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Animal Control cites Bear Valley resident
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Posted by editor Tue Oct 2, 2007 14:16:28 PDT
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0 responses 4 comments On Oct. 3, Kern County Animal Control (KCAC) cited Bear Valley Springs dog owner Sue Seaman for a total of 32 animal control violations and five misdemeanor counts of animal abandonment. According to KCAC Director Dave Price, each count could carry up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.

The KCAC investigation was initiated after Bear Valley Police informed the agency that their officers had counted upwards of 30 dogs at the home. BVPD officers were invited into the rented home on Fox Ridge Court, while responding to a disturbance complaint involving barking dogs on Oct. 2.

In a separate interview, Seaman denied ever having more than 22 dogs in the home, admitting that she had lied to KCAC about taking five of the dogs down to Rosedale, where she claimed they escaped from her vehicle. Seaman said she regretted the lie, which resulted in the five misdemeanor abandonment charges. Seaman said the dogs are now back at her home.

“Because we have no children, the animals are our life. We meant no harm. Our hearts are in the right place. We’re not criminals,” said Seaman.

Seaman said she and her husband had moved with all of their dogs up to Bear Valley last month, so they would have adequate open space for them. She also said they are well fed and receive individual “love and attention” every day.

“Try loving that many dogs. They all have to have their own attention,” she said.
Although KCAC introduced the subject of a locally known animal hoarder during the investigation, Seaman denies any connection to or knowledge of such tendencies or practices.

“The media was surprised that our dogs have names. Of course they have names,” she said, adding that she’s had two of her dogs for 14 years, while others were abandoned at or near her Bakersfield home over a period of six years.

“We never had any problems in all that time,” she said.

During the investigation, one Animal Control officer said the smell of animal urine and feces was so overpowering that even if the resident had not opened the front door, a warrant could have been obtained to enter the home for further inspection.

KCAC’s director said that sanitary conditions had been "remediated" allowing KCAC to temporarily leave the dogs in Seaman’s care until she can find homes for all but the three allowed by Bear Valley Springs CC&Rs.

“It is too many,” Seaman admitted with visible emotion. “We need to find homes for them. It’s a lot of work. We clean up every night. All the time we’re not working we’re either cleaning up or feeding them, making sure they’re all okay,” she said.

Seaman said she plans to ask KCAC for an extension to her three day deadline so that she can have pictures of the dogs placed with various pet adoption agencies, rather than have them sent to a shelter where they are likely to be destroyed, a possibility that brings a tremor to Seaman’s voice and tears to her eyes.

“We’re getting some support from the community,” she said. “We really appreciate that.”

Anyone interested in adopting or fostering an animal should contact the Tehachapi Humane Society at 823-0699.

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Comment From: justcurious

The resident admitted taking several animals to Bakersfield and dumping them, and they weren't given more than a citation? And they were allowed to keep the excessive number of animals they have? So they can go and dump those later? This is just wrong. Someone should ask AC why they left the other animals there after the people admitted dumping other dogs the night before. Comment From: eekitsaspider

I agree with justcurious 100%.. That is just wrong to even allow these people to keep animal in their home. They obviously cannot take care of animals properly. And they should of served some jail time for animal cruelty. Comment From: caninecreek

Animal dumping, abandonment and hoarding are occurring in our community with alarming frequency. Why? Because Tehachapi does not have an animal shelter to provide sanctuary for lost and homeless pets. Canine Creek is taking a stand and insisting that the City of Tehachapi and Kern County move forward with building a facility in the greater Tehachapi area. If you would like to support this effort, please stop by Canine Creek Dog Wash & Boutique and sign our petition. We are open 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm and are located at 979 Valley Blvd (corner of Valley & Tucker). Petition signatures will be collected and presented to city and county officials to show public support for this project. Thank you! Susie Atherton Comment From: TK

BVS has a 3-dog limit? Do the residents know this?