Updated 02/03/2012 05:10 PM
Controversy Over Dog Breeding Facility
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The controversy is over the number of dogs Curtis Martin could house at the Ontario County location, and violations cited at another facility he runs in Seneca County.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture found Martin in violation of federal regulations last year at his breeding facility on Route 89 in Seneca Falls.
Inspectors found dogs in his possession were not properly maintained, with many of them matted with feces around their feet and in their long nails.
Martin now wants to build a breeding facility at a location on Route 247 in the Ontario County town of Gorham.
"Not only are the dogs housed in such, I would say, horrific circumstances or conditions, even though they say the facilities are now, they'll have state-of-the-art disposal service, but also I think the other part of it is the disease that's spread from generation from litter to litter,” said Helen Dunlap, a pet owner.
That really is not fair. It's not fair for the owners who then have to endure incredible amounts of money because you're buying a sick puppy, and also that there's a loss. You buy a dog that's sick and you can't afford to get it taken care of. You're putting the dog down and you know what, I'm sorry but that's not okay," continued Dunlap.
Martin declined to be interviewed and be shown on camera. He did however share his plans for the facility in Gorham. Martin says he went through all the proper channels to obtain the permits and says the new facility will have adequate space and proper ventilation for the dogs. He also said the violations cited in the USDA report last year have been addressed and he received a clean bill at his last inspection.
Martin says the Gorham facility will replace the one in Seneca County and will only have about 200 dogs, but could possibly add more.
Gorham town supervisor Fred Lightfoote also declined to comment on camera. He says the town has received complaints from concerned citizens and they are being investigated. However, Lightfoote says the town has no jurisdiction over a moral issue and if Martin meets all the criteria, he cannot be denied a permit for his breeding business.