[News] Puppy Mill Raided!

[omichka]

much more means many vendors..... bring cash-))))

jewelry, woman designer apparel up to 80% off. DOG CLOTHES, including one of kind......

[yorkiesmiles]

I will be anxious to hear how the fundraiser went today

I found this story online about those 2 young girls who testified for the puppy mill bill in WA
Whitman students fight for dog rights in Olympia | Ballard News-Tribune

[KayTeeGee]

Hi, I'm new. I have been searching 'breeds'. I had two Lllaso Apsos. Loved them both. One lived 17 years and the other 16 years. Last one died 3 years ago. Since then I have desired to get another 'friend'. Yorkies are winning. I live in Wasilla Alaska part time and part time on the Oregon Coast. I travel by car to California to see my grandkids in California. My yorkie will go EVERYWHERE with me! Yorkies are small enough to ride in the cabin with me. They have great personalities, etc etc. Since I am only 56 I think we can have many, many happy years together. Now how do I go about finding one? I will be in Oregon around April 15th and would like to find my special yorkie while there. I do not want to support the puppy mills. Any suggestions?

[yorkiesmiles]

Originally Posted by KayTeeGee

Hi, I'm new. I have been searching 'breeds'. I had two Lllaso Apsos. Loved them both. One lived 17 years and the other 16 years. Last one died 3 years ago. Since then I have desired to get another 'friend'. Yorkies are winning. I live in Wasilla Alaska part time and part time on the Oregon Coast. I travel by car to California to see my grandkids in California. My yorkie will go EVERYWHERE with me! Yorkies are small enough to ride in the cabin with me. They have great personalities, etc etc. Since I am only 56 I think we can have many, many happy years together. Now how do I go about finding one? I will be in Oregon around April 15th and would like to find my special yorkie while there. I do not want to support the puppy mills. Any suggestions?

Hi, welcome to YT! You may want to post a thread to introduce yourself in the general forum General Yorkshire Terrier Discussion - YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - to start your own thread - click on the oval blue button that says New Thread. Please let me know if I can help you any further with that. Here is some advice on how to avoid the puppy mills,

First do NOT buy from a pet store and be careful with online websites. You might want to read this and the links listed http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...ease-read.html

This is very excellent info about buying a puppy http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...ead-first.html

Also, we have a number of excellent breeders who are members on YT - here are two good sections to find puppies in
* Featured Yorkies for Sale * - YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community

This one you can also post what you're looking for Yorkies For Sale or Wanted - YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community

best wishes on finding the perfect yorkie for you

[yorkiesmiles]

Reputed puppy mill thrived despite a history of trouble

Local News | Reputed puppy mill thrived despite a history of trouble | Seattle Times Newspaper

Officials are investigating Renee Roske's role in what they allege is an illegal puppy mill that netted millions of dollars in the past decade. Last month, sheriff's deputies seized hundreds of sick and diseased dogs at homes in Snohomish and Skagit counties owned by Roske's parents and sister.

By Lynn Thompson
Times Snohomish County Reporter

Ruth Brumbaugh bought Teacup from Wags N Wiggles kennel in Snohomish. Teacup turned out to be deaf and pregnant, costing Brumbaugh nearly $1,200 in veterinarian bills.

When Ruth Brumbaugh answered an ad in the Little Nickel Classifieds for a Yorkshire terrier, she envisioned a companion dog who would alert her to strangers.

What the elderly widow got was almost $1,200 in veterinary bills for a dog that was deaf, couldn't bark and within six weeks had to undergo a Caesarean section to deliver two stillborn puppies.

The bill of sale, signed by Snohomish kennel owner Renee Roske, said the 7-year-old female was spayed.

Now, officials are investigating Roske's role in what they allege is an illegal puppy mill that netted millions of dollars in the past decade. Last month, sheriff's deputies seized hundreds of sick and diseased dogs at homes in Snohomish and Skagit counties owned by Roske's parents and sister. Her parents and another couple have been charged with felony animal cruelty.

