Derbe “Skip” Eckhart of Almost Heaven (hell) Kennel Emmaus, PA, has now been charged with 216 counts of violating state dog law and 17 counts of violating a cease and desist order by transferring dogs to another place. Eckhart was not allowed to transfer any dogs. Eckhart has also been fined $152,900.
Sarah Speed, PA State Director of the Humane Society of the United States, said on my BCTV show (you can view the show here) this past Monday evening that Eckhart would be facing these charges. She also said there is a good chance he will get jail time particularly since he has so many charges against him. This is good news because those of us who have followed other cases know all too well this doesn’t happen often enough. Eckhart has gotten away with abusing animals for decades.
Eckhart was allowed to have 25 dogs that he could hand-pick on the day of the raid. He was allowed to have those dogs because being in possession of them didn’t require a kennel license but those dogs have now been removed as well. Also taken were cats, birds and lizards. I have heard the outrage from many people when we heard about those 25 dogs and now I can here the cheers and the sigh of relief!! The only animals that weren’t taken were four monkeys because they are exotic pets and the game commission is responsible for removing them. Why are they waiting???
Eckhart has 30 days to pay the fine and 15 days to appeal. What do you think he’ll do? According to the HSUS, these dogs are up for adoption at various shelters. You can visit their website to find the locations. But, be warned, some of the dogs, according to Speed, can’t relate to humans. These are special-needs dogs and require those of us who understand the complexities involved in caring for a puppymill dog. These are not your regular dogs found in most animal shelters. It will require patience and perserverance on the person’s part to help this animal to become a pet which is something they know nothing about.
Do you think justice is finally be served on this repeat offender of animal cruelty?