Pet Store's License Revoked After Testimony on 'Deplorable' Treatment of Puppies
Puppies were said to be living in, consuming their own feces inside Puppies Galore
Complaints against the Puppies Galore pet store on Hooper Avenue included reports of dogs rolling in, and consuming, their own feces, an official with the Ocean County Health Department testified Tuesday night.
The testimony, as well as a track record of non-compliance with health regulations for nearly the entire time the store was open, led the Brick Township Council to revoke the store's license at a hearing.
No representatives from the store came to the hearing.
Ryan Griffin, acting senior public health inspector for the county's health department, said Puppies Galore opened in October and operated for just over two weeks before the first complaints about the store came in.
The owner, Maria De Santis, and the manager, Nathan "Nat" Sladkin, have been charged with a combined total of 42 counts of animal cruelty stemming from their operation of the pet store. All of the puppies the pair were selling, 39 in all, were removed from the store Jan. 26.
Griffin testified before the council that an initial compaint against the store was filed by a citizen on Oct. 24 for unsanitary conditions.
"At that point in time, there was feces present in a few of the cages," Griffin said.
Staff members cleaned the cages, however, and the store was allowed to continue to operate.
But additional complaints were filed days later in what would become a pattern of noncompliance with regulations, Griffin said.
On Nov. 4, a complaint was filed with the health department that puppies had runny eyes and were crammed in cages, Griffin said. Four or five dogs were removed that day because they did not have a certain state health certification form.
On Nov. 21, another complaint stated that male boxer puppies were being held in dirty cages and "rolling in and consuming their fecal matter," Griffin said. Finally, on Dec. 1, De Santis agreed to voluntarily shut down the store after being given a grade of unsatisfactory by the health department.
But the store eventually reopened, and the complaints continued. On nearly a weekly basis, the complaints were filed, mainly by citizens who said they witnessed overcrowding and sickly-looking dogs, Griffin said. A Jan. 18 complaint stated that dogs were "covered in feces and urine and looked sickly and hungry."
Investigators on Jan. 20 found 11 health code violations at the store and once again, De Santis agreed to voluntarily shut down. Four days later, senior officers from the county health department visited the store, including a veterinarian and members of law enforcement, and recommended medical treatment for several of the dogs in the then-closed store, Griffin said. He testified that De Santis was "openly hostile" but agreed to treat the dogs after initial resistance.
In the course of the investigators' visit, medications that were years out of date were observed, Griffin said.
Finally, on Jan. 26, investigators acted on another tip that dogs in the store appeared sickly. That day, the 39 puppies were removed, 26 of which were determined to be ill.
"At that point in time, it was obvious that the conditions were not good," Griffin said.
Veterinarian Dr. Phillip Begund testified that many of the dogs suffered from kennel cough, a respiratory disease often transmitted between dogs that live in close quarters. Veterinarians also found dogs with pneumonia, parasites and other diseases at the store, he said.
"Numerous complaints came in to me about the deplorable conditions at Puppies Galore," said Officer Paul Schlossbach of the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Police.
Eventually, he said, the NJSPCA charged De Santis with 38 counts of cruelty and Sladkin with four counts.
Township council members voted unanimously to revoke the store's license to operate in Brick.
Sean Conneamhe
6:07 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
"Thank you, councilors."
Brick Mom
9:48 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
I agree, good job by our town council. Are these puppies up for sale, I surely would like to adopt one, poor babies! I think someone needs to alert the Attorney Generals Office and do something about these disgusting people!
Portia
7:27 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
Kudos to our governing body. Job well done.
Soon we will see if store owners that violate the law in Brick Township will receive the maximum sentence and not probation. Jail time is warranted under these cruel and inhumae circumstances. Is it correct that De Santis and Nat Sladkin will appear in Municipal Court on March 1st?
debbie
7:48 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
DeSantis was "openly hostile"??? are you kidding me here? Lets put her and and that other moron Nate in a small cage with no food or water, no bathroom, with no medical care for ohhhhh lets say a month, put them on display and see how hostile she can get then. She and her sidekick should be doing JAIL time for what they did to those poor puppies or better yet give them 5 minutes with me and see just how "openly hostile" I can get!! and speaking of JAIL time, did they get any??? or was it another slap on the wrist only to open up agan in another town??
guppy
8:11 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Don't let the hostility from DeSantis cloud your eyes, because Sladkin is one very arrogant piece of what the puppies had to eat. Sorry for that but I don't want to put up volgarities. This guy is the worst. When I sued him at the Attorney Generals, he was very arrogant, his own lawyer had to shut him up a number of times. In this case I really wish it was leagle to take the law into you own hands!
