I urge you to oppose H.B. 5917 "The Petland Bill"

Chairman and House Agriculture Committee Members,

As Founder of Puppy Mill Awareness of SE Michigan and Michigan Friends of Companion Animals, I urge you to oppose H.B. 5917 and H.B. 5916 for the following reasons:

1. H.B. 5917 would undermine local laws. In response to growing concern for the welfare of animals trapped in puppy mills, dog lovers have adopted two legal strategies to fight back: stricter laws for breeders (such as Michigan’s Large Scale Breeder law) and local ordinances banning the sale of puppies in pet stores. The latter is what Representative Vaupel and the industry lobbyists who are behind these bills are trying to prevent. Over 260 localities across the nation have enacted ordinances preventing the sale of commercially produced puppies in pet stores. Some of these include: Cook County Illinois, New York City, the entire state of California and Maryland, and the Michigan cities of Eastpointe, Fraser, and New Baltimore.
   

2. These are not animal welfare bills. On the surface, they masquerade as animal welfare, pledging to protect puppies by guaranteeing that they are purchased from “USDA licensed breeders” with no current inspection violations. It sounds good on paper, but closer analysis reveals that this standard is nearly impossible to enforce.

3. These bills would not require pet store licensing or inspections. Michigan pet stores are not currently licensed or inspected by any agency.
   
   
4. Local enforcement of the pet stores is not going to ensure breeders in distant states follow the highest standards when breeding. The real problems lie at the commercial kennels and happen long before the puppies arrive in the stores. Poor breeding practices and lack of veterinary care are two of the biggest problems that are not easily fixed with more regulations. In fact, puppies arriving into Michigan from the industry’s new “showcase” kennels have many abnormalities listing on their health certificates, including generic issues as a result of poor breeding (see list below).
   
   
5. Rep. Mike McCready (R) already updated Act 287 of 1969 PET SHOPS, DOG POUNDS, AND ANIMAL SHELTERS just last session. The bill was championed by the Michigan Humane Society and supported by the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association and the Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers. The Michigan Department of Agriculture provided supportive testimony. The new regulations went into effect January 2017.
   
   

Michigan’s Humane Pet Acquisition Ordinance

In 2015, I formed a coalition called Michigan Friends of Companion Animals to specifically address the problems our communities have with retail outlets where families can not see the conditions and meet the breeding parents (site unseen purchases). We have collected hundreds of complaints from families who purchased sick puppies. 

The owner of The Family Puppy, John Stottele, testified at the 05/02/18 House Agriculture Committee meeting stating “he was not aware of any complaints”, yet we know this is not true.  NBC 25 covered a story about a puppy that was purchased from the store with many health problems.

“The owner says he's worked with his breeders to ensure happy, healthy dogs. But one of his customers claims her new puppy almost died three times.

This spring Davison Resident Linda Dahl bought Tegan, a Shiatsu Toy Poodle from The Family Puppy Store at the Genesee Valley Mall.

"So then the next day she got really sick, she kept going into these seizures and couldn't walk," said new puppy owner, Linda Dahl.

After six doctor TMs visits and more than $1,000 in medical bills, Tegan is finally on the road to recovery.

Dahl says she complained to the store manager. "I called them out on it, and I said one, you sold me a sick dog, if she has an infection, there has to be other dogs in there with an infection, where did she get it from? And they couldn't give me an answer," said Dahl.

The Family Puppy’s breeders had serious direct violations to the Animal Welfare Act.

1) Marlin Bontrager, from Rome City Indiana, was The Family Puppy’s top supplier of puppies. According to a federal inspection, Bontrager was caging 177 adult dogs and had two serious direct violations including not seeking veterinary care for a sick puppy. Suffering was prolonged by not taking the puppy to the veterinarian. In addition, the inspector also cited Bontrager for housing dogs in temperatures in the 90’s. Dogs were observed heavily panting and puppies were stretched out on the wire floor trying to stay cool.  Bontrager has a history of violations going back to 2008 related to housing, shelter, primary enclosures, cleanliness, feeding and vet care.

2) Devon Schrock, another of The Family Puppy’s breeders, was cited for accumulations of grime and hair in the primary enclosures. This harbors diseases. In addition, Schrock’s drainage system was cited as the upper washdown was draining into a pen on the bottom where two dogs were exposed. There was hair and sludge accumulating.

