Details about this story

• Source: Allentown Morning Call
• Date: March 11, 2007
• URL: Read the story
• Bylines: Tim Darragh , Christopher Schnaars
• Topics: State Government , Animals
• Data Types: State Data
• Description/Excerpt: Puppy breeding and boarding kennels throughout Pennsylvania have been virtually assured of passing grades from state regulators even with feces-filled living areas, cramped cages, dirty water bowls and diseased or dead dogs, according to an investigation by The Morning Call based on a first-ever analysis of 20,000 state inspection records. Dog wardens are charged with protecting puppies. But the analysis of kennel inspection records from 2003-2006 shows the wardens have been the kennel owners' best friend. Kennels received perfect ratings -- no violations in the 26 categories inspected by wardens on each visit -- more than nine times out of 10 during that time, the newspaper's analysis of the state's computerized records showed.
• Methodology: See explainer
• Database or Graphic: Go to site (htmlstory)