Wendy Willard and the Murder Hollow Bassets at the National Beagle Club in Aldie, Virginia (photo: Karen L. Myers)
Following packs of beagles or bassets afoot in hunting club uniforms in pursuit of the cottontail rabbit is, like croquet, one of the recherchée passions of the old school gentry.
The Murder Hollow Bassets of Philadelphia (a private pack* founded in 1986) is one thirteen organized packs of basset hounds recognized by the National Beagle Club hunting in the United States.
In 2006-2007, Murder Hollow had 7 1/2 couple (15) AKC English-French cross basset hounds. They hunt on private land in Montgomery and Bucks Counties from September to March.
The sort of people who go in for basseting are typically well-educated, upper middle-class animal lovers of a preparatory school sort of background. In other words, the very last sort of people imaginable to be dog abusers or law breakers.
But neither gentility nor middle-aged respectability was sufficient to protect the Murder Hollow’s Master Wendy Willard from a full scale raid by Philadelphia police, nor did it prevent 13 hounds from being taken from their kennels and turned over to a private animal rights organization hostile to hunting.
This incident has so far attracted no blog or media coverage, but was mentioned on a fox hunting list yesterday, and reported today on the Border Collie Bulletin Board.
The local SPCA raided Wendy’s Willard’s kennel where she keeps her Murder Hollow Bassets on Monday night. They arrived with seven trucks and two police cars & informed her that one of her neighbours had complained about noise.
Neither the neighbour nor the SPCA had previously complained to her, yet she has been there for 22 years.
As it turns out, Philadelphia County had recently passed an ordinance where no more than 12 animals may be kept on any property. The Murder Hollow kennels contained 23 bassets, less than the requirement to obtain a (US) Department of Agriculture kennel licence, but the kennel is just inside the city limits.
Under this law, the local SPCA have managed to acquire the power to seize people’s dogs without warning, by force and by night, and then to take them away to an unknown destination without any accountability.
The police took 12 hounds and delivered them to an SPCA animal rescue “shelter” in Philadelphia. From there the hounds were dispersed amongst other “sheltersâ€.
Basset packs in the area have contacted a Mr. Little who runs the SPCA shelter, seeking to place the hounds before they are put down or neutered (thereby destroying 20 years of Murder Hollow’s breeding programme). After a week, Mr. Little has failed to respond to any of these contacts.
So far, the only response from Mr. Little has been a statement to the effect that that the hounds tested positive for Lyme’s disease but were asymptomatic and are now being treated for Lyme’s and a skin condition. On the face of it, his organisation seems to be trying to rack up a bill for these animals, though one is not sure whether this is to deter Mrs Willard trying to recover her hounds or because his rescue operation has a right to recover its costs from an errant kennel owner. In this context it is relevant to point out that most of those who keep dogs & hounds in south central or south east Pennsylvania will have hounds that test positive to some degree for Lyme’s.
This whole episode seems a totally disproportionate & inappropriate way to deal with a middle-aged woman with no criminal record, who just happens to keep a pack of hunting bassets. It would surely have been appropriate to notify the owner of the new ordinance before conducting such a raid.
To further complicate matters, some of the hounds taken were on loan from another pack in Tennessee (presumably the Upper Bay Bassets of Strawberry Plains, Tennessee) and, despite the Tennessee owner (Eugene and/or Richard Askins)’s pleas, the PSPCA will not tell her where to find her hounds.
* A private pack, unlike a subscription pack, has no membership dues and holds no fund raising events. Subscription packs are incorporated entities. The master of a private pack owns the hounds personally, and simply pays for food, veterinary care, kennel upkeep, transportation, and all other expenses directly out of his (or her) own pocket.
——————————————-
UPDATE, August 6:
Mr. James Scharnberg, Master of the Skycastle French Hounds, writes:
Please contact by phone and e-mail the following officers of the PSPCA (Pennsylvania Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), headquartered at 350 E. Erie Ave., Phila., PA 19134, to ask about the location of and about adopting the 11 Bassets that were seized from Ms. Wendy Willard, master of a nationally registered Basset pack in Philadelphia County, on Monday night, 27 July:
Ms. Harrise Yaron, Chairman of the Board, PSPCA E-mail: hyaron@aol.com
Ms. Susan Cosby, CEO of PSPCA Erie Ave Shelter E-mail: scosby@pspca.org
TN: 215-426-6300, Ext. 214
Mr. Ray Little, Director of Adoptions and Foster Care/Rescue Groups
E-mail: rlittle@pspca.org TN: 215-426-6304, Ext. 251 Cell: 215-816-5301
Fax: 215-426-4517
Ms. Gail Luciani, Chief Public Relations Officer, PSPCA E-mail: gluciani@pspca.org
TN: 215-426-6300, Ext. 213 Cell: 215-901-9706
Ms. Willard was raided by the PSPCA and police due to a first time noise complaint, and told that unless she released 11 of her 23 hounds to them they would seize them all, under a new 12-dog-limit city ordinance. Since that night, despite countless calls and e-mails to the PSPCA, they have refused to reveal the fate or location of the hounds, or let a large number of licensed local basset hound packs and individuals, and several veterinarians, in the five county area take in the hounds. We have been told only that they have been “sent to rescue†to an independent care facility, and that they are under no obligation to tell us anything.
