puppy mill – My Cocker Spaniel

PA Cocker spaniel breeder raided twice

Barbara Dienner of Lititz, PA violated a court order forbidding her from owning more dogs. On March 27, Pennsylvania SPCA raided her home seizing 19 dogs from her farm. Dienner faces numerous charges including unsanitary confinement. Last December 16, Dienner’s farm was raided seizing 62 cocker spaniel mixes. Jerry Buckley of the PSPCA said “unfortunately it does not appear that the previous charges and penalties were a sufficient deterrent for Ms. Dienner.”

Since 2011, Dienner has over 60 citations related to her puppy mill including running a kennel without a license.

Puppy mill raid in Gilmer, TX

Hobson and Reddin charged with animal cruelty

On October 29th, the SPCA raided a trailer home on County Road 4088, Gilmer, Texas. Mutilated dead puppies were found stuffed in dog food bags. One dead puppy was decapitated. The SPCA seized 37 dogs. Constable Gene Dolle suspects these dogs were being sold for dog fighting. Four puppies were found living in an urine and feces filled bathtub. A cocker spaniel was locked in a closet. Byron Hobson and Jeremy Reddin remain jailed for animal cruelty and other charges. A hearing will take place at 10 am on November 6th at 301 E. Butler Street, Gilmer, Texas.

Dogs rescued from Michigan breeder

dogs rescued from puppy mill — Photo Pam Sordyl

Raisin Tree Farms kennel in Fowlerville was raided Wednesday. Authorities seized over 90 dogs living in overcrowded cages stack on each other. Various breeds including whoodles, standard poodles and Soft-coated Wheaten terriers were found soaked and matted in urine and feces.

Proprietor Margaret Komorny was charged with animal cruelty to 10 or more animals. 76-year-old Komorny denies the charges: “I love animals. I’m devoted to animals,” she said. Michigan has no puppy mill laws and is part of the Midwest “Puppy Mill Belt.”

Update: Cockers spaniels rescued in Iowa

Rescued Cocker Spaniel — Rescued cocker at the Cedar Valley Humane Society. Friday, February 10, 2012. Photo: Emily Busse

Mary Brodersen was ordered to reimburse Sac County $25,359.52 for the cost of maintaining the 87 cocker spaniels seized on January 25, 2012. The cocker spaniels were severely neglected and required veterinary care. Jane Clarke of the Cedar Valley Humane Society said their condition has “vastly” improved: “Just like people, when they start feeling better, their personalities start shining through.” Clarke says they may be available for adoption in a couple weeks. “If you’d like to adopt these dogs, they’re going to need a little extra TLC,” Clarke said. “They’re not used to being part of a family, but they’re all very sweet.”

Criminal charges are forthcoming. Sac County Attorney Ben Smith said charges can be filed for each individual animal when pets are involved.

Update: 2/11/12, 1150am

Mary Brodersen has agreed to give up ownership of the cocker spaniels allowing them to be put up for adoption.

Update: Cockers rescued in Iowa story

The owner has now been identified as Mary Brodersen (Broderson?). Police executed a search warrant at her rural farm, 3975 Dean Avenue, Kiron, Iowa, yesterday morning. Ninety-two dogs were found (5 were dead) stacked upon each other in a small shed. “They were stacked three high so the excrement from the animals above would run or dribble down through on top of the dogs below,” said Jerry Dominicak with the Siouxland Humane Society.

In September of 2007, Mary Brodersen of Kiron, Iowa was fined $500 by the Platte Valley Kennel Club and suspended from the American Kennel Club for three months for “disregard of published club regulations and neglect at/or in connection with an event.” Brodersen, owner of Mystical Cockers, has competed at several events and owns or has owned the following cocker spaniels:

Mystical’s Absolute Legacy
NV’s Wyld Thang
Mystical’s Moon Struck Legacy
Mystcial’s Silver Lining Legacy
Mystical’s Butterfly Kisses
CH. Caroling’s Stun N Stammer EM
NV’s Time to Shyne
Mystical’s Tri My Dream