at Almost Heaven. Mr. Eckhart must clean up this puppymill in the months to come. Someone help me understand, how can you not shut this place down??
Almost Heaven Kennels ~ (Almost) HELL Kennels