SPCA Rescues 54 Puppies From Alleged 'Illegal Kennel' In Chester County
MALVERN, Pa. (CBS) -- Authorities in Chester County removed dozens of puppies from a home that is now under investigation for possibly being an "illegal kennel."
Many of the dogs whimpered and cried as the pint-sized pooches were picked up and taken away.
"There are now 54, at last count, young puppies in that house that have come out. We're dealing with Yorkies (Yorkshire Terriers), Shih Tzus and several smaller breeds," said Rich Britton, Chester County SPCA.
Investigators tell Eyewitness News the homeowner Yvonne Tikkala was selling some of the puppies on eBay for $250.
"I made mistakes yes, but it was not a matter of animal cruelty. None of those animals were abused," Tikkala said.
A customer who responded to an online ad tipped off investigators who arrived at the home on Crumley Avenue Monday afternoon.
"The Chester County S.P.C.A. Animal Protective Services received a tip earlier today that there was unsanitary, unsafe and overcrowded conditions in a house in Malvern, Pennsylvania," Britton said.
Tikkala says she wasn't trying to make money off the dogs. She claims she took good care of them and was just trying to find the K9s good homes.
"They are up to date on all their shots and rabies and everything. You will not find a sick dog in not one of those dogs they took," Tikkala said.
Tikkala voluntarily signed over control of the dogs to the Chester County SPCA and is cooperating with the investigation. She faces charges for Animal Cruelty and Operating an Unlicensed Kennel.
All 54 dogs were taken to the Chester County SPCA where they will be examined, then spayed or neutered and put up for adoption in about 2-3 weeks.
Reported by Ben Bowens, CBSPhilly.com; Todd Quinones, CBS 3
