California couple charged with animal cruelty face court

January 02, 2010 By: Krisha Williams Turbeville Category: Animal cruelty laws, Cruelty watch, Dogs, Pet scams, Small pets, The Dog House, pet health

Pet Shop Owners Arraigned

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

VALLEJO, Calif. — A couple charged with animal cruelty and other crimes after more than 90 purebred puppies were confiscated from their home and business face a hearing in Solano County Superior Court on Monday.

Christopher John Derek Ellis and Leanna Rachelle Kamp, both 29, of Dixon, were arrested Dec. 17 after the Solano County District Attorney’s Office received numerous complaints that the couple had been selling sick and sometimes dying puppies. The breeds included Yorkshire terriers, Shiba Inus, Maltese and Shih Tzus. (more…)

Calif. pet shop owners arrested, puppies seized

December 19, 2009 By: Krisha Williams Turbeville Category: Animal cruelty laws, Cruelty watch, Dogs, animal rights, dog fighting

THE OAKLAND TRIBUNE

SOLANO COUNTY, Calif. — A couple was arrested Thursday on charges of animal abuse as authorities shut down their pet shop and seized more than 80 pure bred puppies that may be sick.

Christopher John Derek Ellis, reportedly a Canadian citizen, and his wife, Leeanna Rachelle Kamp, were booked into Solano County (Calif.) Jail on suspicion of numerous charges, including two counts of animal cruelty and illegally operating an online lottery.

Ellis is currently on probation for a Sacramento felony. Both are being held on $50,000 bail, with arraignments scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday in Solano County Superior Court in Fairfield, Calif. (more…)

Web scam offers cheap pedigreed pets

January 30, 2009 By: Krisha Williams Turbeville Category: Animals and the economy, Dogs, Pet scams

McClatchy Newspapers

The ploy is an old one: You get an unsolicited e-mail or letter from someone offering you cash or prizes. But some schemers now are dangling an enticement aimed straight at the heart: the chance to buy or adopt an adorable puppy.

The American Veterinary Medical Association issued an advisory this month, warning would-be pet owners about Internet ploys that offer popular purebred puppies and exotic pets at discount prices. The scheme operators first ask customers to wire several hundred dollars, usually to Africa or somewhere else overseas, for the animals, then later request more money for insurance or transportation costs. (more…)