——————————————-
SECOND UPDATE, August 6, 1:45 P.M.:
I spoke on the telephone with Ray Little and Gail Luciani, identifying myself as a blogger from Virginia covering the Murder Hollow Basset situation.
Mr. Little was completely unwilling to discuss the bassets. He told me he was not involved in this matter, referred me to Ms. Luciani, and got off the line as quickly as possible.
I was able to reach Ms. Luciani after several attempts. She declined to provide any substantive answers, telling me the case of Ms. Willard’s basset hounds was “under investigation.”
I asked what could they possibly be investigating for over a week in connection with a minor technical violation of a new ordinance unknown to the dogs’ owner. Ms. Luciani promised that information would be provided at the PSPCA web-page at some indeterminate future time. She specifically refused to identify how long it would be before they were prepared to publish that promised information, or what information would be forthcoming.
Ms. Luciani repeatedly said the hounds were “in rescue,” relying consistently on stony-faced invocations of official jargon as a means of avoiding responsive meaningful answers to legitimate questions concerning the hounds’ current condition and location or the PSPCA’s intentions and refusal to communicate with the hounds’ owners, outside veterinarians, and concerned friends of Wendy Willard and the Murder Hollow Bassets. She seemed a bit upset, when I demanded to know whether she was a dog owner herself, and asked how she thought her dogs would react if taken forcibly from her and confined in strange surroundings in a small cage.
Attempts to appeal to Ms. Luciani’s humanity were, nonetheless, not productive. She rapidly composed herself and resumed stonewalling, finally excusing herself rapidly to deal, doubtless similarly, with other callers.
These days, a mass-murdering terrorist can invoke habeas corpus or like Richard Reid, the shoe-bomber, force the government to modify the conditions of his confinement. There is no habeas corpus though for animals that fall into the clutches of self-appointed guardian organizations like the PSPCA.
—————————————-
Some Corrections, 8/11:
Three bassets seized by PSPCA had come from the Sandanona Hare Hounds. One was a stud fee puppy, one a drafted hound given to the Murder Hollow pack, the third was a retired basset given to Wendy Willard to live in retirement as a pet. Sandanona hounds are given with a contract retaining ownership, and requiring their return to Sandanona if they cannot be cared for, specifically in order to prevent them ever winding up in an animal shelter’s cages.
Some hounds from Upper Bay were at Murder Hollow, but the Upper Bay Hounds were not surrendered.
Ms. Willard evidently erroneously accepted PSPCA Officer Loller’s assurances that Mrs. Parks of Sandanona would be permitted to reclaim her hounds.
————————
A truculent and self-congratulatory individual named Patrick Burns, who blogs over at Terrierman’s Daily Dose, has a nasty habit of bashing other sportsmen in order to make himself feel good.
Burns came hurrying to PSPCA’s defense not long after this posting appeared, gleefully accepting the PSPCA version of events as definitively establishing that those Murder Hollow basset hounds were neglected and abused, Wendy Willard was a confirmed violator of the law, and a crazy old lady whose hounds should be taken away from her. I am a paranoid right-wing blogger irresponsibly misreporting all this, according to Burns.
The original anonymously posted account of the raid above said: As it turns out, Philadelphia County had recently passed an ordinance where no more than 12 animals may be kept on any property.
Burns is correct that the anonymous poster was mistaken. The Philadelphia Code § 10-103(8) which says:
Maximum Number of Dogs and Cats Allowed. No residential dwelling unit shall keep a total of more than twelve (12) adult dogs or cats combined, of which no more than four (4) may be unneutered, unless the Department of Public Health has been notified and granted a waiver.
This section of the Philadelphia Code was added in 1986, and amended in 1992.
Wendy Willard might have been in violation of that limit. I will discuss why I say “might” in another new post.
photo: Elizabeth W. Harpham
SmartDogs
Working now to change that lack of blog and list coverage.
