Thursday, January 26, 2012

Local Kennel Failed State Inspection

By Jake Palmateer


A Worcester dog kennel under scrutiny by state police and a local SPCA chapter failed a state Department of Agriculture and Markets inspection Jan. 6.

South Side Dogs was found to be non-compliant in several areas related to shelter, sanitation, feeding and veterinary care, according to a copy of a pet-dealer inspection report obtained by The Daily Star from Ag and Markets.

The kennel is owned by Frank Popolizio Sr. of Schenectady. The state inspection was part of Popolizio's annual renewal process and was not related to the actions of troopers and the SPCA, according to department spokeswoman Jessica Ziehm.

"It was an unannounced, routine inspection," Ziehm said. "(South Side Dogs) was found to be unsatisfactory in compliance with both animal care and sanitation."...



...The local investigation began when state police in Oneonta were tipped off by a former employee in late December regarding possible malnourished canines at the kennel, which raises Weimaraners, German short-haired pointers, vizslas and Rhodesian ridgebacks for sale.

Troopers, working with the Susquehanna SPCA, seized 26 dogs last week after giving the kennel a chance to improve its conditions. The seized dogs are in the care of the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and veterinarian Joan Puritz of Oneonta.

Troopers and Popolizio said about 50 dogs remain at the facility.

No one has been charged in connection with the case and troopers said Tuesday it remains under investigation..."  More

No comments: