Target: Mimi Rocah, Westchester County District Attorney, New York State
Goal: Seek justice for apparently neglected dogs and ensure stricter regulations and oversight for animal shelters.
In a tragic case of alleged animal neglect, Penny Berk, the founder and owner of Rescue Right animal shelter at Northwind Kennels in Bedford, was arrested after the deaths of several Bernese Mountain Dogs. According to authorities, witnesses reported that four sick puppies at the shelter were being denied proper medical care. The SPCA, along with New York State Health Department officials, reportedly found the puppies and their mother, Annabelle, in critical condition the next day. The dogs were diagnosed with Distemper Virus, a preventable disease with timely medical care.
One puppy was euthanized upon arrival at a veterinary hospital due to severe illness, and despite veterinarians’ efforts, Annabelle and the remaining puppies were also euthanized over the next six days to prevent further suffering. The SPCA emphasized that proper vaccinations and timely treatment could have altered the dogs’ outcomes. Annabelle had been brought to the shelter from an Amish Pennsylvania puppy mill and was impregnated after being co-kenneled with an unneutered male dog.
Following her arrest, Berk was charged with five counts of animal cruelty and is set to appear in court. Take action now.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear District Attorney Mimi Rocah,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent case of alleged animal neglect at Rescue Right animal shelter in Bedford, resulting in the tragic deaths of several Bernese Mountain Dogs. Penny Berk, the shelter’s founder and owner, has been charged with five counts of animal cruelty after witnesses reported that sick puppies were denied proper medical care.
The SPCA’s investigation revealed that the puppies and their mother, Annabelle, were apparently suffering from Distemper Virus, a preventable disease with timely medical intervention. The delay in providing necessary medical care led to their untimely and painful deaths.
Justice must be served for these innocent animals who suffered due to alleged negligence. I urge your office to seek the maximum penalties for this animal cruelty case and enforce stricter regulations and oversight for animal shelters. Ensuring proper care and treatment for animals in shelters is crucial to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
Your intervention in this matter is essential to uphold justice and demonstrate that animal neglect and cruelty will not be tolerated. Please take decisive action to protect the welfare of animals and ensure that those responsible for such neglect are held accountable.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Bernard Spragg NZ
Penny Berk, you are a total failure and have brought shame as an animal rescuer. You are in fact an animal abuser yourself. I hope the judge gives you the harshest punishments by sending you to jail for many years and ban you from dealing with animals again for the rest of your miserable life!
She deserves to be “euthanized”