The owner of Petland did not testify last week, however there are two active lawsuits against his store located in the Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, MI. Twenty-four plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages for breach of contract and multiple violations of the Consumer Protection Act.  The puppies suffered from a range of issues, including genetic defects, infections and some had highly contagious diseases, costing the plaintiffs thousands of dollars in veterinary care. The lawsuits also allege fraud, claiming the store and its owner knowingly sold animals with deformities and illnesses, as well as misrepresenting the origins of the animals. 

Petland sold sick,worm-infested puppies, lawsuit claims

Detroit Free Press Published March 19, 2018 

Novi Petland sued forallegedly selling diseased and sick puppies

The Oakland Press 03/14/18

Lawsuit says NoviPetland sells unhealthy puppies

Local 4 March 16, 2018

Couple says NoviPetland sold them sick dog that had to be put down

FOX 2 Detroit MAR 16 2018

Link to “Ten Reasons Petland Novi is Michigan’s worst store” blog

To protect families from these large-box stores, like The Family Puppy and Petland, I worked jointly with law enforcement in Macomb County to draft the Humane Pet Acquisition Proposal which was unanimously supported by the Macomb County and Kent County Commissioners. Both counties urged their local communities to pass retail bans and promote humane outlets. 

The enormous success of local ordinances like mine across the country explains the secrecy, speed, and deceptive language of HB5916/HB5917. Michigan has a vocal, efficient, community of activists who have been tackling problematic pet stores for years.

The new Petland Coalition was created to fight local bans

In response to local ordinances and state laws banning the retail sale of commercial bred puppies, Petland formed a coalition in an attempt to improve the industry’s image and fight local retail bans. They had to! Petland is losing the public debate, and the evidence against Petland is compelling. The Petland Mall of Georgia mentions a new coalition on their website:

“That’s why we formed a coalition to improve animal welfare and work in a collaborative effort with a cross section of the pet industry, including animal welfare organizations as well as the veterinarian and academic community. 

Who exactly is a part of this coalition?

1. Levi Graber (Blue Ribbons Puppies), Petland’s broker.
2. Purdue University Center for Animal Welfare
3. Will Yoder (Blue Ribbon Puppies), consultant to Southern Iowa breeders.
4. Iowa Pet Breeder Association, Iowa Kennel Alliance Program (IKAP) linking many stakeholders such as AKC, breeders, brokers, and transport companies. 

There is no evidence that animal welfare groups are part of this coalition.

Puppy Broker, Levi Graber (Odon, IN) owns Blue Ribbon Puppies and is no stranger to the puppy pet trade. He was featured in Channel 13’s investigative story exposing Indiana’s Puppy Pipeline in 2007.

Graber is a large stakeholder and he regularly speaks at city council meetings and state legislatures to fight off retail bans and regulations that would protect families from irresponsible puppy peddlers.

Graber was featured in a recent article outlining plans the pet industry had to improve its reputation.

Amish aim to restore dog breeding rep (May 22, 2016)

“When some people think of dog breeding in the Amish community, images appear of puppy mills full of unhappy and mistreated dogs.

Amish breeders in the state want to change that, and they're reaching out for help.

Commercial breeders from Odon — a Southern Indiana town with a large Amish population — are working with Purdue University's Center for Animal Welfare Science to establish breeding practices that make consumers and dogs happy.”

"It was time that we as breeders recognize that there are professionals out there that can help us and we need to involve them in our businesses," said Levi Graber, a member of Odon's Amish community who helps several breeders in the area.

Will Yoder, a consultant working for Blue Ribbon Puppies, helped coordinate efforts in southern Iowa. Yoder is featured in this recent article attempting to expose rescues for profiting off the industry. This attack was designed to deflect attention from puppy mill abuse.

As part of this effort to improve their reputation, ten Iowa kennels were selected to be built, expanded or upgraded, and it appears Daniel Hochstetler (St. Joseph County, MI), also upgraded his facility and spoke at the initial committee hearing last week.