debbie
8:34 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
I have NO tolerance for animal abusers! Their helpless and defenseless, especially puppies, and I hope there is some jail time for these pieces of garbage. For their sake I hope they never cross my path because it won't be a pretty nite. I'm being very serious.
sue
8:47 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
You all know that sooner or later they will reopen another store "somewhere", right? These types thrive on money making and nothing more. Lets keep an eye out for new stores opening in a few weeks t months...
debbie
8:56 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
I want to be involved in closing what ever establishment they open up, and your correct in saying they'll open up again. These poor animals can't speak for themselves WE have to be their voices. How can we form a watch group to keep an eye on these monsters?
CJ
9:36 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
HOW ABOUT THE STORE VET? I AM SURE HE KNEW THINGS. HE IS A LONG TIME FRIEND OF NAT THAT HAS HIS VET OFFICE
IN NAT SLADKINS BASEMENT IN FARMINGDALE. IN FACT, NAT BOUGHT THE HOUSE FROM THE VET. HE HAS BEEN INVOLVED FOR YEARS AT EVERY PUPPY STORE FROM POINT PLEASANT, SEA GIRT, AND NOW BRICK. DE SANTIS IS JUST A PAWN OF NATS. HE IS THE OWNER, NOT THE MANAGER
Brick Mom
9:51 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
I think this Vet should have his ability to practice taken away! I would love to know his name so I can let everyone know not to take their pets to his office. He should be in jail with those other two that operated that filthy business!
Jan Fisher
10:13 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
They are both facing criminal charges through the NJ SPCA. Their hearing is March 1, I believe.
gwyn lucas
9:41 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
i can't believe they were ever able to open another puppy store.the one they had in point beach was just as bad...
..and NAT is extremely arrogant...i hope they both rot in jail....
Jan Fisher
9:41 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
The good news is they have had their license revoked in one town. I plan to look into whether there is any law in place preventing them from opening up somewhere else but I suspect there is nothing. We will work on this.
IMPORTANT: The Brick Twp. council has agreed to explore the possibility of banning puppy sales in town. This is very BIG as it will certainly set a precedent for other towns in the state of NJ. PLEASE, PLEASE don't walk away and forget this issue. We need you to attend the next two council meetings to support this ban. If you cannot attend, you MUST contact the council members by e-mail or letter. E-MAIL ADDRESS: council@twp.brick.nj.us. Get their names from Brick's website.
Jan Fisher
10:51 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
I just heard today that the license of Dr. Schrieber, the vet for Puppies Galore, is inactive as of today. I don't know what that is all about but I suspect it has something to do with his involvement with Puppies Galore. I let the reporter for the Brick Patch know and maybe he will look into it?
janice
Jan Fisher
11:18 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Correction. It appears that Dr. Schrieber's license has been invalid for some time but I am not sure if the records of the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners is current. It would appear from that record that his license was invalid since 2000. Will look into it.
DH
11:22 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Very good news indeed. While I suspect these people will probably not get anything more than fines from the courts - at least they are unable to do business for now. And I agree - it's important for everyone to keep the heat on our local officials to get this done. If not, they are likely to move on to something else and stop looking into this issue. As a community, it is on us to say that we don't want our town to be part of this kind of animal cruelty. Keeping a bright light shining on this right now is essential to make sure our elected officials do the right thing.
Saylind
11:38 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
When can we adopt these poor pups now give them a loving home no more cages and stores and shelters
Cassandra
3:21 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Any word on what will hapen to the puppies? Will they be placed into shelters for adoption, and if so, does anyone know when?
Daniel Nee
3:48 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
I believe there are still some legal processes to go through before ownership is transferred, but I've been told that the puppies will eventually be put up for adoption. A number of them are at the shelter here in Brick, some are at Monmouth SPCA and some are up north.
Cassandra
4:47 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
thank you!
debbie
3:25 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
I believe alot are at the Brick animal shelter and various other places!
CJ
3:31 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
ACCORDING TO NJ DIV. OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, JERALD SHREIBERS LICENSE IS ACTIVE AT HIS FARMINGDALE OFFICE BUT HIS LICENSE AT POINT PLEASANT AND LITTLE EGG HARBOR OFFICE IS NULL AND VOID.
IT SEEMS THAT HE HAS NOT HAD ONE FOR THE THE SEA GIRT OR BRICK STORE.
