SPCA, warden discuss alleged puppy mill

LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WIVB) - Your help will be needed to care for more than 60 dogs found living in filthy conditions inside a Lockport home. The Town of Lockport dog control officer says this was not a case of hoarding, it was a puppy mill. There was 64 dogs for sale, kept in kennels inside a Town of Lockport home.

They are pomeranians, which is a small, furry breed. The homeowners have a website for selling the dogs, they range from two-week-old puppies to seven-year-old pregnant adult dogs.

Officials say the conditions were dirty inside the house, but at least it was contained to the dog's pens. The good news is the dogs were in pretty good health.

Amy Lewis, from the SPCA of Niagara, said, “The worst, really, were the conditions of the home. A lot of feces and urine that hadn't been cleaned up. We have some flea allergy dermatitis and plaque and tartar which is pretty typical in small breeds. But all in all the dogs are in pretty good shape.”

“Way too many. These poor guys. They're being sold, bred. There's no licensing. We don't even know health records. We're going to have to find all that stuff out.” Town of Lockport Dog Control Officer Barry Kobrin said, “The home itself was not, I would say terrible.”

The owners Ellie and Michael Magrum face ordinance violence and could face more serious charges later on. The house is currently condemned.

The SPCA of Niagara is asking for your help. They could use puppy food, puppy pads and cash donations. If you're interested in adopting one of these dogs, they're putting together a waiting list.