Manorville pet dealer charged with 23 counts of animal neglect
A Manorville pet dealer faces nearly two dozen counts of animal neglect after a state inspection found dogs on his property without adequate food, water and other basic care, officials said.
John Kowal, 57, failed to provide vital care for the animals for more than 12 successive hours, in violation of state law, according to charges filed Wednesday, March 11, by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s BEAST unit. The 23 misdemeanor counts carry a maximum penalty of one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
Mr. Kowal — who operates Blue Ribbon Puppies at 58 River Road — pleaded not guilty after being arraigned in Riverhead Justice Court. The state-licensed pet dealer is due back in court with a private attorney on March 24.
“The conditions that these dogs and puppies are alleged to have endured at the hands of the defendant are unacceptable,” said District Attorney Ray Tierney. “Individuals who choose to breed and sell animals must ensure that the animals are provided with proper care, including food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. I thank the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets for their investigation and collaboration in this case, and for its continued partnership in helping to protect the welfare of animals in Suffolk County.”
When Mr. Kowal brought inspectors to his property during an unannounced visit on Feb. 24, where he allegedly keeps the dogs and puppies, they saw snow obstructing access to the building, indicating to them that no one had visited the dogs inside for at least 48 hours, according to the district attorney’s office. Mr. Kowal then allegedly shoveled a path for the inspectors to access the facility, where they allegedly saw 23 dogs and puppies living in indoor and outdoor kennels.
The inspectors observed several “critical” issues needing to be rectified, including an accumulation of feces, frozen water and insufficient space that restricted the animals’ movements. The temperature in the building was also not adequately regulated to protect the animals from extreme cold. After noting the low temperature, Mr. Kowal allegedly turned on the heat inside the facility.
About an hour later, inspectors determined the indoor kennel temperature rose to only 43 degrees.
Inspectors also determined that several dogs had allegedly not received their required rabies vaccines, several did not have proper licensing, exercise plans were not properly documented or implemented, and Mr. Kowal had allegedly failed to treat sick or injured animals in accordance with a written veterinary care plan.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s BEAST unit, Riverhead and Suffolk County police, along with Suffolk County Animal Control officers, were present at the property for several hours on March 9, executing a search warrant, and sought veterinary care for several of the animals.
The barking of several dogs could be heard from the street during the search.
The Feb. 24 inspection found seven critical violations of minimum standards of care and two general violations, which are outlined in Section 401 of the state’s Agriculture and Markets Law, according to court records.
The general violations listed in the report were: an exercise plan not properly documented, records not maintained for all animals and seven dogs without licenses.
Mr. Kowal was arrested and released on field appearance tickets on March 9 and was due in court the next day. When he failed to appear, Riverhead Town Justice Lori Hulse issued an arrest warrant.
The judge ordered pretrial supervision by the Suffolk County Probation Department, beginning Thursday, March 12.
It is not the first time Mr. Kowal has run into legal hot water. More than a decade ago, Riverhead Town and Mr. Kowal were also at odds, when officials considered legal action against him, saying he had been illegally breeding and selling dogs from his home.
No charges were ever filed with Riverhead Justice Court.
