Manorville breeder cuffed for ‘unacceptable’ neglect of dogs and puppies

Twenty-three dogs and puppies were found shivering in freezing, unsanitary kennels in Manorville this week, leading Suffolk authorities to arrest the facility’s breeder, the county’s district attorney said Friday.

Blue Ribbon Puppies owner John Kowal, 57, faces 23 counts of misdemeanor animal neglect after New York State inspectors documented severe welfare issues at his property, authorities said.

The animals had been left alone for at least two days during a recent snowstorm, with indoor kennel temperatures reaching only 43 degrees despite efforts to turn on heating, Suffolk District Attorney Raymond Tierney said.

Inspectors reported deplorable and highly unsafe conditions at the facility, including snow blocking access to the kennels, frozen water bowls, accumulation of feces and restricted space that prevented normal movement for the canines, prosecutors said.

Several dogs and puppies were missing required rabies vaccinations or proper licensing, and some had allegedly not received necessary veterinary care, authorities said.

“The conditions that these dogs and puppies are alleged to have endured at the hands of the defendant are unacceptable,” said Tierney, noting that Kowal was arraigned Wednesday before Judge Lori Hulse in Riverhead Town Justice Court.

“Individuals who choose to breed and sell animals must ensure that the animals are provided with proper care,” Tierney added, “including food, water, shelter, and veterinary care.”

Prosecutors did not argue for bail because Kowal’s charges are considered non-bail eligible, meaning judges cannot set bail.

‘Living, feeling beings’

“Dogs are not merchandise — they are living, feeling beings who depend entirely on humans for their care,” said John Di Leonardo, anthrozoologist and executive director of Humane Long Island.

Di Leonardo described the alleged neglect as “unacceptable” and urged the New York Attorney General to investigate potential violations of the state’s puppy mill pipeline law.

The investigation into conditions at Blue Ribbon Puppies kicked off after the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets alerted the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST). Detectives, and were then assisted by the Riverhead Town Police Department in executing a search warrant on March 9.

Kowal is scheduled to return to court on March 24.

_{Top: Dogs and puppies rescued by authorities from Blue Ribbon Puppies in Manorville this week (Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office).}