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THIS JUST IN FROM JODI GOLDBERG AT THE PSPCA!

09-22-09 -- Troubled Kennel Owner Enters Guilty Plea
By: Patrick Lester, The Morning Call



Former dog kennel owner Derbe "Skip" Eckhart pleaded guilty today in Lehigh County Court to animal cruelty and multiple dog law violations, crimes that could put him behind bars for up to three years.

Eckhart, who operated Almost Heaven Kennel in Upper Milford Township before it was shut down in June, also faces fines of up to $7,500 under a plea agreement reached with the Lehigh County District Attorney's office.

Eckhart pleaded guilty to two counts of animal cruelty, three counts of violating a cease and desist order and failing to remove 216 dogs from the kennel after the period to appeal his denied operating license expired.

Prosecutor Jay Jenkins said that under the agreement, Eckhart does not intend to be involved in any other kennel, but would like to keep some of his personal animals and continue working as a groomer at a Fogelsville business.

It will be up to Judge Robert L. Steinberg to decide whether Eckhart can keep those animals and work as a groomer during sentencing, which is scheduled for Nov. 16.

Steinberg told Eckhart he could be sentenced to 18 months to three years in prison.

POSTED: 09-22-2009 04:20 PM ET | MODIFIED: 09-22-2009 05:38 PM ET
Owner Of Former Kennel Admits To Animal Cruelty


The owner of a kennel closed by authorities during a raid in June has pleaded guilty to two counts of cruelty to animals and several violations of the state's dog law. Derbe Eckhart, who operated the Almost Heaven Kennel in Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County, will be sentenced on November 16.

A judge has also ordered Eckhart to undergo a psychological evaluation at his expense. The charges actually stem from a raid on the Almost Heaven Kennel in October, 2008, according to officials with the District Attorney's office. They say the state dog law violations are subsequent charges from earlier this year when Eckhart continued to have an excess number of dogs on his property after his license renewal was denied.

Last month, Eckhart waived his right to a preliminary hearing on more than 200 counts of violating the state dog law that stem from the raid in June. He was also fined $152,900. More than 200 dogs were seized during the raid. They were later put up for adoption at various shelters around the state.


WATCH VIDEO HERE
http://wfmz.img.entriq.net/htm/PopUpPlayer-v3.htm?articleID=1271144

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Not only that Nancy, he is only going to get 18 months to three years for messing up over 500+ dogs they caught him with, along with how many they didn't catch him with.... and be out of jail in 8months to 1 year, and the wonderful people of Lehigh County now get to pay for him to sit in jail....we get to pay for his meals and medical care .....he should be made to pay for that...not Lehigh County tax payers.
I totally agree!!! Wouldn't it be nice if they will be able to freeze his money like they did with Bernie Madoff??
It's not only Lehigh County taxpayers - it will be the State of PA taxpayers if he stays within the state prison system. I would actually pay the State of PA to keep him there for life!!!

Wouldn't it be perfect if he was to work with dogs needing rehab while in prison? He could actually SEE what he has done!!
First Half I agree with....the only things he should be allowed to work with are snakes...Vipers, Rattlers..etc...and even than they would be to good for him.
They should of thrown the book at him. 3 years, that is nothing compared to what has been done to, what, over 200 dogs and their pups. ERRRRRRRRR

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