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Seven Dogs Seized From Unlicensed Breeder in Felton
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Seven Dogs Seized From Unlicensed Breeder in Felton
By Debbie Friedman
Rusty Hartman had plans to breed black and yellow Labrador dogs at his home in Felton. But last month, County Animal Services seized all seven of his dogs, along with a slew of chickens and a rare Oxylotl salamander. The incident came as the County’s Animal Services was tabulating the results of the first door-to-door survey of pet owners in the County. So far, the survey has revealed a big gap in public understanding of local ordinances.
The County has one of the most restrictive pet ownership and breeding ordinances in California. However, cities like Scotts Valley don’t, which means that laws vary based on where a pet owner lives. Additionally, the ASA has not been enforcing the County’s ordinance unless a complaint is filed.
In Hartman’s case, a neighbor told Animal Services of Hartman’s dogs. The tip came in mid-December, just after Hartman had experienced a mild heart attack and passed out at his home. He spent a week at Dominican Hospital. While he was hospitalized, Animal Services investigated and seized his pets.
“The animals themselves were in good health,” said Animal Services General Manager Mike McFarland. “The living conditions were not well kept.”
Hartman disagrees.
“These dogs were being taken care of,” he said.
He said a roommate at his property was keeping an eye on them and that other friends were on hand to help.
He has tried to secure a kennel permit in the past from the County Zoning Department, but found it too expensive. He said it would have cost him $5,000, compared to $100 for a similar permit in other counties.
Permits Required for More Than Two Dogs
According to McFarland, a kennel permit is required for any home where more than two dogs are kept for residents living in unincorporated areas of the County. Again, people living in incorporated cities â€" Capitola, Santa Cruz, Watsonville and Scotts Valley â€" are not bound by the restrictive ordinance.
Pet owners who don’t want to spay and neuter can apply for an unaltered animal permit for up to two animals.
“The only stipulation is that you have no more than one litter a year,” McFarland said. Puppies must be sold or given away before they reach four months of age. At that point, they count as adult dogs and the kennel permit requirements come into play.
Hartman said he knew other people who bred dogs without the required permits, and according to McFarland, enforcement actions are infrequent.
In the last six months, only one other San Lorenzo Valley dog owner came under scrutiny for apparently breeding dogs illegally. In that case, the County Planning Department had “red-tagged” the property for building code violations and the dogs were discovered.
But now that Hartman’s dogs are at the Animal Services Authority shelter, he can’t get them back unless he obtains the correct permits or proves that they will be moved out of the County. He said he is looking for a place to move them.
“I have about $15,000 tied up in this process,” he said, citing the initial cost of the dogs and their food and healthcare as he raised them to breeding age.
He said he hasn’t produced any litters of puppies yet.
McFarland said the authority would have no trouble finding homes for Hartman’s dogs, and there’s no chance they will be put down.
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