Roske has not been charged. But Snohomish County officials have revoked her license and the sheriff's office last week announced that as part of its investigation, it was asking for anyone who has done business with her to contact detectives.

Attempts to reach Roske and her attorney for comment were unsuccessful. She has appealed the revocation of her license.

Former customers have complained about Roske for years, reporting her to county animal control and suing in small-claims court.

Snohomish County first discovered Roske was operating an unlicensed kennel with 30 dogs in 1996. She obtained a license, and since then, inspectors have cited her seven times; fining her twice -- for $50 and $100.

In November 2003, after finding dogs hidden in a dirt enclosure beneath her front porch, the county revoked her license. County Licensing Manager Vicki Lubrin documented a subsequent meeting with Roske.

"I told her that her file history illustrated a 7 year pattern of continued disregard for the laws and she continually demonstrated willful violation (of) the provisions of her license," Lubrin wrote.

"I know, I know," Roske responded, according to Lubrin's memo. "You warned me, the inspectors warned me, everybody told me, it's my own fault. I just don't like rules."

Roske appealed the revocation. Four months later, a county hearing examiner ordered that her license be reinstated and Roske be given "one last chance."

After that, the county recorded no problems at her kennel. Her parents opened a kennel in Skagit County where there were no dog-breeding regulations. Their stated purpose: to supply dogs to Roske.

Another couple bred dogs for her in an unlicensed operation on her sister's property, Snohomish County Sheriff's detectives allege.

The lack of regulations in some counties, and the discovery of so many dogs living in such poor conditions, has raised cries for statewide limits on kennels. A bill pending in the legislature would set minimum-care standards and limit to 50 the number of dogs in a kennel that have not been spayed or neutered.

Dan Paul, Washington state director of the Humane Society of the United States, said puppy mills -- operations that mass-produce dogs -- sacrifice animal welfare for profits. The animals in these operations are often caged for most of their lives, bred repeatedly, and trapped in overcrowded, filthy conditions, Paul said.

"There's no way they could have cared for all these animals," he said of the pending cases. "And that's what we saw."

Country home

At Roske's home on five acres in the Snohomish countryside, a gravel driveway circles a neatly landscaped yard and a handful of puppies run in a small wire enclosure beside the front porch.

A hand-painted sign, hanging under the eaves says, "Wags N Wiggles Kennel." Another sign notes that all major credit cards are accepted.

"You arrive up to a sweet country home with one dog playing in the front. It looks like a mom and dad operation," said Sandy Nelson, director of the Skagit Valley Humane Society.

"On a sunny Saturday, there would literally be a line of buyers at her door," said Brandon Hatch, the former Snohomish resident whose tip spurred the raids on the puppy operations. "She was good looking, had quite the silver tongue and could basically sell ice to an Eskimo." Roske took out multiple ads in local newspapers offering breeds such as Shih Tzu, Chihuahua and toy poodles and typically charged $350 to $1,500 a dog. The ads promised a "one year health guarantee."

She first came to Snohomish County officials' attention in August 1996 when license inspector Jay Crockett found 30 dogs at Roske's home. She had neither a private kennel license that would allow up to 10 dogs, nor a commercial license that would allow 25.

Roske applied for and was granted the 10-dog private kennel license. Two years later, an inspector visited and counted 44 dogs. Roske obtained a commercial license, but then violated the 25-dog limit four times, twice paying small fines.

Meanwhile, from the late 1990s on, customers complained to Snohomish County Animal Control that Roske had sold them sick dogs and did not respond to concerns.

Dianna Kern, who then lived in Marysville, paid Roske $350 for a miniature Pomeranian only to learn from her veterinarian that the puppy was infected with ear mites, roundworms, Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Coccidia, a potentially fatal organism that attacks the stomach and intestines and is spread through contact with feces.

Kern complained to Roske but the breeder insinuated that Kern's vet "didn't have a clue what he was talking about," according to a letter Kern wrote to Roske and also sent to the county.

Wendy Hooser, of Maple Falls in Whatcom County, complained that a miniature dachshund Roske sold her had ear infections and a skin disease and needed surgery to have a hole in his nasal cavity repaired and 18 rotting teeth removed.