Iowa Kennel Name	Kennel Status
1) Cloveridge Kennels	2015 expanded
2) Daynes Ridge
3) Hillview Kennels	2016 New
4) Howling Hill
5) Oakridge Kennels	2015 new facility
6) Shadey Lawn	2015 updated
7) Shadow Valley	2015 updated
8) Stoney Creek	2015 new
9) That’ll Do	2015 training lessons from AKC completed
10) Yoder Kennel	2015 new

Hochstetler did not mention his USDA violations, or how large his facility is. He was cited for expired medications and a poodle was observed with a wound on her shoulder. (USDA report attached). He also failed to mention which retail outlets he services.

Daniel Hochstetler’s Adult Dog Inventory:

Inspection Date	# of Individual Licenses	Compared to USDA Inventory
2008	25
2009	49	30
2010	44	62
2011	62	62
2012	58	60
2013

The kennel buildings might be new and spacious, but the puppies still have problems.

While the few new kennels offer indoor/outdoor runs and play yards, there is still little oversight and no guarantee the puppies will be healthy. Some of these featured kennels shipped puppies to The Barking Boutique (Grandville, MI) with abnormalities listed on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. 

Kennel Name	Veterinary Inspection Date	Abnormality Noted
Cloveridge Kennel	4/13/2017	Luxating Patella Grade 1 L Latfral
	5/24/2017	Small open font.
		Open font
	6/8/2017	Moderate open font (all 3 dogs)
	8/31/2017	one of the three female cockapoo had mild underbite
	12/20/2017	Puppy 174655-04 has a moderate open font
	1/10/2018	Puppy 174656-06 has a mild open font
Oakridge Kennels	11/22/2017	Unilateral Crypt Orchid
	2/7/2018	Crypt orchid neuter done 1-31-18
Shadow Valley	Not provided	Left knee grade 5 patella not in trochlergroorse
	5/15/2017	Open Font ~ 3mm
	6/2/2017	Double inguinal hernial repaired
		Castrated, double inguinal hernia repaired
	7/13/2017	Underbite
	7/19/2017	Very small double inguinal hernia
		Unbilical hernial repaired by Dr. McClintock
	10/18/2017	Umbilical Hernia and double inguinal hernia
	10/25/2017	Umbilical hernia repaired by Dr. McClintock
		Castrated by Dr. McClintock
	11/1/2017	Neutered by Dr. McClintock had an abscess on right side of chest - healing
	11/8/2017	Right testical not fully descended into scrotum
	12/6/2017	Very small open font, left knee grade 2 patellar luxator, right knee grade 1 patella lux
		Umbilical hernia repaired by Dr. McClintock
	12/19/2017	Grade 1 right knee, small open font
	12/27/2017	Umbilical Hernia repaired Dr. Mcintock, Umbilical Hernial repaired Dr. McClintock
	1/31/2018	Double inguinal hernia, open font ~ 4mm, extremely small underbite 1 mm
Walnut Ridge Kennel	1/3/2018	Puppy has a moderate overbite
Ervin Lee Mast	7/13/2017	Overbite
	1/17/2018	Grade 3 knees right and left
David Troyer	6/16/2017	Castrated by Dr. McClintock
	1/31/2018	Umbilical Hernia..small amount of fat on the outside.
Melvin Nisley	1/24/2018	Puppy had crypt orchid neuter done 1/10/18

Michigan’s Newest Puppy Store: The Barking Boutique (Grandville, MI)

It appears that The Barking Boutique, who was sitting front row at last week’s committee meeting, is also following Petland’s business model and featuring their “showcase” kennels on their website. This misleads families as to the true source of some of the puppies, as the store is actually sourcing from 40+ other undisclosed breeders with recent USDA violations.

Learn more about The Barking Boutiques’ undisclosed breeders. 

Cloveridge is one of the “showcase” kennels that changed their name and business license for a clean inspection history.

Many of The Barking Boutique’s suppliers have violated the Animal Welfare Act…

The Barking Boutique used no discretion when choosing these breeders. Many of the suppliers have violated the Animal Welfare Act, yet the store ordered puppies from them anyway.

One breeder with violations, Shady Oak Frenchies owned by Jonathan Detweiler (Princeton, MO), housed 177 dogs in 2014 and was not disclosed on the store’s website.

Link to USDA photos.

• A Golden Retriever was observed limping on his right front leg. Applicant said "he may have been in a fight." (April 23, 2013).
  
