I have been under the weather for a bit , you could say. And getting well was my main priority and now that I’m trying to catch up on things, little did I realize how many things have changed in relationship to the ongoing case of Almost Heaven (Hell) Kennel. All I can say is what the hell is going on here! What am I missing? You tell me!
According to the latest news, Derbe “Skip” Eckhart is now allowed to sell dogs while appealing his 2009 license revocation. Under the new PA Dog Law, the provision did not allow for any kennel operator to sell dogs while appealing the revocation of his/her license. Just a few weeks ago, Eckhart was notified that he was NOT allowed to sell any dogs while he appeals.
Apparently this has changed. Isn’t it wonderful? The reason this is allowed is because there is a lawsuit that has been filed by the Professional Breeders Advisory Council against the state Dep’t of Agriculture. Of course, as you may or may not be aware, this department regulates kennels (including puppymills) in PA. The lawsuit contends that the new PA dog law violates large commercial kennel owners’ rights and the rights of out-of-state dealers.
According to an article by Tim Darragh of the Morning Call, he states the Department of Agriculture has negotiated a suspension of part of the new dog law in return for the Breeder’s Council promise NOT to file an injunction that could put a legal freeze on the entire dog law!
This is unbelievable. I anticipated a lawsuit but didn’t expect the Ag Dep’t to be strong-armed into suspending part of the new PA dog law that is to protect these poor dogs in kennels such as Eckhart’s and other puppymill farmers.
It is inconceivable to me to know we have a new dog law that we the people of PA fought to get passed and it isn’t able to be enforced.
What the hell???