Hooser told the county, "I believe Ms. Roske is running a puppy mill."

The $900 Chihuahua that Brian and Verna Loft brought to their Ferndale home developed bloody stools and needed care for Giardia and Cryptosporidium. The couple's two other Chihuahuas got sick and nearly died, Brian Loft said. When they called Roske, "she hung up twice."

By 2004, Snohomish County had revoked Roske's license and then restored it on court's orders. But the restored license came with a warning: one more violation and she'd be shut down.

Skagit County

A few months after Roske's kennel-license troubles in Snohomish County, in July 2004, her parents, Marjorie and Richard Sundberg, purchased a nearly 5-acre property in Skagit County just outside of Mount Vernon. There was a small, manufactured house and several heated garages and shops, all set back from the road and screened from neighbors by trees.

"There was no kennel law. It was very easy to set up shop," said the Humane Society's Nelson.

After a neighbor complained about noise from dogs, Skagit County officials told the Sundbergs they had to have a permit for a home-based business. In December 2006, the Sundbergs applied for the permit, saying they would be breeding "in excess of 75 dogs," to be sold at their daughter's house.

The following month, Skagit County Animal Control Officer Emily Diaz inspected the kennel, guessing the Sundbergs had "150 adult dogs, but that does not include all of the puppies." She said the small room where mother dogs and their puppies were kept in wire cages was crowded and had such a strong odor of ammonia, "it made my eyes burn."

But while some "minor adjustments," were needed, Diaz concluded the overall operation "is safe and handled well."

Roske also sought out other people to raise dogs for her. In 2006, she approached Jason and Sarenna Larsen, a Sultan couple who ran a small breeding operation, said Brandon Hatch, a longtime friend of the couple's.

In May 2007, Roske's sister, Mary Ann Holleman, purchased a home on 10 acres outside Gold Bar, property-records show. The Larsens moved in and began raising dogs for Roske, according to sheriff's deputies.

On Jan. 10 this year, Hatch stopped by after visiting his mother in Snohomish. He said the smell hit him as he approached the door. Inside, Hatch said, there were feces, "everywhere," including on a mattress and box springs the Larsens' nieces slept on when they visited.

Crates were stacked two and three high in some rooms, with several dogs crowded into each. After agonizing over whether to turn in his friend, Hatch called Child Protective Services. Armed with that complaint, Snohomish County Sheriff's deputies obtained a search warrant and on Jan. 16, seized 155 dogs.

Jason Larsen told deputies that he supplied Roske with dogs, according to the search- warrant affidavit. He broke down crying under questioning, telling deputies that they were dealing with "millions of dollars" in revenue to Roske, the affidavit said.

Six days later, Skagit County sheriff's deputies seized 450 dogs from the Sundbergs' property. Skagit County shut down the operation and has asked a judge to make the Sundbergs reimburse the county for caring for the rescued animals.

The Sundbergs are fighting those efforts in court. Attempts to contact the Sundbergs and the Larsens have been unsuccessful.

CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST (too long)

[yorkiesmiles]

Adoption

Snohomish County detectives say they continue to investigate Roske.

The approximately 600 dogs seized in two January raids are still being cared for at area animal shelters and by foster families. The Everett Animal Shelter plans to alert the public when dogs are ready for adoption, probably not for another month. The Skagit Valley Humane Society is awaiting court approval to offer dogs for adoption.

Ruth Brumbaugh, who purchased the sick and pregnant Yorkshire terrier from Roske in 2007, successfully sued the kennel owner in October. The small-claims judge ordered Roske to repay almost $1,200 in vet bills and to refund the $325 purchase price. Brumbaugh, now 80, has not been paid. She has liens against Roske's Snohomish house and another a few miles away that records show is worth $1.1 million.

The judge also told Brumbaugh to return her Yorkie.

Brumbaugh said, "I'm not giving this dog back to her."