  
• Multiple Animal Welfare Act violations related to attending veterinarian and inadequate veterinary care program. (April 11, 2013)
  
  
• A Bulldog with a bottom jaw sticking out 2 inches more than her top jaw causing her tongue to stick out and be exposed, dry, wrinkled and reddened (April 11, 2013)

• Two adult Golden Retrievers were seen wet and shivering in the outdoor enclosures with no way of getting inside unless the breeder propped the door open. (April 23, 2013)

Another supplier of The Barking Boutique, Melvin Nisley of Seymour, IA, was cited for not having a complete program of veterinary care (April 2013). This kennel is not disclosed on The Barking Boutique’s website. 

Link to USDA photos. 

The Barking Boutique owner stated he only works with breeders with no violations in the last two years – which is the new requirement outlined in HB 5916 -- yet breeder David Nisley (Drakesville, IA) was cited for a direct violation of the Animal Welfare Act in 2016. 

Link to USDA records. 

• DIRECT VIOLATION: A Boxer was extremely emaciated, very little fat covering her frame causing her flanks to sink behind her rib cage. (August, 2, 2016)

Learn more about all the store’s breeders on The Barking Boutique Boycott website.  

Unless all breeders make huge investments and agree to higher standards, these kennels will simply be used as “showcase” kennels while the pet stores continue to source from sub-standard breeders.

Michigan pet store owners, local law enforcement and the MDARD have no control or oversight of USDA commercial breeders --the only way to protect families is to end the puppy mill pipeline to our communities.

Please do no support these bills which would overturn all the progress we have made to protect families and pets from the cruel pet trade.

Thank you for your time in this matter.

_______________________________

Pam Sordyl

Founder of Puppy Mill Awareness of Southeast Michigan

Founder of Michigan Friends of Companion Animals

cell: 734-718-7100

http://michiganpuppymills.com/

http://mfca.yolasite.com/

_______________________________

Sixteen Plaintiffs File Lawsuit Against Novi Pet Store

Lawsuit claims Petland Novi knowingly sold puppies with genetic issues, illnesses and disease from substandard breeders violating the Consumer Protection Act.  

PRESS RELEASE: March 9, 2018

CONTACT: Pam Sordyl, 734-828-1400 or 734-718-7100, pmamichinfo AT yahoo.com

NOVI, MICHIGAN – Sixteen plaintiffs who purchased companion animals from Petland, located in the Twelve Oaks Mall (27200 Novi Rd, Novi, MI), have filed a lawsuit seeking monetary damages for breach of contract and multiple violations of the Consumer Protection Act after purchasing puppies. The puppies suffered from a range of issues, including genetic defects, infections and some had highly contagious diseases, costing the plaintiffs thousands of dollars in veterinary care.

The lawsuit was filed on February 22, 2018 at the Oakland County Circuit Court and assigned to Judge Hala Jarbou. (Case Number 2018-163984-CZ)

In one particularly heart breaking case, one of the Plaintiffs purchased a puppy that brought the Parvo virus home and infected the family’s senior Labrador, Smokey, who had to be euthanized after contracting the virus. 

The complaint also alleges fraud, claiming the store and its owner knowingly sold animals with deformities and illnesses, as well as misrepresenting the origins of the animals.  In many cases, after investigating the documents provided by Petland upon purchase, the animals were found to have been bred in horrific conditions by commercial breeders who many allege are well known “puppy mill” owners.

Some Plaintiffs were asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement or “gag” document in exchange for reimbursement of veterinary costs and a refund of the purchase price of the puppy. Families were asked not to hold Petland, Twelve Oaks Mall, Northlake Pets Inc., VCA Animal Hospitals, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates responsible, nor could they post anything negative on the internet, go to the media, or do anything defamatory against Petland Novi to obtain reimbursements or refunds.

The Plaintiffs are represented by attorney Jennifer Measel of Haas & Goldstein, P.C., a Farmington Hills based law firm which recently prevailed in similar pet store retail fraud cases in Mt. Clemens, Mich.

“The puppies sold at Petland Novi are unhealthy because they are over-bred in warehouse-sized kennels in unsanitary conditions without consideration of genetic quality,” says Measel. “This results in generations of dogs with unchecked hereditary defects. Mass production of puppies in unsanitary kennels harbor diseases and illnesses that travel with the puppy to the pet store and can be shared among other puppies from other puppy farms on the broker transport truck.”

