Pennsylvania AG Shuts Down Dog Kennel

Ag Department Cites Lehigh County Man for Operating Kennel Without License, Other Violations


The Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement this week cited M. J. Cohen, of Coopersburg, Lehigh County, for operating a kennel without a license and failing to license individual dogs.

State law requires anyone keeping or transferring more than 25 dogs in a year cumulatively to acquire a kennel license from the bureau. Individual dogs not part of a kennel must also be licensed each year. Licenses can be purchased through county treasurers.

"Evading the law only creates more problems for people when they are caught," Special Deputy Secretary for Dog Law Enforcement Jessie Smith said. "The law applies to everyone, regardless of their intention. It is best for those wishing to operate a kennel in Pennsylvania to apply for the appropriate license and continue to stay in compliance."

Cohen was issued a cease and desist order under the new Dog Law statute prohibiting him from euthanizing, buying or selling any dogs.

Smith said additional charges may be filed related to the conditions at Cohen's kennel.

"Pennsylvania's new Dog Law is clear about proper kennel conditions," said Bureau of Dog Law Director Susan West. "Act 119 of 2008 raised the bar for commercial kennels in Pennsylvania and signaled that operators of substandard kennels will not do business here."

For more information about the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement or to view kennel inspection reports, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us, click on "Bureaus, Commissions & Councils," and select "Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement."

Tips about unsatisfactory or illegal kennels can be reported confidentially by using the department's online complaint form, or calling 1-877-DOG-TIP1.