Photo courtesy philly.com.
Another in a series of kennel raids and closures, Almost Heaven Kennel owned by Derbe “Skip” Eckhart, Emmaus, received a visit from the PSPCA yesterday. Officials found over 800 animals living in filth, 65 dead bodies, and signs of serious neglect. Eckhart has a long history of animal abuse dating back to 1988. A visit to Pet-Abuse.com reveals his full record.
Other than avoiding to fund this man by purchasing animals from him or using his services, there is one more thing you can do to help prevent this from happening again. Never offer an animal “free to a good home.” Eckhart was obtaining pets through false pretences this way, using the aid of other individuals. Although I am unsure of the current status, he was even licensed as a non-profit kennel, and was representing himself as a “rescue.”
If you feel that you cannot keep your pet, please exercise all options before giving up. This includes veterinary treatment, financial aid and pet food banks, boarding services, professional trainers and behaviorists, and thinking seriously about the lifetime commitment you promised this animal when you decided to take him or her home. If all this fails, seek an adoption fee, always spay/neuter the pet before finding a new home, and seek guidance from a local animal shelter or rescue group. Most agencies will be full, but they may help you screen any adoption applicants. See further suggestions here.
Articles on the raid:
Val,
Please tell your readers to visit http://www.savingpuppies.com to contact all PA Senators at one time to let them know we don’t want a watered-down version of House Bill 2525. This is a petition with a letter that will be sent out immediately to all of our Senators immediately.
Hopefully all of us who sign this petition can make a difference in the vote that will hopefully occur this week in the Senate. You can visit the website to learn more. Let our voices be heard!
Thank you. ..Tina