The named defendants in the lawsuit are Petland Novi and owner/operator Randy Horowitz. Horowitz lost two recent court cases after DNA testing proved the store sold the wrong breed of dog to members of the general public.

Petland is the nation’s largest puppy retailer, with over 80 locations in the United States and only one store remaining in Michigan. Last year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund announced a nationwide racketeering class actionlawsuit against Petland. The lawsuit claims predatory business practices of charging premium prices for puppies “guaranteed” to be healthy – as certified by Petland’s veterinarians —when Petland knows it is selling puppies prone to illnesses and other defects, including “puppy-mill” sourced puppies.

Puppy Mill Awareness of Southeast Michigan launched a public education campaign against the Novi store in 2010. The group has continued to warn mall patrons and families of the risks involved in purchasing puppies from Petland through protests, petitions, outreach events, and social media. The group took their campaign to the Novi City Council and police department after collecting over 100 complaints - 24 in 2016 alone - and discovering Oakland County Animal Control was not logging or responding to complaints over a three year period in which records were requested. A list of concerns was presented to the city council and can be found on this blog:  

• Petland Novi has a history of working with irresponsible breeders. Enforcement Actions were filed against fourteen 14 of Petland Novi’s suppliers and others have serious violations to the Animal Welfare Act - 700 USDA photos and videos show these violations including injured and untreated animals.
• Petland Novi uses large commercial breeding facilities, some with over 500 adult dogs on site.
• Petland Novi imports 60-160 puppies per month from out-of-state breeders where families can not meet the parents.
• Petland Novi uses puppy brokers or “middlemen”, ensuring that customers will never meet the parents of the animals they purchase.
• Over 100 customer complaints have been logged related to Petland Novi. Complaints have been reported to local Animal Control, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, PetShopPuppies.org, Puppy Mill Awareness of Southeast Michigan, and the Better Business Bureau.
• Petland Novi has been the subject of local investigations including (WXYZ Detroit) The Investigators.

“It has been impossible to help families escalate their complaints when elected officials in Novi and appointees within the Oakland County Executives Office directed us to the Michigan Department of Agriculture which no longer regulates pet stores, “ stated Pam Sordyl, founder of Puppy Mill Awareness. “We asked repeatedly for a police detective to be assigned after more sick puppies were sold and highlighted in the news.”

Those wanting to add a pet to their household are encouraged to adopt from their local shelter or Michigan Certified foster-based animal rescues organizations- many of whom specialize in specific breeds- or thoroughly research and personally visit the breeder from whom they intend to purchase an animal.

To follow the progress of the Petland Novi case, click below

https://courtexplorer.oakgov.com/OaklandCounty

Puppy Mill Awareness of Southeast Michigan is a grassroots organization dedicated to ending commercial breeding "puppy mills" and protecting families from puppy peddlers, pet stores and bad breeders by lobbying for stronger laws, setting up information booths, completing research studies and launching pet store campaigns.

Learn more about Puppy Mill Awareness

https://www.meetup.com/puppymillawareness/

MEDIA COVERAGE

Petland sold sick,worm-infested puppies, lawsuit claims

Detroit Free Press Published March 19, 2018 

Novi Petland sued for allegedly selling diseased andsick puppies

The Oakland Press Published March 14, 2018 

Lawsuit says Novi Petland sells unhealthy puppies

Local 4 March 16, 2018

Couple says Novi Petland sold them sick dog that had to be put down

FOX 2 Detroit March 16, 2018

RELATED POSTS

Petland Novi, what happened to this Great Dane?

Oakland County Animal Control Is Failing to Protect Animals and Families

Petland Novi continues to use no discretion in choosing suppliers

Petland Novi frequently asked questions that can be answered in two words

Top Ten Reasons Why PetlandIs Michigan's Worst Pet Store

#

Petland Novi, What happened to this Great Dane?

On February 9, 2017 a black male Great Dane was removed from Petland’s large showcase window after the Novi Police visited in response to a complaint. Two puppy shoppers reported the puppy was on display for sale with runny eyes, a crusty nose, hair loss and appeared to be very underweight. 

Where did he go??? 