How Can This Happen in America?? « Gyllendogs
[…] 5, 2009 in Uncategorized | by Noturus I just saw this post on Never Yet Melted. Please go and read this […]
Tony
Political power gone mad. What about concern for the welfare of the dogs. Surely taking them from their familiar surroundings & their doggy friends in the pack to put them into a shelter can’t be what’s best for the dogs. Isn’t that what the SPCA is all about, supposedly. Best interest of the animal 1st, or at least so I thought. Obviously not…
Marguerite
Not a surprise at all. Much that passes for humane enforcement is actually motivated by the prospect of financial gain or else is clearly in pursuit of an anti-pet, elitist animal nazi agenda.
Donna
This is sickening. I hope these Basset ladies have the money to sue these fascists out of existence.
Marcy
Send all information pertaining to this to John Stoessel at 20/20. He did the expose a few years ago on the North Texas SPCA. He caught a LOT of flack about it from the SPCA and those supporting them, but now Texas has passed a bill restoring the due process that enabled the North Texas thefts under seizure of law to be so successful. Someone needs to get major media coverage AND to sue the bejesus out of these thieving organizations.
OK but
I am just as disturbed by these dogs being removed from a decent home, but I’ve seen no one urging comments be directed toward the *local government that enacted the ordinance and who employs the enforcement agents.*
High school civics, folks. Direct your concerns toward people who can take action to change the ordinance, not those charged with enforcing it.
bealsie2
Well, I spent about 2 hours online trying to find a reference to the law used, and trying to figure out what the local government is. If you have any insights into that, let me know. Because I could find no web site for Philadelphia County. And I could find no laws that reference this for Philadelphia City. And no animal control agency listed under Philadelphia City. And no news reports in the local Philadelphia papers.
Emily
This is just one more example of an organization or government agency chipping away at your rights and liberties as a citizen of the USA. Groups with extremist agendas are busy pushing through legislation of all types that give them power and take rights away from you. Bad ordinances can be changed but it’s a lot easier to prevent them from being enacted in the first place.
This situation is so wrong-headed as to be almost beyond belief. It has nothing to do with animal welfare and everything to do with an anti-pet agenda.
If you want to help animals in need please donate to local shelters that will guarantee how your money will be spent. Please be assured that the goal of “animal rights” organizations (PETA, HSUS and many others) is the complete elimination of animal ownership.
Cimarron
‘OK BUT’ has the right idea. Go after those who passed such legislation. Likely they are your own City Councelors as it was with ours when they passed the infamous H.E.A.R.T. ordinance here in Albuquerque NM. It was the first of its type in the US and now most every city in every state has it. This dictatorial piece of legislation allows for the confication of animals with just cause and the courts must uphold it thus eliminating your chance in court.
Use your rage to recind any legislation that allows such a thing to happen ‘without previous notice/warnings’.
Do not trust any Animal Rights organizations [although they have stollen our word Welfare]…they are the cause behind these laws.
Get with your City/Town Councelor to rewrite your animal ordinance before it happens to YOU.
ESW
When is America going to wake up and realize that these “save-the-animals” national organizations are just the opposite; they want all companion animals gone. They use lies and falsehoods to collect their monies to donate to legislators to do their bidding–a vegan society with no hunting, no zoos, no circuses, no family farming, no guns, etc. They are the group of people that want to rule your life. If you want to give to a humane organization, skip HSUS/PETA and all their affiliated groups. Only donate to your own local shelter. People who raise and keep dogs, horses and other animals are not cruel. If there is an abuse case, there are laws on the books in every state. There is absolutely no need for further restrictive ordinances that serve only to meet the goals of these anti-animal organizations, who have been known to put to sleep over 90% of the animals given to their care. These are the people that should be SPAYED AND NEUTERED. I doubt that a single one of those Bassets has any health issues; but the organization must make it look good. Note that all these folks also are against bark softening, ear cropping, tail docking, etc. They are never against spaying & neutering, which is far more invasive and has the potential for health issues way above any of the other surgeries. If you don’t wake up America, this liberal agenda will change your whole nation.
