Group Petitions Missaukee County to stop Michigan's Largest Animal Hoarder

Michigan’s Largest Animal Hoarder
Allowed to have Animals
Michigan group petitions prosecutor
to file cruelty charges
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 13th, 2013

CONTACT: Pam Sordyl, (734) 718-7100, pmamichinfo@yahoo.com

Lake City, Mich. – On June 4, 2013 Puppy Mill Awareness of Southeast Michigan launched a petition to stop John Jones “JRT John” from having animals and costing tax payers more money to regulate, investigate and seize neglected animals.  The petition targeting the Missaukee prosecutor has reached over 1,000 signatures.

Link to online petition:

https://www.change.org/petitions/william-donnelly-jrt-john-animal-hoarder-needs-to-stop 

On May 23, 2013, Missaukee County seized approximately 160 animals from John Jones, Michigan's largest hoarder and puppy mill. Just a few years earlier, Barry County seized 85 animals after Jones violated zoning laws.  

“There's a pattern of cruelty here, and since officials didn't include probation in the latest case, he could easily move to another county or state and start all over again” stated Pam Sordyl, Founder of Puppy Mill Awareness of Southeast Michigan.  

The sheriff’s initial kennel inspection resulted in a multitude of violations to involving basic care standards, however the Missaukee County prosecutor only filed civil charges against Jones under Public Nuisance.

 

• According to the inspection reports, Mr. Jones is accused of housing over 160 dogs, including Jack Russells, Shiba Inus and Border Collies, who were discovered by the Roscommon Animal Control Officer to have insufficient water, shelter, sanitary conditions, and protection from the elements. (THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE (EXCERPT) Act 328 of 1931) 

• In addition, Mr. Jones was performing his own removal of dew claws and tail docking on the puppies. Such actions are illegal in Michigan. These procedures are considered a surgery and can only be performed by a licensed veterinarian. (PUBLIC HEALTH CODE (EXCERPT) Act 368 of 1978)               

“Michiganians have no tolerance for animal neglect or cruelty and want those who commit such acts held accountable. The sheer number of animals involved in the Jones case is shocking.” Sordyl

Jones will be facing Chief Circuit Court Judge Honorable William M. Fagerman on Tuesday, June 25^th for felony charges for assaulting an officer and resisting arrest during the seizure. Undersheriff William Yancer hopes to include probation terms that will prevent Jones from having animals in other counties or states.

Puppy Mill Awareness is assisting local animal advocates by providing an ordinance called the Humane Pet Acquisition Proposal that would ban the retail sale of animals and protect families from purchasing sick animals. 

Learn more about Puppy Mill Awareness 
http://www.meetup.com/detroit-puppy-mill-awareness/about/

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Krazie Kritterz Owner Arrested

 

Mounting complaints at Cheboygan store prompted
state investigation, doors close Saturday
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 7th, 2013

CONTACT: Pam Sordyl, (734) 718-7100, pmamichinfo@yahoo.com

CHEBOYGAN, Mich. – Saturday, June 8th, 2013, the Krazie Kritterz pet store will be closing due to public pressure and pending charges related to pet store violations. The owner of the store, Joyce LaLonde, was arrested and booked into the county jail on January 25th, 2013 for not providing a health certificate upon purchase. 

Krazie Kritterz opened in April 2012 and is located at 229 N Main St., Cheboygan Mi. 

According to the local Animal Control Officer, Deputy Swanson, officers visited the store approximately 15 times since the store opened. Complaints related to sick and underage animals, not providing veterinary care, unsanitary conditions, and administrating medications without a veterinary license, which is a felony in Michigan. Approximately, seven complaints were turned over to the County Prosecutor. 

Sheriff Dale V. Clarmont issued a warrant and arrested LaLonde on January 25, 2013 after she sold an animal without a 30-day health certificate. 

“Earlier that day, she was cited for not providing a valid health certificate and she turned around and sold another one on the same day” stated Swanson. 

The charges were dismissed with deferred prosecution. 