Shortly after the police visit, Petland posted a new photo advertisement on their Facebook page stating that the Great Dane had been sold, yet an hour later a customer was told that the she could not see the dog because he was sick and would be going to the vet the following morning. The same puppy shopper visited again the following week and the store stated the dog was at the vet. Remember, this is the sibling to the Great Dane that died of pneumonia and reported in the WXYZ story on January 30th, 2017. 

So what has happened to this sickly Great Dane? 

Was he really sold? Is he still at the vet? Was he returned to the breeder in Missouri? Was he euthanized? 

The Davis family’s dog, named Diamond, died from pneumonia that developed from untreated kennel cough and the store continued to try and sell the sick litter mate. This is very irresponsible. 

There are several police reports associated with these two Great Danes. 17-5723 Michelle Read 17-6737 Pam Sordyl and Susan Wheeland 17-xxxx Brian and Elizabeth Davis

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

1) We need an independent veterinary to look at all of these dogs in the store. Susan Wheeland observed other dogs with runny eyes on display for sale on 2/16/17. If you see a sickly puppy please call Oakland County Animal Control at 248-391-4102. They can ask the state dept to bring a staff veterinarian. 

2) If you purchased a sick pet, or you are having any problems regarding the warranty, and extra vet costs in the last six years from Petland Novi, you need to call Pam Sordyl, Founder of Puppy Mill Awareness of SE Michigan at 734-718-7100.

3) If you oppose the retail sale of puppy mill dogs and want Petland Novi to be held accountable for selling so many sick animals, let your voices be heard! Contact the following decision makers:

Novi Mayor Bob Gatt, Mayor Pro-Tem David Staudt, Council Members: Andrew Mutch, Wayne Wrobel, Laura Marie Casey, Gwen Markham and Brian Burke

bgatt@cityofnovi.org, DStaudt@cityofnovi.org, amutch@cityofnovi.org, wwrobel@cityofnovi.org, lcasey@cityofnovi.org, gmarkham@cityofnovi.org, bburke@cityofnovi.org

Novi County Commissioner: Hugh Crawford, hughcrawford@msn.com

Oakland County Public Services Committee Chair: Bill Dywer, wdwyer@mi.rr.com

4) Leave an online review: Ripoff Report (does not remove reviews) or Yelp.

5) Attend the next NoviCity Council Meeting on February 27, 2017 at 7 PM.

Barks N Bling Closed

Barks N Bling Pet Shop and Boutique (Pontiac, Mi) will no longer be selling puppies. The store is closed. The owner was forced by the court to move out of her home into a hotel room after Child Protective Services allowed her daughter to return to the home. Our records show Edwin and Rebecca Santana owned Barks N Bling between May 2014 – December 2015. For some reason, the store advertised BEFORE and AFTER photos of puppies. The BEFORE photos showed filthy small popular breed puppies.

Why were they in these conditions?
We always wondered.

Barks N Bling Pet Shop and Boutique

218 S Telegraph Rd
Pontiac, Michigan.
(248) 212-9190

When I called the store’s number recently to see if it was disconnected, Carol Bliss answered.  I asked if she had puppies for sale. She asked me what I was looking for. Carol Liss is located in St. Clair County. No kennel license in 2013.

This is the same number a puppy buyer provided for Rebecca Santana back in 2012. The puppy buyer contacted me after purchasing a sick puppy. The puppy buyer stated that she purchased a puppy from Rebecca Santana in Rochester. She confirmed she was the same woman on the recent Channel 7 story regarding the medical kidnapping of her daughter.

The Pontiac location is now owned by Bloomfield Pet Care and Paws and Relax. I sent an invitation to pledge not to sell puppies, but I have not heard back. The owner does breed dogs occasionally.

Michigan Dog Kennel Abuse Cases

Click on images to enlarge. Download below. 

Download PDF Files:

