Leeanna Kamp & Christopher Ellis: Yorkie Angel / California Pets & Supplies, Solano, CA

Dec 22, 2009: Number of seized Solano County puppies close to 100

The number of sick or mistreated puppies seized in a pet store raid last week has risen to almost 100, and complaints are flooding in statewide from customers who purchased dogs from the store owners' online business.

The owners, a Dixon couple arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty last week after more than 90 expensive purebred puppies were confiscated from their pet shop and home, pleaded not guilty Monday in Solano County Superior Court...." More

Dec 18, 2009: Complaints Pour In After Dixon Pet Store Raided

Today, there is more fallout from Thursday's raid of a Dixon pet store. The owners are now in jail, and accused of selling sick puppies and running an online dog lottery. The SPCA says all of the animals seized in Thursday's raid in Dixon are sick with various diseases. They're all quarantined and under lock and key for fear someone might steal them. Also, all of the canines are considered evidence in a criminal case involving hundreds of dogs and families that feel cheated.

"She showed me six pictures and I picked her out, and this is a year later so I never forget a face," says Escobedo. April Escobedo has never forgotten the face of Leanna Ellis. Ellis is the woman that sold Esocobedo a Tea Cup Yorkie back in August of 2008 for $1200. But four days later, the puppy named Nitro, was dead. "It started falling over, it didn't want to eat so we knew something was wrong with it, I took it to the vet," says Escobedo. .." More & video

Dec, 18, 2009: Solano County pet shop owners arrested, puppies seized

By Kimberly K. Fu

A Dixon couple was arrested Thursday on charges of animal abuse as authorities shut down their pet shop and seized more than 80 pure bred puppies that may be sick.

Christopher John Derek Ellis, reportedly a Canadian citizen, and his wife, Leeanna Rachelle Kamp, were booked into Solano County Jail on suspicion of numerous charges, including two counts of animal cruelty and illegally operating an online lottery.

Ellis is currently on probation for a Sacramento felony. Both are being held on $50,000 bail, with arraignments scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday in Solano County Superior Court in Fairfield.

Their store, California Pets & Supplies has been at its current site in Dixon for a month and they also run an online business, YorkieAngel.com, selling pricey dogs such as Yorkshire terriers, Shih Tzus, Shiba Inus and Maltese for between $900 and upwards of $2,500..." More

Yorkie Angel / California Pets and Supply: Christopher Ellis and Leeanna Kamp

Dec 21, 2009: Not Guilty Pleas For Animal Cruelty, Child Neglect Charges

VACAVILLE, Calif. -- Two owners of a Dixon pet store plead not guilty Monday to animal cruelty and child neglect charges after more than 100 toy-breed puppies were taken from their pet shop last week.

Authorities said the dogs that were taken from California Pets and Supply – including a variety of Yorkshire terriers, Shih Tzus, Shiba Inus and Maltese mixes – suffered from various diseases and ill health. In addition, store owners Chris Ellis and his wife Leanna Kamp faced child endangerment charges stemming from accusations that they neglected their nearly 2-year-old daughter.

Kamp reacted with shock in a Vacaville courtroom Monday as she and husband Ellis faced the judge. Both plead not guilty to the charges against them.

The couple's store was raided last Thursday after allegations the store was selling puppies that died shortly after customers brought them home.

It was after a search of the couple’s home that the additional charge of child endangerment surfaced due to the state of the home.

Dec 19, 2009: Puppies Removed, Two Arrested After Animal Cruelty Claims In Dixon

DIXON - Two people are under arrest and dozens of puppies are under the care of Solano County SPCA officials following the raid and closure of a pet store in Dixon.

Christopher Ellis and Leeanna Kamp were taken into custody by police officers on charges of animal cruelty during a raid on the California Pets and Supply store Thursday afternoon in Dixon.

Officials with the Solano County District Attorney's Office began investigating Ellis and Kamp after various complaints by dog owners that newly-purchased puppies died within days of acquiring them from the California Pets and Supply store. Authorities say Ellis had previously been under investigation in another county on similar accusations before relocating to Solano County.

Puppies at the store were apparently for sale on a website called "Yorkie Angel." Online videos posted three months ago show what appear to be relatively healthy, happy puppies playing with toys and posing for the camera.

Solano County District Attorney David Paulson say Ellis and Kamp allegedly ran online lotteries through the website in violation of state law. A promotion on the website reads "Win A T-Cup Yorkie Puppy for only $20!" Visitors to the website were apparently able to purchase a virtual lottery ticket by submitting payment to "Yorkie Angel" by using their credit card or debit card.

"We had to act immediately to protect the citizens of Solano County from people who were exposing the public to sick or diseased puppies," District Attorney Paulson commented in a statement released to the media Thursday. "We are concerned for anyone who may have entered the business in Dixon. If they have other pets, we would encourage them to seek veterinary attention."

It's unclear what disease or ailment the puppies at California Pets and Supply, and those allegedly for sale through the website, may have contracted or spread. A complaint on a consumer reports website from a person claiming to have purchased a dog through the website says their dog was diagnosed with Parvo by a veterinarian shortly after purchase..." More & video

Two Arrested, Animals Seized from Filthy Juneau County Home

Two people face numerous charges for keeping nearly 100 animals in filthy conditions at a home in the township of Necedah.

The Juneau County Sheriff's Department says the County Humane Officer and deputies went to the home at W5403 County Highway G for an animal welfare check.

The officer and deputies found numerous cats living in a room covered with fecal matter and urine. They also found two dead kittens with mold growing on them.

Deputies seized 83 dogs and about 10 cats and kittens from the residence. The animals were brought to Dogs Rule, an animal and boarding shelter near Mauston.

63-year-old Jean Maderer and 63-year-old Leslie Ellis were arrested and face multiple charges of failing to provide proper shelter sanitation and ventilation to animals.

Investigators say Maderer and Ellis had previously been ordered to improve the care of their animals..." More