Kennel owners shoot 80 dogs -- legally

Two Pennsylvania kennel owners shot and killed 80 dogs because they had fleas, and here's the catch: it was legal. The Morning Call reports:

Rather than seek medical attention for flea-bitten dogs, two Berks County kennel owners did something drastic but legal, officials said.

They shot the dogs -- 80 of them.

Elmer Zimmerman shot 70 dogs at his E&A Kennel in Maxatawny Township after a July 24 inspection by state officials, the state Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement said.

His brother, Ammon Zimmerman, shot 10 dogs at his neighboring business, A&J Kennel. Wardens had ordered 39 dogs checked for flea and fly bites. They also issued citations for extreme heat, insufficient bedding and floors that dogs' feet could fall through.

Under current law, kennel owners can dispose of dogs for any reason. House Bill 2525, introduced in May and supported by Gov. Ed Rendell, would require veterinarians to euthanize dogs in commercial kennels.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals issued a statement today condemning the kennel owners' actions.

"This incident is a clear indicator of the need to amend current Pa. law and give qualified veterinarians sole authority to humanely euthanize animals in medical or behavioral circumstances as they see fit," said ASPCA President and Chief Executive Ed Sayres.

More about the state's efforts to regulate dog breeding businesses can be found here.

-- Tony Barboza

Comments

[CatGirl]

What??? This is outrageous. The animals should have been taken away from them for health reasons, restored to health and adopted out. This is disgusting. How can Pennsylvania law allow this?? Shame on you. What is wrong with this country? We're supposed to be a nation of animal lovers.

[Rachel]

Oh how sad. That should be illegal.

[Rochelle]

What a shocking state of affairs. Let's hope the lawmakers will see reason in this case and prevent this from occurring in the future by amending the law allowing this horrible act to happen. I guess the only solace is that the dogs will now be cared for properly at the Rainbow Bridge and are free of their torturous life on this earth at the hands of these two mad men.

[Brien Comerford]

The monstrous and vile reprobates that shot these dogs warrant the road to eternal perdition.

[Kathryn]

This is why it is so important to vote. Know where the candidates stand on animal rights. It's important to vote for all candidates, including the judges in states that elect judges, not just the president.

[Am Staff]

It would seem to me, that with these two kennels being of a licensed profession, and with the dogs getting fleas, having been cited for imappropriate housing conditions, WHY not just suspend their operating licenses - or better yet - Shoot the dirty b**st**rds

Justice served

[Lynn]

Not much different than those shelters (Ed Boks in LA; the Tangipahoa shelter in Lousiana that is an "HSUS partner") that euthanize animals for convenience's sake instead of treating them. Different methods - same result. Either way it's despicable.

[observer]

DO NOT FORGET TO HAVE YOUR PETS SPAYED AND NEUTURED and shame be on those peoPle who did not keep up flea control from the beginning. They should not be allowed to have animals.

[observer]

Let us look at the San Diego officer that left his dog in the car and it died of heatstroke. He is being charged and should be so should these people and the state they live in for allowing this to happen in this time of our lives,the year is 2008, when we should all know better about the treatment of animals! Michael Vick and his whole scene and the countless others that are engaging in are slowly getting uncover and prosecuted. HIP HIP HOORAY If I were on the jury I would recommend the punishment be what they did to their animal(s) be done to them , an eye for an eye!

[devlin]

this is just simply put.....sick and disgusting. I truly hope justice is brought to these 2 monsters somehow...whether it be by lawful or unlawful means.

[Alicia]

How that can be legal??? Those owners should be banned forever to have any type of business related with animals. They are not even comparable to animals. PA is in our America??

[Brianna]

This is disgusting! How is this legal? These men should never be allowed to own another dog again. Why on earth would you kill them just because they had some fleas? Who's fault is it that they had fleas? Hmm? That's right, the kennel owners. They could have spent a couple of bucks on some flea prevention medicine, but no, they had to take drastic methods. I bet the bullets cost more than it would have to treat the dogs! This is sick. Just sick.