November 21, 2009

- Billings, Montana

Dog Seizures Total Near 200

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By Nick Lough

Story Published: Dec 30, 2008 at 11:00 AM MST

Story Updated: Dec 31, 2008 at 6:44 PM MST

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BILLINGS - Officials say the number of dogs seized from Tuesday's raid on an alleged puppy mill in Ballantine, The Shady Lane Kennels, owned by Linda Kapsa, was close to 200.

The dogs were transported to the facility Tuesday and officials say only a few needed to be quarantined overnight. Though some of the animals were in gravely ill condition many are considered to be in fair condition.

All the pregnant dogs were taken to the Humane Society for observation Wednesday afternoon. "Horse barns are definitely not for dogs, but they're working really well. We had 1 minor escape and a couple of dogs dig under and go between pens, but they've all been microchipped so we are able to scan them and figure out what pen they are and they've been and they've been warm and toasty," said the Humane Society's Dave Pauli.

Sheriff's officials say breeder Linda Kapsa has not relinquished ownership of the animals. Kapsa has not been charged with a crime, but prosecutors are considering filing animal cruelty charges. In the meantime, none of the animals are up for adoption because they are considered evidence.

View Newest Comments First

Tuesday, Dec 30 at 5:46 PM Anne in Laurel wrote ...

I was surprised to see you interveiwed a Metra Park veterinarian (who had not been on site at Kapsa's property) who said something like the dogs "weren't as bad as (she) expected." If another dozen dead animals since the last visit to that property are what she "expected," she really needs to hang out with different people. Until you have more information, don't let ignorant comments undermine the hard work of so many people, or trivialize how horrific the Kapsa site is.

Tuesday, Dec 30 at 8:47 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I'm thankful to see these dogs have been removed. I hope that the HSUS, if they are involved, does not advocate mass euthanasia like they have done in many other seizures including a past seizure at Kapsa's. These dogs deserve a second chance. National English Shepherd Rescue (www.nesr.info)has offered their help and expertise in dealing with English Shepherds and I hope the county will avail themselves of their experience in determining the disposition of these dogs.

Wednesday, Dec 31 at 10:38 AM Suzann in Billings wrote ...

Dear Anne in Laurel, I too was surprised to see your comments. These vets are providing their services because they love animals. How dare we judge those giving of themselves to provide help for these poor neglected animals. The vet simply commented on the condition of the animals she was seeing. She was not asked for a commentary on the horrific site. I don't think there is anyone not sickened by this tradgedy, especially this vet who sincerely loves animals including mine.

Wednesday, Dec 31 at 11:58 AM Paula Cash wrote ...

After viewing the photos, I had tears in my eyes, this wonderful breed deserve better.

Wednesday, Dec 31 at 8:19 PM terri wrote ...

to anne have u been to the kapsa place if not u should not judge what u see on tv dont u no they are only showing the bad stuff

Thursday, Jan 1 at 1:13 PM Robbie wrote ...

We need to have a law where it's mandatory to require a license to own so many animals. This way these dog farms can be monitored! I personally think it should be illegal to own so many "pets"! They aren't cattle!

Thursday, Jan 1 at 6:51 PM cr wrote ...

I am glad we got these animals out of a horrible situation, but the county needs to do something about another lady just outside of town whom, I think, has dogs in just as horrible shape if not worse...

Friday, Jan 2 at 11:06 AM Amanda Thomas DVM wrote ...

I am the veterinarian who commented to the media that "not all of the dogs were in poor health". This was an accurate, professional, medical assesment of the animals that were presented to the experienced veterinary doctors and staff at the Metra that day. This is a highly emotionally charged situation, and terribly sad.

Friday, Jan 2 at 11:14 AM 3 ES Dawg Ma wrote ...

FWIW, English Shepherds have beautiful, teflon double coats. The very thing that is making them look "not so bad" can be masking a host of other physical and health issues. Just because they look "not so bad" doesn't mean that they weren't horribly neglected. Thankfully, that same coat was probably the one thing that kept many dogs alive in sub-zero temps. Some of the dogs have tested positive for parvo...and coincidentally, very few puppies were part of the seizure. You connect the dots.

Saturday, Jan 3 at 8:59 AM linda wrote ...

this is sickning.they need to be put in those conditions as the animals and 'chip' them, so there is a tracking of dealings.

Monday, Jan 5 at 2:05 PM Confused wrote ...

One veterinarian is saying "not all dogs were in poor health" we have another Dr. Bruner (who is running the rescue operation) saying the opposite. I'm confused ? If charges are filed against Kapsa, I suspect these two (related by marriage) will be asked to testify against each other in defending their public statements. Maybe Dr. Thomas's husband, veterinarian Dr. Bruner Jr. will give his medical opinion as he was also at Metra Park evaluating the animals. What a great defense op for Kapsa.

Tuesday, Jan 6 at 2:14 PM Cyndi wrote ...

My dogs have been seeing Amanda Thomas DVM for over 5 years and she has been one of the most caring vets we have ever delt with. She always honest and helpfull when we see her.

Friday, Jan 9 at 8:36 AM Burl Ford wrote ...

What a sad sad story. To think that this could happen to such a noble breed of dogs as English Shepherds is appalling or to any other breed for that matter. Something definitely need to be done to prevent this type of thing from ever happening again. Burl

Saturday, Jan 10 at 11:19 AM For the "Confused" person wrote ...

Dr Thomas stated that not all of the dogs were in poor health (and are doing very well at the Metra by the way should you want to see them first hand). Dr Rob Bruner of Big Sky Pet Center stated that the ENVIRONMENT from which the dogs came was horrific and dirty(Kapsa property). There's no need for your confusion. Theirs is a great, upstanding and generous family of professional veterinarians who have dedicated their lives to the welfare of animals. Kapsa will have her (fair)day in court.

Saturday, Jan 10 at 10:25 PM Kenneth Harrison wrote ...

My wife and I are shocked to learn our two English Shepherds actually came from Linda Kapsa's dog mill. We found her website eighteen months ago and thought we were dealing with a very professional person. When we received our dogs via air freight the pups were covered with feces and were scared. Took us almost a month before they would come to us. We know it was quite obvious something had tramatized them and we were sure it had to be the flight. They live in San Diego and are very healthy

Sunday, Jan 11 at 2:31 PM Pennie wrote ...

I find it ironic that Billings Rep. Robyn Dricoll has sponsered HB 191 to ban Pit Bull type dogs state wide, when atrocities like this are happening in her home town. Wouldn't an owner responsibility law make more sense? I know as a voting, taxpaying, responsible dog owner, it does to me. Check out HB 191 under this law any dog with any "physical characteristics" of any bull dog type can and will be seized and destroyed. As a taxpayer I don't want to pay for the destruction of family pets.

Monday, Jan 12 at 11:42 AM I know these Vets wrote ...

Dr Thomas and her husband may be in your opinion "great, upstanding and generous family of professional veterinarians who have dedicated their lives to the welfare of animals". However it is they way treat friends and family that is the real true measure of their merit. Not on how well they make money providing pet care.

Tuesday, Feb 3 at 8:46 PM ken wrote ...

i agree the media only show or tells the worse as thats what sells.has anyone offered miss kapsa or her lawyer a sit down interview?of course not..i think she should be allowed to adopt out these dogs to good homes not let nesr or anyone else do it but be given a timeframe to work with and be monitored to insure it happens.this is a lady who loves dogs so much that the ones she didnt sell just stayed .give the lady a chance to redeem herself .MISS KAPSA I WII KEEP U IN MY PRAYERS .ken

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