The owner of a Bedford kennel was arrested by the SPCA Westchester for animal cruelty a second time since July after two dogs were found in distress.
SPCA Westchester said Penny Berk, the owner of Rescue Right at Northwind Kennels in Bedford was charged with two counts of animal cruelty, adding to five counts from her last arrest in July.
On October 4, 2023, Humane Law Enforcement officers found two Cattle Dog/Australian Shepherd mixes displaying severe symptoms of Distemper Virus while in Berk’s care. The dogs were coughing and having difficulty breathing and appeared to be lethargic.
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The two dogs, Felix and Nelly, were brought to a local animal hospital where they were diagnosed with the virus. SPCA Westchester spokesperson Lisa Bonanno said the dogs’ condition had deteriorated so much that they could not be saved and had to be euthanized.
Bonanno said records show that Felix and Nelly had arrived at Rescue Right around April 30, 2023, but there were no records from Berk that showed either dog had received veterinary care.
Berk was previously arrested on July 17 and charged with five counts of animal cruelty when four Bernese Mountain Dog puppies and their mother were found in critical condition and also suffering with the Distemper Virus after being denied veterinary care.
Bonanno said one of the puppies “could barely breathe and was nonresponsive.” All five dogs were euthanized within days of their rescue.
“Distemper is highly preventable with proper vaccinations and timely medical care,” Bonanno said. “If the dogs had not been denied veterinary treatment, their outcome could have been very different.”
Berk’s next court appearance is set for Jan. 6 at the Mount Kisco Justice Court.
Anyone who witnesses or suspects animal cruelty or abuse is asked to call SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at 914-941-7797.
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