Pocono News Section

I-TEAM: Puppy Broker Closes

I-TEAM: Puppy Broker Closes - Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 5:10PM EST

Reported by: Jeff Chirico
Wednesday, Jun 25, 2008 @ 05:10pm EST
PINE GROVE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY --A dog breeder at the center of an I-Team Investigation has closed. But it's critics don't believe that's the end of Bulldog Ravine. One year ago, we told you about the Schuylkill County business that customers say sells sick dogs. I-Team reporter Jeff Chirico first broke the story. He joins us now with the new details you'll only see on Eyewitness News.

Brenda Moncrieff turned in the state license that allows her to sell dogs in Schuylkill County. But now, we've learned she may be trying to open another kennel under a different name.

Kelly Daniels of Pottsville says she's not sure how long 9 month old Buster will live. Kelly Daniels “Last time he got sick they didn't know if we was going to make it through the sickness." But this bulldog's not alone. Dozens of owners complain they paid big bucks but got big vet bills and a health guarantee worth almost nothing. Some dogs died. "I feel I was defrauded. I really do."

Last year the I-Team went undercover at Bulldog Ravine near Pine Grove. We found many of the pups are imported from foreign puppy mills --sick --and too young to be sold. “Puppies get sick. Its a fact of life." Owner Brenda Moncrieff hasn't been charged with any crime and denied it all last year.

Libby Williams /NJ Consumers Against Pet Shop Abuse

"I would rank her as one of the worst. She claims no responsibility for health of puppies." Libby Williams runs an organization that fights pet abuse. Although she's pleased Brenda turned in her license, she's skeptical. She's seen other brokers do the same. "Then they resurface under another name or another website."

In fact Brenda may already have. The I-Team has found a website –aplusbulldog. com. It's registered to Brenda's daughter-in-law. But the 20-year-old tells us her mother-in-law used her name without her permission.

"I don't know how she looks at herself in the mirror everyday to rip people apart like that." As Kelly struggles to pay mounting medical bills, Libby estimates Bulldog Ravine raked in a million dollars in dog sales last year. "Do I think she's going to remain? Absolutely. I can't see her walking away from the amount of money she's getting."

Neither Brenda nor her attorney have returned our calls.

If you're thinking of buying a dog animal advocates suggest you check with breed rescues or local shelters. If you can't find a dog there, here are some tips to follow when buying a dog.

How to Find a Reputable Breeder

Buying a Puppy

NJCAPSA

Congress just passed a law that’s part of the Farm Bill that bans importing dogs younger than 6 months. Advocates say it should cut back on importing sick puppies as long as the government enforces it.