Donna
Please contact by phone and e-mail the following officers of the PSPCA (Pennsylvania Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), headquartered at 350 E. Erie Ave., Phila., PA 19134, to ask about the location of and about adopting the 11 Bassets that were seized from Ms. Wendy Willard, master of a nationally registered Basset pack in Philadelphia County, on Monday night, 27 July:
Ms. Harrise Yaron, Chairman of the Board, PSPCA E-mail: hyaron@aol.com
Ms. Susan Cosby, CEO of PSPCA Erie Ave Shelter E-mail: scosby@pspca.org
TN: 215-426-6300, Ext. 214
Mr. Ray Little, Director of Adoptions and Foster Care/Rescue Groups
E-mail: rlittle@pspca.org TN: 215-426-6304, Ext. 251 Cell: 215-816-5301
Fax: 215-426-4517
Ms. Gail Luciani, Chief Public Relations Officer, PSPCA E-mail: gluciani@pspca.org
TN: 215-426-6300, Ext. 213 Cell: 215-901-9706
Ms. Willard was raided by the PSPCA and police due to a first time noise complaint, and told that unless she released 11 of her 23 hounds to them they would seize them all, under a new 12-dog-limit city ordinance. Since that night, despite countless calls and e-mails to the PSPCA, they have refused to reveal the fate or location of the hounds, or let a large number of licensed local basset hound packs and individuals, and several veterinarians, in the five county area take in the hounds. We have been told only that they have been “sent to rescue” to an independant care facility, and that they are under no obligation to tell us anything.
Tell these people that you desperately wish to know what has happened to the hounds and to let you and the rest of the concerned licensed packs, hound people and veterinarians take in these hounds to care for them away from a shelter situation, which would give rescue animals that don’t have such a lucky and caring offer a chance for survival.
Remember-this could happen to any of us!
Sincerely, James F. Scharnberg, MBH, 20 Beatty Lane, Malvern, PA 19355 Cell: 484-437-6495 E-mail: houndesign@gmail.com
PRO, Member, Board of Directors and Secretary of the Basset Packs Committee, National Beagle Club; PA Federation of Dog Clubs; US Sportsmen’s Alliance Sporting Dog Defense Coalition; Chester County Foxhunters Assn.; MFHA
Carl Brown
I didn’t see any mention of a search warrant. If there was no warrant, then Ms. Willard should have refused to allow the scum on to her property, or if they were already there, informed them that they were trespassing and violating her due process rights, ordered them to leave, then immediately called her attorney.
I am not familiar with PA law, but here in NH, citizens have the Constitutional right to bear arms in defense of “life, liberty, and property”. Anyone acting “under color of law” who is acting against the law is no longer protected by their association with the law. They are then criminals, no different from any other criminal, and may be treated as such.
Linda H
For the person who tried to find the local government responsible for this heinous act, the description of the Murder Hollow Bassets is: “…lies in the state of Pennsylvania, the county of Montgomery and the township of Buckingham in the county of Bucks.”
I hope wider publicity will happen and that the hounds will be found.
Jan S
I am so sorry that you are going through this unnecessary nightmare! I hope that you put out a plea if you see that all of us sympathizers can help. If you need a petition signed or a police chief called, please let us all know. I, for one, will be glad to “hound” whoever you wanted ‘hounded”.
Here is a website stating Pennsylvania dog laws in case it helps you at all: http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stuspa3ps459_502.htm#s302
Ellen Jefferies
I was involved in a similar situation with a shelter. The dog, and aged bulldog bitch, had gotten into the hands of the shelter by accident. Even though she was microchipped, and the notified the owner, they would not return the dog. Instead, well short of the legally required holding period, they turned her over to a so called bulldog rescue and refused to disclose her whereabouts.
By lieing outrageously, we managed to trace the dog to a canine equivalent of a stolen car chop shop. These people took purebred dogs of popular breeds from shelters and sold them. Their relationship with the shelters was of long standing. The dogs were not cared for well at all.
In this case, with a lawyer and the county sheriff, the dog was recovered.
I think you are going after the wrong people. You need a lawyer to determine what if any regulations have been broken and you should be contacting all of the members of the governing body asking if this was their intent.
Don B
If true, this is only the beginning. Those of us who truly love our animals are in for a long fight. Unfortunately “our side” is grossly underfunded and unorganized. The only way for us to “win” the war is to get this kind of news out to all dog owners pointing out that they could very likely be next. There are far more people who love their dogs than those who seek to strip us of our right to have them, but they have the “ear” of the press and the funds. Once all true dog lovers realize what is happening the tide will turn in our favor. Hopefully it will happen before it’s too late.
peggy knight
Maybe Obama should invite them to the White House for a beer…….This is just another example of abuse of government authority, I am sad to say, and the current trend from Washington. Tyranny is Tyranny no matter what the guise.
maggie b
Until we make it so expensive for these dispicable people to steal our dogs that they fear to tread on us, they will continue their reign of cruelty to dogs and owners. I pray that I see the day that they get slapped back into the dirt. I’m mad as hell. I pray for the safe return of the lady’s dogs and for justice for her and her animals. true
Cat
I was wondering why the pack owner (Wendy Willard) was not commenting on this site and directing the folks that are supporting her what to do in support of her. It seems she could add a lot to this discussion and her cause. The border collie board has an update from the PSPCA……
news August 6, 2009
Murder Hollow Basset Hound Update
In response to complaints, Pennsylvania SPCA officers visited the location of Murder Hollow Kennels and left requests to be contacted. There was no response to these requests.