Jan Fisher
3:47 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Thanks CJ. I stand corrected. It would be very odd that he would be practicing without a license but, of course, nothing would surprise me at this point. What we do know is that, if he was the vet of record, he did a horrific job examining these puppies. Again, that is assuming that Puppies Galore even called him in.
Tinkerbell
4:27 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
VETERINARY MEDICAL BOARD
Licensee Name: SCHREIBER JERALD F DVM
License Type: VETERINARIAN
License Number: 4258
License Status: DELINQUENT Definition
Expiration Date: December 31, 2000
Issue Date: February 15, 1968
Address: 11 WALNUT STREET
City: FARMINGDALE
State: NJ
Zip: 07727
County: OUT OF STATE
Actions: No
Related Licenses/Registrations/Permits
No records returned
Disciplinary Actions
No information available from this agency
Public Record Action(s)
CITATIONS
No records returned
This information is updated Monday through Friday - Last updated: FEB-14-2012
debbie
4:30 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
I'm not understanding what all that means.
frances
6:18 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
CJ, this is outrageous and is worth further exploration on the State and Federal level. Has anyone contacted the Governor's office with this information? Perhaps a letter should be forwarded to the Governor and copied to each and every State Senator and Assemblyperson?
Apparently there are no safeguards for animal protection. Abusers may provide improper veterinarian care, with or without the proper licensing and administer outdated medications. Loopholes run rampant in animal protection legislation and provide for manipulation of the law for the disadvantage to the public and the well-being of the animals. It is noteworthy that the County listed is "Out of State." Federal interstate regulations may come in to play. At best the licensing information is vague because it is impossible to keep records of "disciplinary actions" as they change locations.
Thank you for sharing this invaluable piece of information.
"ACCORDING TO NJ DIV. OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, JERALD SHREIBERS LICENSE IS ACTIVE AT HIS FARMINGDALE OFFICE BUT HIS LICENSE AT POINT PLEASANT AND LITTLE EGG HARBOR OFFICE IS NULL AND VOID.
IT SEEMS THAT HE HAS NOT HAD ONE FOR THE THE SEA GIRT OR BRICK STORE."
paul b
7:16 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
Frances, I think that may be a good approach to take. Apparently there is so much more that needs to be done because there are so few laws in place to protect animals. It is a travesty that safeguards are not effectuated.
Right is Might! And the good citizens of Brick Township evidenced that when they reported the numerous complaints about the deplorable conditions that existed at the Puppies Galore facility.
In this particular case the Council rose to the occasion and made me proud. It is commendable that the Township Council voted unanimously to revoke the license from the store operators of Puppies Galore. In all my years of attending a Council Meeting, I've never witnessed folks giving a standing ovation to a Council decision. But it is the fact that we were told that an ordinance to ban the sale of puppies will be presented at the next Council Meeting that gives me hope. Sometimes our elected officials demonstrate leadership and do listen to the people.
Jan Fisher
9:03 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
I believe that the hearing date for the criminal charges against the owner and manager of Puppies Galore is March 1. I know that Maria DeSantis retained an attorney and I am pretty sure that Mr. Sladkin ended up retaining one too after his arraignment, so as long as it is not postponed, that should be the date.
Don't forget to support the ordinance banning the sale of puppies in Brick. First hearing is Feb. 28 - starts at 7:00 pm but there will be other matters so, if you don't want to sit through that, come about 30 to 45 minutes later.
denise
9:25 am on Friday, February 17, 2012
I would like to attend the hearring, is it Mar 1 at the Brick municipal court.
Jan Fisher
10:22 am on Friday, February 17, 2012
Yes. March 1.
I hope that everyone will consider supporting a ban on puppy sales in the town as well. There will be a council meeting on Feb. 28, 2012 at 7:00 PM. PLEASE plan to attend. This is not over until we have a ban and, until, Breeders Association of America, the other store in Brick that sells puppies from horrific mass breeding facilities is forced to admit that they are not honest with the consumer. Only we can make a difference. Keep telling people about this store. Discourage pet purchases from this store. Stop by our table on a weekend to see our records and information.
Becca R
9:57 am on Friday, February 17, 2012
Shame on those people for mistreating puppies!
Wolf
4:05 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012
I hope they get the book thrown at them. They will also have to face their maker who also made those beautiful animals they abused.
Hund A. Venger
8:33 pm on Monday, February 20, 2012
String them up and set them on fire.