The Michigan Department of Agriculture was asked to assist the local animal control during store inspections. Dr. Robinson’s June 2012 report indicated they observed several things unsatisfactory regarding animal conditions. A letter was sent requiring improvement to the flooring in order to maintain surfaces beneath the cages capable of being disinfected. A copy of the Ferret Advisory was provided. Some comments were made regarding the parrot, psittacoses birds and psittacosis as it pertains to public health concerns and cleanliness of the birds. 

Other violations noted by Animal Control included, feces found in the carpet, a fish with an injured tail, birds with missing feathers, and ventilation issues. 

Puppy Mill Awareness of Southeast Michigan also investigated the store.” We became concerned that the store was selling a wide variety of exotic and wild animals, such as hedgehogs and chipmunks, which are not common companion animals and require federal licensing”, stated Pam Sordyl, the founder of Puppy Mill Awareness. 

“I had to notify the store that the European Goldfinch needed his beak trimmed. It was overgrown and curved under. The store didn’t know they had to trim the bird’s beaks.” stated Erica Repp. 

“During two separate visits, I observed the birds in inadequate conditions. Their feathers were greasy and clumps were missing from the large Mcaws which is a sign of stress. None of the birds had toys, were unfriendly or not responsive.” Repp.

Puppy Mill Awareness is assisting local animal advocates by providing an ordinance called the Humane Pet Acquisition Proposal that would ban the retail sale of animals and protect families from purchasing sick animals. 

Learn more about Puppy Mill Awareness 
http://www.meetup.com/detroit-puppy-mill-awareness/about/

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Pet Lemon Law is introduced in Michigan

Puppy Mill Awareness Commends

Legislative Action to Protect Pet Buyers 

Pet Lemon Law is introduced in Michigan offering recourse for dog, cat and ferret buyers 

A "Pet Lemon Law" has been re-introduced in Michigan to offer consumer protections for purchasers of dogs, cats and ferrets. Under S.B. 348, people who purchase sick or diseased animals from pet shops, breeders or dealers would have specific recourse against the sellers.

Puppy Mill Awareness of Southeast Michigan applauds Sen. Steve Bieda (D-Warren) for leading S.B. 348, which would offer options for the purchaser, including returning the animal for a full refund and replacement or recovery of veterinary expenses. The bill includes specific time frames for reporting illnesses, maximum amounts a buyer can recover, and provisions for congenital defects in the purchased animals.

The full text of S.B. 348 can be found here: http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2013-SB-0348

"This will hold pet sellers accountable for burdening the public with veterinary costs and emotional stress of caring for a sick pet," said Pam Sordyl, founder of Puppy Mill Awareness. "We commend Senator Bieda for addressing this costly problem, and for protecting the additional victims of the pet trade: consumers."

Liz Frates, of Ann Arbor, told Puppy Mill Awareness that she purchased a 16-week-old Yorkshire Terrier from a Michigan breeder for $1,200 in cash. She was told that the puppy was healthy. The breeder’s full written pet guarantee against anything congenital or hereditary did not help Liz in court, after the puppy was diagnosed with grade 2 luxating patellas in both legs – a congenital defect requiring surgery totaling nearly $3,200. Liz had already spent $900 in veterinary costs addressing breathing and diarrhea problems that the puppy had endured since his purchase.

"Without laws in place irresponsible breeders have free reign to find loop holes and continue with their unethical practices.” said Frates. “Pet insurance will not cover hereditary, genetic or congenital defects and most people cannot afford the thousands of dollars in vet bills and surgeries to correct such health problems.”

In Michigan, consumers often rely on the Better Business Bureau to settle disputes with pet stores. Other times they end up in small claims court, which places a heavy burden on the purchaser to prove that the seller was aware of a pre-existing condition in the purchased animal.

