Raid On Suspected Illegal Hudson Valley Puppy Mill Leads To 2 Arrests

DEERPARK, NY — Arrests have been made in connection to an animal neglect investigation that centered on a suspected puppy mill in Orange County, according to police.

The Town of Deerpark Police Department arrested 63-year-old Lillian N. Jennings and 68-year-old Francis C. Jennings, both of Sparrowbush, following an investigation into allegations of animal neglect and the suspected operation of an illegal puppy mill.

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According to Police Chief Richard Sztyndor, the investigation started after area fire departments responded to a structure fire at a home on Mar. 3. During that response, conditions prompted further inquiry into the welfare of animals at the location, according to police, and on Mar. 10, the Deerpark Police Department executed a search warrant at the property.

As a result of the search, police seized 19 Yorkshire Terriers and two macaws from the home. An additional 24 Yorkshire Terriers were later surrendered by the Jennings to Wayne Township Animal Control in New Jersey, on Apr. 13.

Investigators say the dogs were being bred for resale to online customers through "Jennings Toy Box" without the required licensing, with individual sale prices reported to reach up to $6,000 per puppy.

Authorities said the interior conditions of the residence were hazardous and unfit for human habitation, citing excessive accumulations of animal feces and urine, as documented by the Town of Deerpark Code Enforcement Officer.

"This case represents a true joint effort between the Town of Deerpark Police Department, our Animal Control and Code Enforcement Officers, the Hudson Valley SPCA and Humane Law Enforcement Unit, the Orange County District Attorney's Office, and our partners with the Wayne, New Jersey Police Department, Animal Control, and Health Department," Chief Sztyndor said, praising the coordinated effort among the agencies. "Their collaboration was critical in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion."

The chief singled out the Sparrowbush and Westfall Fire Departments for their initial response and for identifying the concerning conditions that led to the investigation.

All of the seized animals were turned over to the Hudson Valley SPCA for veterinary evaluation and care.

Based on the investigation and veterinary findings, police say the Jennings have been charged with 45 counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; or failure to provide proper sustenance, a misdemeanor. They was also charged with 35 counts of having an unlicensed dog, and one count each of felony endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person. Police say a third adult living in the home was subjected to unsafe and uninhabitable living conditions.

Both of the defendants were issued appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in the Town of Deerpark Justice Court on May 13.

"We shut this operation down and got these animals out of harm's way, but the reality is the law in New York falls short," Chief Sztyndor said, addressing limitations in current law enforcement in this area. "The current puppy mill statutes are civil in nature and provide no meaningful criminal enforcement mechanism. That leaves law enforcement with limited authority and, frankly, ties our hands when it comes to holding offenders truly accountable. In cases like this, where the conditions are appalling, the lack of criminal consequences is not just frustrating, it's unacceptable."