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…)

Missouri tries to shed puppy mill reputation

April 06, 2009 By: Krisha Williams Turbeville Category: Animal cruelty laws, Cruelty watch, Dogs, Pet scams, Small pets, pet health

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SENECA, Mo. — When authorities raided J.B.’s Precious Puppies, they discovered more than 200 dogs standing in their own excrement, crammed three and four to a cage. Some were so sickly they were missing clumps of hair. The skeletal remains of puppies and adult dogs were found inside pet-food bags.

The ghastly scene deep in the Ozarks has become far too common in Missouri. (more…)