On a follow-up visit by a Pennsylvania SPCA officer and representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Dog Law six days later, the owner was present but refused entry. Both Dog Law representatives and Pennsylvania SPCA officers returned later that evening with warrants to enter the property.
The dogs were found to be in unsanitary conditions, and the number of dogs present exceeded the City of Philadelphia limit of 12 animals allowed on a property.
In lieu of charges, Pennsylvania SPCA agents worked with the owner to reduce the number of dogs on the premises and allowed her time to clean and make improvements to the area in which the dogs were housed.
The owner surrendered some of the dogs and is working to clean and improve the kennels prior to a follow-up inspection. The Pennsylvania SPCA is encouraged by her efforts in providing and maintaining a more sanitary setting as well as veterinary care for the dogs that remain.
The dogs are safe in foster care with an independent, partner organization.
We appreciate the outpouring of support for these dogs from the Bassett community.
Back To News
Posted on August 6, 2009
End of the post from PSPCA
I would love to hear a comment from the actual owner of the pack. Wendy?
Does anyone know her? I have e-mailed her but no reply.
Cat
Donna Black
As a former law enforcement officer I see nothing wrong with challenging those enforcing the law as well as those creating it. Law enforcement has immense discretion in deciding what laws to enforce, and how to enforce them. Those involved in this action have the discretion and the ability to be either forthcoming with information or resistant to openess. The problem here was not the decision to enforce a law, but the decisions in how to enforce it and how to interact with and (dis)respect those against whom it is being enforced. Back to basic civics – how the enforcers behave is critical to society.
Cat
I have been involved with basset hounds for over 20 years. I have never heard of this pack, but you bet your bottom dollar they are in full focus now. They are all over the basset hound internet community. Who is Wendy Willard and the Murder Hollow Bassets?
Please Wendy –
email me via my website!
Carrie in Texas
I sent the PSPCA an email today asking them about Strong Arm Tactics, Poor Stewardship, and Not being a Good Neighbor. If you have ever worked in cleaning a kennel, you quickly realize that 1 day’s accumulation of dog poop constitute’s unsanitary conditions. Get a grip.
To show up at NIGHT, with 2 police cars and force her to pick and choose which hounds to “relinquish custody” or they would confiscate ALL the hounds is a veritable strong arm tactic. The Spin Doctor (e.g. Public Relations person) can clean up the SPCA’s mess with out us even getting to hear Ms. Wendy Williard side of the story. In my humble opinion, the PSPCA’s version of the story is “sanitized offal.”
Ms. Williard, it is certain, does not have the financial means of the SPCA, ergo, THE LAW is not on her side.
Furthermore, we still only have the SPCA’s word that the hounds are placed with a “rescue” organization. We still need more voices to bring to bear honesty from the SPCA. We only have their word and it is just not good enough. I want to see proof that they have not been destroyed. After all, the shelter is full according to their own web site. My guess, is that they gave them to the Humane Society which is anything but humane…
Cat
I was wondering if Wendy is a member of the Basset Hound Club of America?
I have tried to contact her but to no avail.
Cat
I will keep you all posted if Wendy contacts any basset hound groups. We have reached out to her with no success.
Cat
Just to let your readers know. Wendy is not a member of the Basset Hound Club of America.
C.T.
I checked the website mentioned, and it says:
“URGENT Appeal to the Community: Foster Homes Needed Immediately — The Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) is making an urgent appeal to the community to provide foster homes for our dogs in need. The Animal Care & Control Team shelter (111 W. Hunting Park Avenue) and the PSPCA Adoption Center (350 E. Erie Avenue) in Philadelphia are full to capacity and we’ve tapped out our existing network of foster parents.”
Go figure… maybe they are full of… bassets?
Cat
C.T.
That message is not new. It has been on their site forever.
Again, will Wendy contact me? I want to help her. I have been involved with basset hound rescue for 20 years. All she has to do is contact me.
cat@bassethoundtown.com
Betsy Park
Hi Karen,
Thanks so much for posting this!And that was a very nice picture of Wendy and her hounds. This has now taken up six days of my life, and we aren’t much further along. HOWEVER Miki Addis has just applied for information under FOIA, (Miki is a lawyer, practicing in Md.) so we’ll see what tomorrow brings!