Cases by County

Cases by Number of Animals

Cases by Probation

Cases by Jail Time

Cases by Year

Cheri and George Burke, Allegan

Ramzi Dakhlallah, Pet Station, Wayne

John & Suzette Jones, Barry

John Jones, JRT John's Jack Russell Terriers, Missaukee

Renee Suchil, Pixie Puppies, Montcalm

Virginia Lawrence, Calhoun

Candace Shepard-Younce, Montcalm

Pamela Keehbauch, Isabella

Roxanne Webster, Livingston

Kim Koss, Genesee

Joan Skillman, Ingham

Lorri Nichiow, Lornich Kennels, Macomb

Jean Hansen, Midland

Patrick & Dixie Plunkett, Sanilac

Dennis Jones, Greenwood Pets, Macomb

Donald and Kathe Burkett, Washtenaw

Bradford, Pennie, Noralea & Danielle Quick, Oscoda

Cheri Lane, My Puppy Paradise, Genesee, Calhoun

Timothy Spurlock, Ackley Kennels, Washtenaw

Elaine Komorny, Raisin Tree Farms, Livingston, Ingham

Melinda Hart, Hartline Kennels, Washtenaw

Laura Springborn, Livingston

Allen Mast, Calhoun

Margaret Carp, Macomb

James Griffen, Ontonagon

Oakland County Animal Control Is Failing to Protect Animals and Families

February 5, 2016

Dear Oakland County Commissioners,

Thank you for reviewing our concerns list (attached) regarding Oakland County Animal Control’s lack of response to animal neglect complaints, enforcement of various Michigan laws and gross mishandling of hoarding cases.

Of most importance in this matter, we have pet stores importing hundreds of ill animals, putting them on display sick and selling them to unsuspecting families sick. This should be something the department takes the lead on. We have hoarding cases with repeat failed inspections and the department is choosing to monitor, rather than enforce. In fact, the department has not even acknowledged the Farmington Hills Golden Retriever case as a hoarding situation. Experts have determined prosecution is essential in these types of cases.

Without policies and procedures there is no accountability.

On February 4, Mark Newman provided you with a three-page narrative in an attempt to respond to our concerns list, leaving even more concerns and no grievance process for resolving these issues.

Regarding the Farmington Hills kennel, which is our example of how bad it really is, Mr. Newman completely contradicts testimony provided by Senior Animal Control Officers. I have outlined my responses to his summary of the case:

1. The Farmington Hills Golden Retriever breeding dogs were not found in ‘good condition’, are still not in ‘good condition’ and have not been seen by an independent veterinarian. The Michigan Penal Code (MCL 750.50) addresses adequate care - such as providing veterinary care, sanitary conditions, exercise, shelter, food, water, etc. We believe the following items are in violation of our cruelty laws:
   
    “There was no water source available. As we entered the basement, there was a numbing foul odor of ammonia that is consistent with a large amount of urine. The cages were too small and of inadequate size for the dogs. The water buckets for each individual dog had water, but also included dirt, hair and grime. The dog also had hair loss on its tail end and what appeared to be open sores. The floor and walls were covered in what appeared to be feces, mud, hair and wood shavings. Upon entering the main level, the conditions were abhorrent. The bird cages appeared to have not been cleaned in quite some times as it was filled with bird feces and did not contain an acceptable water source.  Upon entering the main kennel, there was a cloud of flies and disgusting odor. Dirt and hair was caked on the wire fencing that was used to contain the dogs. The dog runs had feces caked onto the floors. There was no spot on the floors for the animals to lie down or sit without being in filth. Several of the dogs were itching and biting themselves nonstop which is consistent with a flea infestation”. – Senior Animal Control Officer.
   
   “Kennel is in such abominable condition that the animals cannot be kept clean or in general good health. Flea/insect infestation. This kennel is not structurally sound and poses a health concern for the animals being kept in the facility. Some dogs were found to be in cages that were not of proper size for the dog, making it difficult for the animal to stand and turn around.” – Senior Animal Control
   Officer.
   
   The “handful” with fleas Mr. Newman cited was actually a “flea infestation”. The kennel worker reported and photographed evidence of dental disease, ear infections, eye infections, missing hair, open wounds, long toenails, and matting.
   
   Fast forward to 2015, there have been five more complaints. One puppy sold had fleas, a tick and ear infections. Oakland County Animal Control did not respond by checking any of the other dogs in the kennel. It does not appear the house or basement are being inspected, leaving many dogs and birds without oversight.
   
   There are no photos on file at Animal Control showing compliance and there is a DVD walk-thru missing, yet the Farmington Hills Police Department has it cataloged as evidence.