Puppy Mill Awareness has been logging sick dog complaints in Michigan for four years. “Cases often go unreported to proper authorities. Buyers may complain to the pet store or breeder, only to have their calls unreturned,” said Sordyl. “We advocate for consumers by providing counseling and a checklist including agencies who may respond to complaints.” That checklist can be found here: http://files.meetup.com/1258100/SickPuppyChecklistv8.doc

Puppy Mill Awareness started a petition in support of Michigan's Pet Lemon Law on Change.org. By signing the petition, citizens can let their representatives know that they support the law, too. The petition can be found here: http://www.change.org/petitions/the-mi-state-senate-pass-lemon-law-to-protect-michigan-pet-buyers

Puppy Mill Awareness would like to thank Sen. Bieda and the bill co-sponsors for both protecting Michigan consumers and shining the spotlight on the puppy mill/pet store connection.

According to the nonprofit humane education group The Citizens Against Puppy Mills:
http://www.citizensagainstpuppymills.org/pics.php

• Nearly 100% of all puppies in pet stores have parasites when they are purchased. 
• 48% of puppies being sold in pet stores were ill or incubating an illness at the time of purchase, according to a recent California study. 
• 500,000 puppies are born in puppy mills and sold in pet stores every year in the United States. 
• Commercial breeders can make more than $300,000 selling puppies every year. 
• Almost every puppy sold in a pet store has a mother who will spend her entire life in a tiny cage, never being petted, never being walked, never being treated like a dog. 
• Female dogs are usually bred two times each year. At that rate, they usually burn out by the age of five, at which time they are put to death 

The Puppy Mill Awareness Meetup of Southeast Michigan is working to end the mass production of dogs in commercial kennels ("puppy mills"). Our mission is to educate the public about the cruel cycle of commercial dog breeding and the pet store link. Read more about our goals, success stories, activities and studies at http://www.meetup.com/puppymillawareness/about/

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2009-Present Terry Adams (Garage Salesman)

Aliases, sick and dying animals, alledgegly practicing veterinary care

BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – On June 5, 2011, Terry Adams was arraigned in Livingston County District Court on charges of unauthorized practice of a health profession and pet-shop violations. Prosecutors allege he was operating as a veterinarian without a license and sold or delivered dogs without the appropriate health certificate. He pleaded not guilty.

Assistant Prosecutor Anthony Ameche asked the judge to adjourn a preliminary hearing because a witness, who is named as the victim in the complaint, could not be located. Judge L. Suzanne Geddis dismissed the charges, however will allow the prosecutor to refile the felony complaint. 

Puppy Mill Awareness of Southeast Michigan has been investigating the pet store located at a residence (pole barn) 4413 Kensington Road, Milford Michigan since 2009.  “We are most concerned that Terry Adams is part of the puppy mill pet trade, selling sick dogs and practicing veterinary medicine without a license“ said Pam Sordyl, Director of Puppy Mill Awareness. 

Some of the investigation findings include:

¨     Practice Veterinary Care without a license

¨     Selling sick puppies – 8 complaints.

¨     Lack of disease control  - parvo outbreaks.

¨     Using aliases

¨     Missing Interstate Health Certificates

¨     Missing 30-Day Health Certificates – Pet Store Laws Apply

¨     No business licenses (MDA and Department of Energy Labor and Economic Growth)

¨     No Tax ID for puppy selling

¨     No resale certificates provided to customers.  

Shoppers who call in response to Mr. Adams’ ads in local papers are told to bring “cash only” and that they can pick up a registered AKC puppy by appointment. The property is gated requiring authorization to proceed to the garage.  

“Once we entered the building I was astonished by the amount of puppies in cages!” said Dena Awdish, from West Bloomfield, Mich. who visited the garage. “I told my husband that these were ‘puppy mill’ pups and wanted to leave but he insisted on seeing the pugs and letting our daughter pick one.  There had to have been 30 - 40 different pups, and about 15 different breeds but no parents anywhere.  The pups were in wire cages and had no bedding whatsoever.”  

The advocacy group observed puppies housed in Mr. Adams’ garage including Maltepoos, Papillons Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Cavelier Spaniels, Yorkie-poos and Shihtsu mixes.  Other customers reported Min Pins, Pugs, Doxins, Pug Mixes, Australian Sheppard Mix, Beagles, Poodles, Maltese. He also advertised Pekineges, Boston Terrier and French Bulldogs.

