Noted dog breeder owns kennels where dogs found in squalor

KINGSWOOD, N.J. – A former Westminster Dog Show winning breeder who co-owns a kennel where nearly 200 dogs were reportedly living in squalor says the kennel had fallen on hard times and began to have an “overflow” of the animals.

Martin Strozeski told The New York Times that he and his business partner “couldn’t give (the dogs) away,” calling the kennel “a hobby turned bad.”

Law enforcement officers and animal welfare groups went to the Kingswood home Tuesday to remove the dogs, which were mostly Russell terriers.

Officials said the animals seemed to have had limited human contact and minimal to no veterinary care. They noted that many were pregnant, had “masses and infections,” or both. But Strozeski said the condition of the dogs was exaggerated in reports.

“They weren’t well cared for, but they had their primary needs — food and water, and I changed their bed every day,” he said. “I was spending 12 hours a day with these dogs.”

No charges have been filed, but officials say the investigation remains under investigation.

Strozeski and his companion/business partner, Marcia Knoster, live at the 10-acre farm where they operate the Rocky Ridge Russells kennel. In 2009, a Parson Russell terrier bred by Knoster won a best in breed honour at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

“This wasn’t backyard breeding,” Strozeski said. “Things just went sideways.”

The dogs are now being cared for at an animal centre in Madison and are in the process of being spayed and neutered, groomed and treated for any medical issues they may have. The shelter said some of the dogs will likely be made available for adoption next week.