Man Wants Cash For Ex-Wife's Seized Dogs

By Dennis Ferrier

FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- The biggest confiscation of dogs in Tennessee history took place in the heart of Franklin.

Jennifer Siliski was found guilty of animal abuses of every kind and sentenced to 10 days in jail. She had to forfeit her 230 Maltese dogs, which were valued at about $250,000.

Five years later, her ex-husband is suing Williamson County for the cash back for those dogs. But the people who brought those dogs back from death's door are appalled.

Juliet's legs were like raw hamburger. That's what happens when you live belly-deep in feces and urine. She is just one of the 230 dogs rescued by an army of volunteers who, five years later, are still paying enormous veterinarian bills.

Alan Siliski claims he cleaned the animals' cages sometimes and played with them.

Ann Logan sat through Jennifer Siliski's trial and wondered where Alan Siliski was then. She said he wasn't making big claims when the charges were out there.

"I can't imagine what his rationale is for five years after the fact," said Logan.

The vet bills for these animals are estimated at more than $1 million, all paid for by volunteers.

But even money couldn't save them all. Stewie's ashes are with the family pictures.

Otis was one of the smallest of the dogs. Five thousand dollars can't solve an abnormal heart, liver and kidneys.

"The little guy just didn't have a chance. He only weighed three pounds," Logan said.

The Siliski case has become the case talked about when trying to pass laws about puppy mills. It led to demand for a law forcing licensing, inspection and confiscation of any breeder with more than 50 puppies per year.

That failed because pet food companies were asked to add $2 per ton to pay for enforcement.

The final law forces licensing on breeders who have 20 breeding females, meaning the breeder has to have 200 puppies a year to be regulated.

Jennifer Siliski was accused of cutting the dogs' vocal cords so they couldn't bark and giving them Viagra and estrogen to keep them producing, causing cancer and tumors.

Just this fiscal year, Metro Nashville destroyed 10,000 animals at a cost of $135 per animal, amounting to $1.35 million..."  More & video

July 8, 2009:  Man Says Dogs Seized In Raid Are His

To learn more about this case visit Pet-abuse here