Breeder Illegally ‘Debarked’ Dogs by Shoving a Pipe Down Their Throats

The Pennsylvania SPCA rescued 15 puppies and dogs from an unlicensed breeder after receiving a tip that some of the dogs had been illegally and inhumanely debarked, a painful procedure that involved repeatedly shoving a pipe-like object down the dogs’ throats to damage their vocal chords.

The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported seizing 15 dogs on May 24 in Quarryville, Pennsylvania. The raid included 10 puppies and 5 adult dogs, three of which that had been illegally debarked.

According to the PSPCA, the debarking was done by pushing a pipe-like object down the throat multiple times to damage the vocal chords. Debarking dogs is illegal in Pennsylvania unless performed by a licensed veterinarian.

In total, the PSPCA removed three adult Doberman Pinschers, a pregnant German Shepherd, a Husky, 9 Doberman Pinscher puppies that were just a few weeks old, and a 3-month-old Siberian Husky puppy from the property.

“These animals were debarked because it was a nuisance, and the inhumane manner in which the act was carried out can carry a felony charge,” Nicole Wilson, the PSPCA Director of Humane Law Enforcement said in a press release.

The PSPCA has not publicly released the name of the breeder, but says they are continuing to investigate and plan to press charges and push for punishment to the full extent of the law.

All of the dogs are receiving medical care at the Pennsylvania SPCA in Philadelphia and some are already available for adoption. For more information, visit the PSPCA website.