Today a hearing was scheduled at 1:30 for Derbe “Skip” Eckhart in Lehigh Valley Courthouse. The purpose of this hearing : Eckhart wants to change his guilty plea to two counts of animal cruelty stemming from a raid on his puppymill- Almost Heaven (Hell)Kennel, located near Emmaus, PA in October 2008- to a not guilty plea and ask for a trial.
Well, we can say , without a shred of doubt, Eckhart certainly knows how to work the justice system.
As I walked into the Lehigh Valley Courthouse, it was nearing 1:30. Everyone must go through the standard metal detector and have any and all bags checked. Unfortunately I am on crutches and I needed help to get my long-strapped bag off from around my neck.A guard and another gentleman helped me as I nearly fell not once, but twice to remove this bag. And all I kept thinking is that I wanted to see Eckhart and hear him say he was “NOT GUILTY” of animal cruelty. Time was of the essence. Finally I made it through. Many sincere thanks to the men who helped me.
As I arrived outside of the courtroom, I noticed two PSPCA officers who obviously were there for this case. I asked them if I was late and was told no.
As I arrived I saw my friend Ginger Kessler who appears at most of Eckhart’s hearings. Ginger unwittingly bought her dog from Eckhart years ago not realizing he ran a puppymill. She is determined as I am to see him pay for the crimes he has committed against these innocent animals.
As we sat and spoke for approximately two minutes, we were asked if we were here for Eckhart’s case. We politely said yes and proceeded to listen to the judge.
The judge states there is some type of conflict and once again, Eckhart’s hearing is continued. I am so dumbfounded over this man and what he literally has gotten away with.
His former kennel, Almost Heaven (HELL) Kennel (puppymill) had one of the largest raids in PA history and he doesn’t face the charges and when he does plead guilty wants to change that plea and then doesn’t show up for the hearing. I think he may have changed attorneys again but I’m not quite sure.
What I am positive about is that this so-called human being knows how to get away with animal cruelty. And as Ginger pointed, he sure is setting an example for other puppymillers and how to get away without facing charges.
Will justice ever prevail with Eckhart? When do the courts say enough is enough and go forward? Help me to understand this process. It is absolutely incredible to watch this man get away with animal cruelty.
And on a footnote, it is now known that Eckhart is now an official dog groomer working for Wentz’s Canine- a so-called pet supplies store and dog-grooming located in Fogesville. One of my readers, Linda G. and Ginger have told me. How can this be????? How is this man allowed around dogs whatsovever? Where is the justice? I had been at this store to protest it with the Lehigh Valley Puppymill Watch group last summer. They sell puppymill dogs and it is obvious how they help each other out. Birds of a feather flock together. They make me sick as does this entire process for Eckhart.
Where is the justice for the animals?