Wendy was NOT blameless. Her hounds, however, should not have to pay the price, and she was threatened with the loss of her entire pack if she did not cooperate. Keep posting! Thanks, Betsy
Cat
Can not wait to see what tomorrow brings. This last post was confusing at best. Are we to know what FOIA means? Who cares?? We just want to know what is going on!
As stated, Wendy was not blameless? Her hounds should not have to pay the price.
WTF?
Now the lawyers are checking in. Wake up!
Six days of your life? ROFLMAO
Gail in TX
FOIA means “Freedom of Information Act”.
The attorney is smart to get this going…..it sometimes takes a while, but all government agencies must provide the information you request under this act unless it threatens national security or is classified material, as I understand it. I’m not an expert, but have requested info from certain agencies using a FOIA request.
I wonder if the dogs have been neutered already…….hope not.
Cat
Thanks Gail!
I bet all of their parts are in order. You should be be very happy! Why? I have no idea!
jhk
These seizures are outrageous but so is the anti dog legislation rampant all over the country. We need to stand our ground, protect our right to responsibly own dogs without harrassment.
who's being truthful???
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2009
PSPCA removes 11 filthy dogs from Philly Basset kennel
As master of Murder Hollow Bassets hound pack, Philadelphia resident Wendy Willard ran in tony rabbit and fox hunting circles. Her pack, formed in 1986, was listed among a select handful from Virginia hunt country and elsewhere in the prestigious Chronicle of the Horse, the bible of the horse and hound crowd. The kennel’s Bassets won awards at the Bryn Mawr Hound Show.
Last week the Pennsylvania SPCA raided her farmhouse in the Schuylkill Valley Nature Preserve and found 23 dogs covered in feces and riddled with parasites, said George Bengal, the PSPCA’s director of law enforcement.
“The kennel was a mess,” he said.
Humane agents first went to the house on July 21 in response to neighbor complaints about noise and odor, said Bengal. Finding no one home, they left cards asking the property owner to contact them. When no one responded, an agent and two state dog wardens returned on July 27. Willard refused them entry and as they left the property she threw stones at the officers’ vehicles, said Bengal.
They returned later that day with a search warrant and found dogs living in what Bengal described as unsanitary conditions and in need of veterinary care. Willard voluntarily surrendered 11 dogs and agreed to comply with certain conditions for keeping the rest, including inspections, he said.
“We could have charged her, but we didn’t yet,” said Bengal. “We could have seized the dogs, but she agreed to get medical care for the remaining dogs and spay or neuter eight of the 12 dogs” – the limit allowed under the city’s decades old animal ordinance.
Since there were fewer than 26 dogs on the property (the number required for a state kennel license) there were no citations issued by the state, said Chris Ryder, spokesman for the Department of Agriculture.
The dogs that were removed were placed with Basset hound rescue groups, the PSPCA said.
The PSPCA’s executive director Sue Cosby said they did not initially release any information about the incident because they thought they could resolve the issue amicably with the owner.
“The officer heading the case really went out of her way to work with the owner in an effort to have the kennels cleaned up and the dogs cared for rather than file charges and take all of the dogs,'” said Cosby in an email.
Dog breeder list serves and hunting blogs were buzzing over the weekend with news of the raid. The chatter grew to a fever pitch today with pages of posts defending Willard and railing against the PSPCA for trampling on the rights of dog owners.
Denise
Where did the above article appear? Link, please.
Jeff Wilson
This goes to show that the American citizens are loosing rights in america everyday to the terrorist organizations to the likes of Peta, HSUS and Animal liberation Front. Americans need to educate the concerned citizens of this country who donate thinking that they are helping animals when in reality they are doing them an injustice. All these organizations should be charged with treason, as they are nothing but terrorist organizations on American soil, raking in Billions of dollars under the cover of non-profit with tax exception status. for more info on these organizations visit here http://www.animalscam.com/
Animal owners need to make this heard, stand up and let your voice be heard.
Snowflakes in Hell » Blog Archive » Animal Rights Crusaders Taking Philadelphia Pets?