2. There is no law stating that repeat offenders are allowed 10 days to address non-compliances. During an animal welfare check on 9/10/15, the Farmington Hills kennel failed the inspection. Photos taken during this inspection clearly show the kennel has declined to the same condition as the 2013 complaint. (Photos attached). The kennel was provided an opportunity to “clean-up” and then failed the 9/17/15 follow-up inspection. The photos taken during these inspections show an accumulation of feces, dirt, mud, debris and hair which clearly indicates this kennel is unsanitary and is not being cleaned on a regular basis.

3. In the last eight years there have been 18 formal complaints with the Oakland County Animal Control, 35 kennel inspections or welfare checks by the Oakland County Animal Control and 13 failed inspections.

Petland Novi displaying and selling sick puppies is another example of the department’s failure to protect animals and the public:

1. Animals on display at Petland Novi are sick and sold sick. My organization has collected 25 complaints related to sick animals sold in 2015 -- and we are not a reporting agency! Mr. Newman stated their officers found no evidence of animal cruelty or abuse at Petland Novi, yet one shopper observed sickly and lethargic puppies. Some were urine stained, others had bloated bellies, rashes, and hernias (Photos attached). In December 2015, one black Poodle puppy was observed pooping blood. This and three other puppies specifically mentioned in the 12/1 and 12/10 complaints were not mentioned in the case report (attached). The case report did not even mention that the puppies were sold or in quarantine. Where were these puppies? Pet stores are required to keep disposition records. Was the poodle pooping blood sold that way?

2. Not providing adequate veterinary care to keep an animal in good health does violate our cruelty laws. “Adequate care" means the provision of sufficient food, water, shelter, sanitary conditions, exercise, and veterinary medical attention in order to maintain an animal in a state of good health. Mr. Newman clears all concerns simply by saying that a veterinarian is overseeing the puppies at the pet store. This is a veterinarian that has a contract with the store and receives new clients as part of the 3-free exams offered. It is the department’s responsibility for finding out why so many puppies are on display sick and sold sick even though a veterinarian is overseeing them. This is not “adequate” veterinary care.
   
   
3. A prior FOIA request shows the department did not respond to any complaints over a three year period (August 2009 – July 2011). Mr. Newman claims that “the department has always and will always respond to citizen complaints of animal abuse or cruelty.” On January 21, 2016, I filed a complaint related to the Family Puppy store regularly shipping sick puppies to Toledo, per a whistle blower employee. It was being covered by several media outlets. The department supervisor stated they will only respond to food, water and shelter complaints and it is not their duty to inspect pet stores. I even asked Mr. Shankin if a puppy was pooping blood on display at a pet store, would they respond? He stated, no. They will only respond to food, water and shelter.
   
   
4. Families who purchased sick puppies from pet stores are still referred to the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Mr. Newman stated it is unfortunate the MDARD dropped the Pet Shop Program, but did not agree to pick up the duties for enforce the Pet Shop Laws while other cities are. Some cities like Dearborn and Warren have even prosecuted irresponsible pet store owners. I agree, these cases could also be considered civil matters, but if there is a pattern of complaints and contagious diseases reported, the department should take the lead. If one sick dog is sold, there are likely many more that go unreported. Petland was exposed in the news repeatedly for selling sick animals back in 2009/10.  https://youtu.be/pGC5P5HvouU
   
   To learn more about the problems at Petland Novi, please read my report prepared for the Novi City Council. http://puppymillawarenessmichigan.blogspot.com/2015/03/top-ten-reasons-petland-is-michigans.html

Regarding “bite complaints”, there is no evidence that bite forms are processed with the Health Department. I am attaching a FOIA response from the Health Department stating there are no bite forms on file for the Oakland County pet stores listed, yet we have at least one bite form filled out by the Novi Police (attached). I also have testimony from the Health Department stating they never received bite forms from OCAC. In 2013, Joanie Toole claimed the department responded to 600 bite complaints in one year. Can these be found in the Michigan Disease Surveillance System?

Mr. Newman did not address all of our concerns. We are still looking for the following:

1. All polices and procedures governing how the director, supervisor and officers respond to complaints and enforce the laws.
   
   
2. How many cruelty cases have been submitted for prosecution in the last three years?
   
   
3. What services are offered to villages, cities and townships? Specifically, what has been provided to each municipality? Are all provided the same services?

Thank you,

Pam Sordyl
Founder Puppy Mill Awareness of SE Michigan

pmamichinfo@yahoo.com
t 734.828.1400   c 734.718.7100
michiganpuppymills.com