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Authorities Seize 189 Dogs from Montana Kennel

January 03, 2009, 9:55PM MT

By Jennifer S Hayes

Donations and volunteers needed to help care for the animals now housed at Billings fairgrounds.

Donations and volunteers needed to help care for the animals now housed at Billings fairgrounds.

Last week authorities seized 189 English shepherds, as well as chickens and a cat, from Shady Lane Kennels in Ballantine, Montana. Resident horses and cockatiels were additionally expected to be taken once an appropriate transportation method became available.

Many of the dogs appeared to be malnourished, parasite ridden, and matted with feces and mud, and a few tested positive for parvovirus. Sick and pregnant dogs, as well as puppies, were taken to local veterinarians while the remainder are being housed at MetraPark fairgrounds in Billings.

Sadly, the confiscation came too late for 11 deceased dogs, 10 of whom were found frozen outside and one was discovered beside the bed of Linda Kapsa, the breeder.

A prior warrant was served only a few weeks earlier, when authorities found 13 dead canines and took possession of 10 dogs who were in need of urgent medical care. The photos and videos taken as evidence from the first warrant prompted this second warrant and seizure.

Shady Lane Kennels utilized the internet to sell dogs and authorities are attempting to find 50 pugs, previously seen at the kennel, who were not on site during the raid.

Charges against Kapsa have not yet been filed, but a decision is expected next week.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Donations for the care of the dogs can be sent to:
Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office Animal Rescue Fund
219 N. 26th St.
Billings, MT 59101

Food donations are not needed, as they are feeding a particular brand to avoid digestive issues. However, they need towels and blankets and particularly volunteers to help clean the stalls and socialize the dogs.

If you can help, please contact the temporary shelter manager, Catherine Schaeffer at 406-248-2388.

For more information:
• Charges weighed against Montana dog breeder
• Seized dogs move into MetraPark
• Officials return to seize dogs from kennels

? Join the The Truth About the Pet Trade community to learn more about how you can help in your community.

? Download the guide, “Nine Things You Can Do to Help Stop Puppy Mills”

Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends staff
Photo credit: taken by Jennifer Hayes, not one of the affected dogs

Comments

Posted January 05, 2009, 5:36PM by ruthy92

This breeder has had MAJOR problems for years

http://www.helenair.com/articles/2004/09/30/montana/a05093004_05.txt

It is a shame that Montana let so many dogs die over the past few years when this could have been shut down years ago.

And clearly this breeder has that familiar "I can do whatever I want" ethic.

We hear this ethic from breeders and their lobbying groups any time anyone proposes regulation of the puppy mills.

They don't seem to understand that we live in a civilized nation of laws.

Posted January 05, 2009, 5:33PM by ruthy92

You know how all those self-described "reputable" AKC breeders loudly proclaim that they investigate every home, take back dogs, don't sell to puppy mills, make owners spay and neuter?

Well, that's not true.

http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-PLUTO.exe?A2=ind0604&L=engshep-l&T=0&F=&S=&P=69

Here's one of them selling stock to this breeder to use in her puppy mill.

The world of reputable breeding has gotten intertwined with the puppy mills.

It is nearly impossible to TRULY locate a "reputable" breeder. Too many have a closet full of skeletons.

And yes, this busted breeder is an AKC breeder.

Posted February 26, 2009, 8:51PM by bordercolliemom

any AKC breeder is not reputable. To belong to this group automatically makes you one of them. Birds of a feather. It would be like belonging to the KKK but saying you are not like them. Yeah right.. I get sick reading these articles. The law has to close these places down. Not give notice and x amount of days to change. If they were decent people they wouldn't be running these places. Shut them down immediately and save these poor dogs from 1more daysof suffering. That part of waiting I just don't get. It is obvious they won't change. There should be prison terms for these people. That would put an end to it a lot quicker. What always amazes me is when you see the owners od these puppy mills the majority of the time they are way overweight so they know the pleasures of food. They are selfish greedy people with no heart. I wish them all they deserve.