[…] is a very troubling account of a Philadelphia animal rights group swiping pets and refusing to work with breed experts who want […]
Twilighttime
All animal owners are targets for invasion and seizure by animal radical groups. It matters not whether the seizures are effected by localities (city, county, state, federal) directly. In the end animal radical groups are given control of the seized animals whereupon they are gonad gutted as to reproductive ability and/or often transported far away for re-distribution. We fail to realize the degee to which localities largely staffed by animal radicals very often work hand in glove with animal radical groups. It’s high time as Americans, that all animal owners joined together to stop the groups and individuals determined (as them describe themselves) out to eradicate all domestic animals. This night invasion of homes under guize of being to snatch private property of animals was a tactic used by Germans under Hitler. If we continue to allow unconstitutional invasion of our homes and confiscation of our property ever more invasion of our homes and confication of more and different property will be the result. There will be no end to unconstitutional practices until we the people force end of such practices. This isn’t about dogs or dogs barking. Nor is it about numbers of animals. It’s simply draconian invasion of private homes and confiscation of private property as an initial attack on our privacy and all our other rights.
Karen
The PSPCA tells their side:
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/pets/PSPCA_removes_11_filthy_dogs_from_Philly_basset_kennel.html
John
First of all, I have read the state laws and the first and formost rule they broke when the confiscated the dogs was not giving her written notice.
maggie b
At the link below: this was written by Patrick Burns. I felt that “Not Yet Melted” should have the benefit of this information which is being put out as “recommended reading” by animal rights groups. I couldn’t find another way to send it than this.
In the past patrick has belittled and lampooned strong opinionated women. He was shot down for it at least once on different dog forums, made to look no how, but since his blog allows no comments not every one sees these rebuttals. I put this here because I wanted you to have a chance to rebut. It’s too important to the fate of dog owners all over the US to ignore.
I have the greatest sympathy for the lady with the dogs. I know the SPCAs in areas all over the country are stealing dogs unfairly. I didn’t want Patrick’s blog to be the last word on this. Her dogs look healthy and happy in the photos. I’m appalled at how he describes her personally as “a crazy old woman”.
http://bit.ly/Ci1Yg
JDZ
If you look at the second posting on this subject, I quoted the Inquirer article, and responded to Patrick.
I read his Terrier blog, but Patrick obviously has an excessive readiness to believe persons in authority. If you look at post number 4 on this subject, you’ll see that PSPCA has a well-known record of dishonesty and a lot worse real record of animal care.
Kathleen King
My late husband, also a Master and Huntsman of a recognized Basset Pack located in Virginia, have known Ms. Willard and her pack for nearly twenty years. She is devasted and overwhelmed, as anyone would be, and I am sure this explains her silence to all of you who have tried to contact her. Wendy loves her hounds, as anyone who knows her can attest. Please continue to support her with your prayers and actions. She and the Murder Hollow Hounds deserve it, and there is no way those hounds were abused or neglected. For those of you who are not familiar with sporting dogs, especially hunting, being part or and with “their” pack which includes their huntsman as the “alpha” of the group is extremely stressful and can permanently harm their mental condition as well as their physical wellbeing. Those hounds seized are in terror, and the people who are putting through this, as well harming Wendy, are not merely wrong, they are CRUEL. Wendy is a retired teacher who supplements her retirement by working to support these hounds and their lifestyle so, no, she is not wealthy and will probably be unable to sustain a fight to protect her hounds. Once again, lies, innuendo and money will undoubtedly prevail — but it should not! I repeat, anything anyone can do to help, should be done.
maggie b
Thanks for the posts & information!. Unlike Patrick’s pontificating, this blog alows comments and dialogue. I appreciate this a great deal as I work so hard to alert others to the threats of animal rights groups & individuals, it is even more difficult when posts like his muddy the water.
maggie b
I’m sorry to post again, this has me all charged up. They come for the weakest among us first. Can we afford to stand silently as they fall? I think not. Perhaps we should start a fund that allows these victims to fight this in court. I’m not rich, but I’d donate to help her fight!
JDZ
FOIA = Freedom of Information Act — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_Information_Act_(United_States)
Pet Connection Blog » Saturday reading round-up
[…] The kerfuffle started when a blog entitled “Never Yet Melted” posted a piece entitled SPCA Outage in Philadelphia. According to this blog post, a woman had been made a victim of the jack-booted police state. […]
Dog Behavior Training Tips » Saturday reading round-up
[…] The kerfuffle started when a blog entitled “Never Yet Melted” posted a piece entitled SPCA Outage in Philadelphia. According to this blog post, a woman had been made a victim of the jack-booted police state. […]
Jerry Waters
I am truely astounded by these tactics and that the city of Philadelphia has not taken action against the PSPCS for violating a citizen’s rights. As to the whereabouts of the dogs, why not sue the PSPCA for release of the information. I would think the city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania would have a freedom of information policy or law that requires government sponsored agencies to release public information. Further, I would be looking for an attorney to sue the officers of the PSPCA.
Denise
Here is another side of the story from Wendy herself: Please cross post…….
