Posted: August 13, 2009, 5 a.m. EDT
Pennsylvania authorities have shut down another dog kennel that they say was operating without a license.
State dog wardens and officers from the Washington Township Police Department removed 29 dogs and one dead dog from a property in Waynesboro on Aug. 5. Officials said the dogs were living in “filthy conditions” and reported finding stacked cages filled with feces, maggots and moldy food.
The dogs and other animals, including several cats and birds, were immediately removed by the Antietam Humane Society of Waynesboro.
Authorities say the kennel was operated by a woman named Donna Cook. Charges against her are pending. Cook was cited in 2001 for cruelty and operating without a kennel license, according to the state.
Jessie Smith, the state’s special deputy for Dog Law, said a kennel that has more than 26 dogs per year must obtain a license and be inspected annually.
“Unlicensed kennels are difficult to regulate, because they are often intentionally secretive about their operations,” Smith said in a statement. “Unfortunately, without undergoing a regular inspection as a properly licensed kennel would, the conditions can go unchecked for long periods of time and dogs can be in need of veterinary care.”
“We take unlicensed kennels very seriously and will work to shut down an illegal kennels that come to our attention,” she added.
Cook could not be immediately reached for comment.