Follow the case
Brandon Hatch, who alerted officials to the Gold Bar house where 150 dogs were seized in January, tracks the case and related issues at: PuppyJustice.com :: Saying “NO!” to Puppy Mills in Washington State

Officials seek help
Snohomish County sheriff's detectives have asked that anyone who did business with Renee Roske or Wags N Wiggles kennel e-mail them at: puppyinvestigation@snoco.org.

[omichka]

Sorry, I will be short. I am out of town, if I have time, I will post some videos I made...

I saw only 4 dogs from that puppy mill: two yorkies and two chihuhuas.
This is a quote from organizer's e-mail:

At last count we have raised over $21,000 and that exceeds our goal!! It is sad to think that this money will be enough to care for the dogs for only 2 days but we still made a difference. It is my firm belief that no matter what your circumstances are you can make a difference as this has been well demonstrated here

Actually, some of the vendors donated %%% from sale to certain rescues. Some of them donated ALL profit to them.... What they donated is not included at mentioned amount, because all donations went DIRECTLY to them.

It was fun to be there... So many great people.
NOAH, SPOT, SKAGIT (who take care of puppy mill dogs) were there, and, also, chihuahua rescue.

Some of pics:

Two chihuahuas were rescued from another puppy mill in Yakima that was recently shut down (belong to Ginger rescue). One of them (light one).... just waaaay too timid, and has a hole in ear from possible bite?

This yorkie cuty is from Sunberg kennel. She is 7 month, alfa dog although she is less that 3 pounds. She is in foster care and will be adopted by this lady.

[yorkiesmiles]

Originally Posted by omichka

Sorry, I will be short. I am out of town, if I have time, I will post some videos I made...

I saw only 4 dogs from that puppy mill: two yorkies and two chihuhuas.
This is a quote from organizer's e-mail:

]At last count we have raised over $21,000 and that exceeds our goal!! It is sad to think that this money will be enough to care for the dogs for only 2 days but we still made a difference. It is my firm belief that no matter what your circumstances are you can make a difference as this has been well demonstrated here

Actually, some of the vendors donated %%% from sale to certain rescues. Some of them donated ALL profit to them.... What they donated is not included at mentioned amount, because all donations went DIRECTLY to them.

It was fun to be there... So many great people.
NOAH, SPOT, SKAGIT (who take care of puppy mill dogs) were there, and, also, chihuahua rescue.

Some of pics:

Two chihuahuas were rescued from another puppy mill in Yakima that was recently shut down (belong to Ginger rescue). One of them (light one).... just waaaay too timid, and has a hole in ear from possible bite?

This yorkie cuty is from Sunberg kennel. She is 7 month, alfa dog although she is less that 3 pounds. She is in foster care and will be adopted by this lady.

Thank you for the update. I had been wondering how the event went. To celebrate the money raised But then to think because there are so many dogs it will only cover 2 days - it is amazingly sad. But 2 days will be a huge help to these shelters

[yorkiesmiles]

Couple charged in puppy mill case say they can't afford an attorney

The Blotter | Couple charged in puppy mill case say they can't afford an attorney | Seattle Times Newspaper Blog

February 24, 2009 1:45 PM
- From Times Snohomish County reporter Lynn Thompson:

A Gold Bar couple charged with animal cruelty in connection with an alleged puppy-mill operation told an Everett judge today they couldn't afford an attorney and will need a court-appointed lawyer.

Jason Larsen and Serenna Larsen, both 37, made their first court appearance in Everett District Court, telling Judge Roger Fisher they had not seen the charges filed against them. Each are charged with six counts of first-degree animal cruelty. If convicted on all counts, the couple could face 17 to 22 months in prison.

Officials in January seized 155 dogs from the Larsens' Gold Bar house. Officials said many of the dogs were covered in feces, suffering from diseases, and had no water or food. The dogs are being cared for at the Everett Animal Shelter.

The Larsens' home is owned by the daughter of Richard and Marjorie Sundberg, of Mount Vernon, according to county property records. The Sundbergs have been charged with four counts of second-degree animal cruelty after officials found hundreds of dogs in poor condition on their Mount Vernon property.

In all, about 550 dogs were taken from the two locations, many of them diseased and living in filthy conditions, according to officials.