First a huge thank you for all your words of support and everything that you have done! I had my third visit today from the PSPCA and again threats of multiple citations if I didn’t cooperate with these lovely folks. I can fill you in the details, but more important fish to fry (sorry, Jeep).
I have been deluged by phone calls and e-mails from all over the country, from a lawyer in GA (” forget the SPCA, go directly to the State Attorney General”) to the manager of a shelter in IL (“can’t believe.. and horrified”). The blogs seem to have been in over drive.
Good news is we got a very sympathetic article in one of the two major papers today. A reporter has also called from the Philadelphia Inquirer, as well as the AKC and the Chronicle of the Horse (Molly Sorgi? 804-994-2349). My problem is that if I respond personally, the SPCA has made it clear that I must “cooperate or multiple citations will be issued and there would be no PA Kennel License”.
So here is my response to the PSPCA website (www.pspca.org/news), first article about the Murder Hollow Bassets. I cannot respond to anyone in the media or even the PSPCA, but I can let you know. Whatever you chose to do with my information, oh well.
1. Only one dog barking complaint from unknown neighbor, no other complaints. That neighbor has yet to come forth, although all, I mean all have expressed dismay in writing. Never in the 22 years of having a kennel here has anyone come to me to complain in person, writing, or e-mail.
2. The websites indicated that the SPCA left requests to be contacted. The ‘Humane Law Officer’ (her term, not mine) left a card in my door with no information, no requests for a call, no warnings or no citations a few days before the raid. Absolutely none. She could have left a note to call, because I get lots of cards from grass cutters to painters. No mention of any 12 dog limit in the city.
3. Yes, I initially refused entry with a long explanation about abuses due to the new Dog Law. Two Dog Law Officers (from Harrisburg in two trucks), three PSPCA officers (in three trucks, not including the small truck with those tiny multiple pens on the side), and two Police Officers (two police cars) quickly returned with a search warrant.
4. The PSPCA did NOT work with the owner to reduce the number of dogs. Officer Tara Loller repeatedly, repeatedly threatened to take all the dogs if I did not give her 10. Under extreme duress and far outnumbered, I handed over 10 hounds. Talk about Sophie’s Choice in the dark. Then they found Hansel and demanded one more. I gave them my other house hound, taking off her collar and Invisible Fence collar. All the time crying hysterically and protesting loudly.
5. When forced to sign release papers for the now 11 hounds, I explained that Betsy Park was the technical owner of three and wrote her name at the bottom of the forms. (Betsy, sending you copies.) Officer Loller assured me that Betsy Park would get first consideration for adoption.
6. A ‘Warning’ for re-inspection was issued, but no other warning or citation. A copy of the Philadelphia Animals laws (17 pages) included 3 lines which stated “No residential dwelling unit shall keep a total of more than twelve (12) adult dogs or cats combined of which no more than four (4) may be unneutered”, was left in my kennels. These laws were never handed to me before or after the raid, and I was never informed of these laws by my Philadelphia Vet or the Philadelphia Dog Licensing Agency that took my money year after year.
7. At the first re-inspection, the ‘Humane Law Officer’ was accompanied by an Assistant District Attorney, Barbara Paul. They found the conditions of the hounds (one bitch needed nail trimming, all done by my Vet) and kennels to be satisfactory (some ceiling insulation tiles were more securely fastened). The indentations in the limestone screenings outside the kennel made by random scratching will be filled with more screenings. That should have been accomplished, but the black cloud over the kennel dropped 6+” of rain on Sunday. Tons of stone are being dumped on the lane first.
8. The DA left her card and asked to be phoned with questions. I e-mailed her a question about the definition of “residential dwelling unit”. Is the barn a separate unit? As it was constructed and only used by hounds, does that make the barn a residential unit? She replied that she could not give me that information because we may be in “adversarial positions” and directed me to the Philadelphia Bar Lawyer Referrals.
9. To date, no one has been told of the location of the seized hounds and no calls have been returned from Officer Ray Little, the PSPCA Adoption Agent. A neighboring Vet who has offered free health care for the life of the adoptees and wants Khaki has not heard from them. David Gottier who wants the two litter mates of his hounds and Sandy McKenna who wants the one year old fuzzy bitch have been stone walled. Dr. Roy Feldman and Pat Renner from my Hunt have not heard back. But there is an urgent message on the PSPCA website asking for foster homes and adoptions, because they have no room in the shelter.
Again, I am asking you to be in the position of the messenger, but feel free to ask me any questions. Thank you SO much.
Wendy
Julian Prager
Pennfedlaw@verizon.net
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