Pennsylvania SPCA secures guilty plea from Lancaster County breeder for lack of veterinary care for 14 dogs

Jacob Esh pleads guilty, surrenders 9 adult and 5 puppy Havanese-type dogs

Philadelphia, PA (March 8, 2017) – On Tuesday, March 7, the Pennsylvania SPCA secured a guilty plea from Jacob Esh, a formerly licensed breeder, for lack of veterinary care for a Havanese-type dog previously in his care.

Esh, of Quaryville, agreed to prohibition of ownership of any dogs for the maximum of 90 days, as well as the surrendering of nine adult and five puppy Havanese-type dogs. The dogs and puppies will be brought back to the PSPCA’s Philadelphia headquarters where they will be medically cleared by the shelter’s veterinary staff prior to being available for adoption.

A portion of the dogs and puppies are expected to be available to find new homes on Friday, March 10.

The PSPCA was contacted in September of 2016 by a private dog rescue regarding concerns over the health and veterinary care of a dog received from Esh. The dog had been transferred to the rescue in the summer. The dog was immediately brought to the veterinarian for concerns for her health and diagnosed with a broken jaw as a result of prolonged untreated severe dental disease. She received surgery for the broken jaw and additional dental treatment through the rescue. Since surgery the female has recovered. After further investigation by PSPCA officers, charges were filed and a court date was set for March 7. Prior to the trial, a plea agreement was reached.

“The neglect of, and cruelty toward, animals can take many forms,” said Nicole Wilson, Director of the PSPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement. “In this case, this cruelty took shape in the blatant omission of veterinary care for dogs suffering. We are glad that these animals will be placed in the capable hands of our veterinary staff, be cared for, and ultimately find the loving homes they have always deserved.”

Anyone with information about this case, or other cases involving animal cruelty, should call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.