July 13, 2016
Publication: The Gazette
Summary:
Gerhard L. Felts, also known as Gary Felts, 61, operator of Black Diamond Kennel, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids to one count of making false statements to the government in connection with a civil judgment of $18,938 awarded to the government in 2010. He faces up to five years in federal prison.
CAPS investigated Felts’ USDA-licensed facility in Iowa back in April 2015. The investigation revealed fecal accumulation and insufficient shelter from the elements. According to interstate health certificates reviewed by CAPS, here are a few of the pet shops to whom Felts, using first name of Gerhardt and a PO box in Nebraska rather than his facility address in Iowa, sells:
California:
Fancy Puppy, Corona (owned by David Salinas)
Puppy Patch, National City (owned by Pups & Pets, Santee)
Florida:
Puppies Galore, Jacksonville
Pet Kingdom, Ft. Myers
Petland, Sarasota
Massachusetts:
Laughlin Kennels, Oxford
Park Ave Birds & Pet Supply, W. Bridgewater
Nebraska:
Pet Doctor, Lincoln
New York:
American Breeders, Mohegan Lake and Wappingers Falls (both closed)
Pets Unlimited, Queens
Felts also sells through the broker Pixie Pals (Becky Busboom) in Nebraska to numerous pet shops.