[omichka]

Protection orders would cover pets under bill passed by House

Local News | Protection orders would cover pets under bill passed by House | Seattle Times Newspaper

[omichka]

Who's to blame in alleged puppy mill case?


Who's to blame in alleged puppy mill case? | KOMO News - Seattle, Washington | Local & Regional

[yorkiesmiles]

Puppy-mill operators should pay for sick animals

Editorials & Opinion | Puppy-mill operators should pay for sick animals | Seattle Times Newspaper

A Skagit County judge should compel the owners of an massive puppy mill operation that was uncovered by investigators to pay for the costs of the hundreds of animals rescued from the operation.


JIM BATES / THE SEATTLE TIMES

SKAGIT County prosecutors were right to ask a Superior Court judge to force two people charged in a massive puppy-mill operation to post bonds for the animals' care — and the owners should.

The judge should agree and compel the defendants to help clean up the mess they made.

Cash-strapped animal shelters should not have to bear all the costs of caring for the hundreds of sick and diseased puppies seized during raids last month.

Some 600 dogs were rescued from two homes in Snohomish and Skagit counties and since then, local shelters and animal advocates have scrambled to provide care. About 80 percent of the dogs were pregnant and some have required costly medical treatment. Donations and a community fundraiser have helped, but the costs go beyond puppy chow.

The animal shelter in Skagit County has incurred $30,000 in expenses so far for the 70 dogs in its care.

A mass adopt-a-thon would ease shelter budgets and offer the puppies respite from the hell they've been through. Indeed, animal shelters ought to be the starting place for any would-be pet owner. But for now, the puppies remain evidence in a criminal trial. Technically, they are still the property of their owner while the case is adjudicated.

That could be awhile. Meanwhile, expenses mount. Dogs kept in cramped, unsanitary conditions tend to have health and socialization problems that could cost plenty to resolve.

A glimpse of what is faced by the puppies and those who care for them can be see through the eyes of Ruth Brombaugh. The elderly widow answered a classified ad and envisioned the Yorkshire terrier she purchased as a healthy, good companion and one who would alert her to strangers.

Instead, she ended up with nearly $1,200 in veterinary bills for a dog that was deaf, couldn't bark and had to undergo a cesarean section to deliver two stillborn puppies.

Charging papers show similar complaints date back to the late 1990s. Someone ought to pay. The judge should start with the defendants.

[omichka]

COPY:

I was asked by a reporter I know to put this out there to all of you. I wonder if you wouldn't mind putting out an APB for all dog lovers and asking them to subscribe to Bark! Magazine if they can. You can tell them there will be a story on this fiasco (the puppy mill case in Snohomish & Skagit Counties) in Bark!'s May/June issue, and subscribing now would make sure they have that copy in their mailbox when it's released. I would like to support Bark!'s efforts to put out a high-quality, "upscale" magazine that does NOT cater to AKC or other purebred issues. In fact, it goes out of its way to explore the sadder side of animal issues, and that's a big risk in their market. I believe they should be rewarded. Here is the link to subscribe to BARK Magazine if you want to: https://www.kable.com/pub/bark/suball.asp This is the link to BARK's home page:The Bark Thanks, darlin' !!!

[omichka]

February 24, 2009 6:13 AM

Oregon weighs law targeting puppy mills

The Blotter | Oregon weighs law targeting puppy mills | Seattle Times Newspaper Blog

[omichka]

WARNING: Very graphic photos. If you follow this link, be prepared for some VERY disturbing photos. These are some of the actual dogs that were rescued


PuppyJustice.com :: Saying “NO!” to Puppy Mills in Washington State » WARNING: Graphic puppy mill images

PS: I saw this pic on SPOT stand, and it made me cry. The yorkie on this pic look EXACTLY like my Jess!!!!!! Unfortunately, the SPOT volunteer couldn't answer at my question re this particular dog, but I hope I will try to figure out. I saw appx. 4 yorkies at the event from same kennel (two are rescued and two that were purchased), and they all look different. But this dog on pic... it is definitely subling of my Jess-(((