 

Mr. Adams told Puppy Mill Awareness that he worked with breeders in Indiana, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Howell, Fowlerville and Traverse City, however, there were no USDA licensed breeders in these cities at that the time. It is illegal for a breeder to sell to a pet store (wholesale) without a USDA license.    

“The puppies are not receiving Health Certificates by a certified vet , meaning they are more likely to become ill at these young ages. Without proper shelter and health care one sick dog likely means many others are falling ill.”  

¨     11+ complaints have been filed with the Livingston County Animal Control.

¨     7 customers have purchased sick dogs including two confirmed cases of parvo puppies.

¨     1 puppy died.

¨    2 individuals have taken him to small claims court. There may be more cases.

Terry Adams has been selling puppies illegally out of his pole barn via classified ads since 2006. In October 2010, the Brighton Planning office notified the household that their property is not zoned as a B-2 district which is required to operate a business. On February 18, 2011, the Planning Office sent a second notification. 

Several customers have reported Terry has offered further veterinary services including vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries. He provides pricing quotes on a sheet of paper. Mr. Adams stated his brother in-law performs the surgeries in his mobile vet van in the driveway. Other times he stated he does the surgeries himself. He has also referred customers to John Hermann DVM who stops at the local Tractor and Supply. In October 2010, Puppy Mill Awareness asked him which veterinary he works with and he stated he doesn’t use a vet since he knows how to do everything. When asked if he had been trained as a vet tech, he said no.    

Terry Adams has also used the alias Ron Martin with customers. He may also use the name George and Jeff Adams. He has advertised in the Detroit News Classifieds under the home number 248-379-0041 and 248-230-6089. He  switched to the 6089 number for the 2011 online ads. Prices range from $375 - $700. Alledgedly, the quoted price change when customers arrive – they go up. One customer reported he switched the puppy she had left a deposit on and sold her a sick puppy, that later died.  

Some of the puppies come from an unlicensed breeder named Jacob Schwartz (11310 Roth, Grabill, Indiana 46741 (260)704-26470). Schwartz does not have a USDA license to sell wholesale to Terry Adam. He is also not registered with Indiana Board of Animal Health which is a misdemeanor. The Indiana Prosecutors and the USDA have been notified.  

“The pen had diarrhea and the pups were lethargic. He was trying to cover up the diarrhea in the cage with newspapers. He was wearing gloves and said pictures were not allowed.” said Jamie Bofek of Sterling Heights, Mich.

Follow this case on our Meetup Discussion Board. http://www.meetup.com/puppymillawareness/messages/boards/thread/9912865/#101012752

2013 Greenwood Pets Investigation

Chronic problems, complaints and cruelty charges

WARREN Mich - Greenwood Pets has a history of pet store violations going back to 2006 involving no food, unsatisfactory cleanliness, food storage not adequate, overcrowding of animal cages, insufficient number of employees to maintain husbandry, surfaces not disinfected and distressed birds loosing feathers. Fines were issued by the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA), but the store continued to receive complaints involving the same violations. In 2008, the MDA ended their pet shop program and complaints were filed with Warren’s local animal control office.  

Puppy Mill Awareness of Southeast Michigan’s investigation tied Greenwood Pets to a large puppy broker from Kansas through interstate shipping records. Lambriar’s last inspection listed 773 puppies in inventory and was selling unhealthy puppies for over ten years per reports published by PetShopPuppies.org. Some of Lambriar’s breeders had serious violations to the Animal Welfare Act and are considered “puppy mills”. 

In 2011, Warren assigned a different animal control officer after Greenwood sold an underage pot-bellied pig to a Warren family where farm animals are illegal to own forcing the family to return their beloved new pet.  

In 2012, two search warrants were issued and the owner was charged with animal cruelty and abandonment. Officers were called to the store after a goat was found untreated with an urinary blockage. The owner is currently facing felony charges and awaiting trial. 

