Bakersfield woman charged with animal cruelty after 11 dogs found dead in unlicensed business | News

Search warrants were issued in three different homes in Bakersfield, resulting in police finding 11 dead dogs, 29 live dogs suffering from neglect and three live cats, according to police. Bakersfield Animal Control rescued these animals and was able to notify some of their owners because the animals had microchips, police added in the press release.

The investigation began after a caller reported a foul odor coming from a residence on the 100 block of Bernard Street. This is where 10 dogs were found dead and where the first search warrant was issued, police said. Two other search warrants were issued in the 9000 block of Centennial Court and the 15000 block of Oakencroft Drive.

“All residences were associated with the detainee,” said BPD Sgt. Robert Pair wrote in an email that there are no open suspects.

The neglected dogs had no food, water and health care. There were also “signs of distress,” Pair said in a telephone interview.

Schreiber is accused of running an unlicensed private animal boarding and training company, and police said she is “directly responsible for the neglect of the animals”. Pair added that Schreiber was arrested in Bakersfield on Saturday.

At 4:50 p.m. Monday, Schreiber was in custody on $250,000 bail. She was charged with 11 counts of animal cruelty, 10 offenses for abandoning a dog or cat, 20 offenses for animal cruelty and 26 offenses for operating a kennel without a license.

Assistant District Attorney Joseph Kinzel, prosecutor’s spokesperson, wrote in an email that he expects to receive BPD’s payment request on Tuesday, and the case will be reviewed on potential charges ahead of a scheduled arraignment on Tuesday. .

Vicky Thrasher, the executive director of the local nonprofit Critters without Litters, said visiting a boarding facility before entrusting an animal to the operators by taking a tour of the facility helps avoid unsafe scenarios.

It is also best to go unannounced to get an unfiltered view of the kennels. Relying on a photo posted to social media or a website may not give the full picture, she said.

“If you don’t feel comfortable, listen to that little voice inside you,” Thrasher said. “If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t leave your pet there.”

Consulting previous customers about their experiences with the facility can also reveal important information, she added.

Nick Cullen, the director of Kern County Animal Services, said it’s a red flag if a boarding school doesn’t allow potential clients to view a certain area of ​​their property. He even recommends taking a dog to the pick-up point and see if they get along with the owner — if possible, avoid deciding on a place at the last minute.

Pam Shockley, the owner of Fur & Feathers Luxury Pet Resort, said she is inspected by the animal shelter once a year. With potential prospective clients, she goes through a typical day at their facility sharing information about living quarters, play areas, food, water, and required vaccinations. She even encourages owners to bring their pet’s favorite food so they don’t experience stress.

“Customers should do their due diligence,” Shockley said.

The investigation into Schreiber is ongoing and anyone who has given or previously had their pet to Schreiber can call the police at 661-327-7111.