Dogs seized from midstate breeder over debarking concerns
Doberman puppies removed from an unlicensed Lancaster County breeder. (Photo courtesy: Pennsylvania SPCA)
(Quarryville) — Fifteen dogs have been removed from an unlicensed midstate breeder over concerns the animals were illegally debarked.
The Pennsylvania SPCA said it acted on a tip about the breeder in Quarryville, Lancaster County.
The animal welfare organization said it went to the property Thursday, May 24th, to find a three adult, debarked dogs. In all, it removed five adult dogs and ten puppies.
Debarking or devocalization is a surgical procedure to remove part of a dog’s vocal folds or cords, to decrease the volume and intensity of the dog’s bark. It is illegal in the commonwealth, except when done by a licensed veterinarian using anesthesia.
“The manner in which these dogs were devocalized is concerning on many levels, not the least of which is that it is illegal,” said Nicole Wilson, PSPCA Director of Humane Law Enforcement. “These animals were debarked because it was a nuisance, and the inhumane manner in which the act was carried out can carry a felony charge.”
Charges in this case are pending the conclusion of an ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information about this case, or other cases involving animal cruelty, is asked to call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.
A German Shepherd removed from an unlicensed Lancaster County breeder. (Photo courtesy: Pennsylvania SPCA)
Sometimes, your mornings are just too busy to catch the news beyond a headline or two. Don’t worry. The Morning Agenda has got your back. Each weekday morning, host Tim Lambert will keep you informed, amused, enlightened and up-to-date on what’s happening in central Pennsylvania and the rest of this great commonwealth.