Customers have reported unsanitary conditions and sickly animals in the store for years including: dead rats, dirty ferret & bird cages, filthy snake aquariums full of dead skin with dried up water bowls, aquariums with brown algae on walls with no lights or filtration, a Cockatoo bird who was feather plucking until chest was bare, puppies covered rust colored dirt, fish with fungus on their heads, lethargic fish, a snake with small sores on its nose, turtles without perches, rat feces on the floor. 

A trial date is set for May 21, 2013 at the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Mt. Clemens Michigan.

 

Follow this open investigation on the Puppy Mill Awareness of SE Michigan discussion board. http://www.meetup.com/puppymillawareness/messages/boards/thread/10050964

2012 Pet Station Investigation

Ramzi Dakhlallah was charged with 37 counts of animal cruelty. 

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich April 11, 2012 - A Dearborn Heights man and his store, Pet Station LLC, are accused of subjecting more than 20 dogs, 70 birds and numerous other animals such as hamsters and snakes to poor care that included depriving them of food and water. 

He and Pet Station are charged with one count of abandon and/or cruelty to 10 or more animals, a 4-year felony. 

He and the store also face misdemeanor charges: one count of false pretenses between $200 to $1,000 for selling a sick animal; one count of nonsufficient funds of $100 or more but less than $500 for writing a bad check on the pet store's account; 20 counts of violations related to the pet shop and care of animals; one count of rules violation for failing to maintain proper records on the animals; and 13 counts of violation of the Animal Industry Act for not following the state Department of Agriculture rules for the importation of dogs in to the state. Those charges have penalties varying from 30 days to one year in jail.

About 10 people complained to authorities about the miserable conditions in the pet store, prosecutor's office spokeswoman Maria Miller said. 

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. October, 5 2012 - Ramzi Dakhlallah was charged in April with 37 counts of animal cruelty following a lengthy investigation of the owner of the Pet Station. The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office alleged that he abused or neglected more than 100 animals during his ownership of the shop, located on Telegraph Road near Van Born. 

Judge Thomas E. Jackson on Wednesday placed Dakhlallah on probation for five years, and ordered that he stay out of the pet shop business.

 

For more information about this case, go to the Puppy Mill Awareness of SE Michigan Message Board. http://www.meetup.com/puppymillawareness/messages/boards/thread/22280782/0#74515192

2010 Sporting Dogs Unlimited Investigation

Con man goes to jail

SHELBY Mich  - The Macomb "Dog Flipper" was caught violating his probation. Joe Yaquinto was on probation for fraud and was not allowed to operate an online business. He was actively selling dogs out of Shelby Twp as a “rescue organization” and many were sick and one died. 

In one weekend, approximately twelve complaints were filed with the Shelbly Twp Police and one with Sterling Heights. Many of these victims attended the hearings and testified.  Joe Yaquinto was sentenced to 20 months in prison without bond. Judge Talon did not hesitate to restrict Joe from working with animals on parole. 

Joe started his career as a dog flipper back in 2006. He told the judge he picked up dogs off the street in Detroit  - only the ones running loose in the city.  According to Joe, Sporting Dogs Unlimited began in 2006 made of up all volunteers. He misled families stating the dogs were rescued, however, Sporting Dogs Unlimited was not listed as a non-profit and Joe was using many aliases.  

Judge Sullivan notes clearly stated he felt Joe should not be in a position of trust.  

“You are taking advantage of people and not learning your lesson. Judge Sullivan was trying to protect the public. You were in the position of trust that Judge Sullivan did not want you to be in. The court can be mad or afraid of you. We are clearly mad. This can be for punishment, to deter others or keep you from harming people or retribution.  You have great people skills that make you a con man. Probation is not approved.  It is time to be imprisoned” – Judge Talon

For more information about this case go to the Puppy Mill Awareness of SE Michigan discussion board. http://www.meetup.com/puppymillawareness/boards/thread/9013648/0/