Suffolk County prosecutors say a Manorville breeder left dozens of dogs and puppies without adequate heat, water, or proper care following a winter snowstorm.
Manorville, NY – A Suffolk County dog breeder has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal neglect after inspectors allegedly discovered dozens of dogs and puppies living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that John Kowal, 57, owner of Blue Ribbon Puppies in Manorville, was charged with 23 counts of misdemeanor animal neglect following an investigation into the welfare of animals at his property.
Key Points
• A Manorville dog breeder faces 23 counts of misdemeanor animal neglect
• Inspectors found 23 dogs and puppies in freezing temperatures and unsanitary conditions
• Authorities say the animals were allegedly left without adequate heat, water, or proper veterinary care
Inspectors discovered alleged neglect during surprise visit
According to court documents, inspectors from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets conducted an unannounced inspection of Kowal’s Manorville property on Feb. 24.
Investigators said snow blocking the entrance to the kennel building indicated that no one had accessed the facility for at least 48 hours. Kowal allegedly had to shovel a path through the snow so inspectors could reach the building where the dogs were kept.
Inside, inspectors reportedly found 23 dogs and puppies housed in indoor and outdoor kennels.
Freezing temperatures and unsanitary conditions reported
During the inspection, officials identified several conditions they described as critical and requiring immediate correction.
Investigators reported large accumulations of feces, frozen drinking water, and kennel spaces that restricted the animals’ movement. Officials also said the building temperature was not adequately regulated to protect the animals from extreme cold.
After inspectors raised concerns about the temperature, Kowal allegedly turned on the heat in the facility. About an hour later, the temperature inside the kennel had risen to only 43 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additional animal welfare violations alleged
Inspectors also determined that several dogs and puppies had not received required rabies vaccinations and that some animals were not properly licensed.
Authorities further alleged that exercise plans for the animals were not documented or implemented and that sick or injured dogs were not treated according to an established veterinary care plan.
Search warrant executed at property
Following the inspection, the Department of Agriculture and Markets alerted the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team, known as BEAST.
On March 9, BEAST detectives, assisted by Riverhead Town Police, executed a search warrant at Kowal’s property and arranged veterinary care for several of the animals.
Breeder arraigned on animal neglect charges
Kowal was arraigned on March 11 in Riverhead Town Justice Court before Judge Lori M. Hulse.
He faces 23 counts of misdemeanor animal neglect but was released following his arraignment because the charges are considered non-bail eligible under New York law.
Kowal is scheduled to return to court on March 24 and was represented by the Legal Aid Society during his arraignment.
