Court proceedings have been delayed against the woman in Cloverdale, who had sixteen Golden Retrievers taken from her home two weeks ago. The court has ordered Brook Hunter Brownback to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine her mental competency. See Mary Callahan’s story.
Hunter Brownback is to return to court May 5 on charges of child endangerment and animal cruelty. Her 17-year-old son was forced to live amid the filth of sixteen dogs held in a backyard breeding operation. The teen was taken into protective custody and is now living with relatives. The dogs are being cared for at a doggie daycare in Cloverdale.
In an odd way, it’s a relief that Hunter Brownback is undergoing evaluation. Who in their right mind lives like that? Who in their right mind forces their child to live amid such filth? Who in their right mind allows sixteen dogs to run free in a house, peeing and pooping everywhere?
The case represents what is wrong with backyard breeders and the people who patronize such operations. Checking out the environment where a puppy is whelped and reared for the first two months is step one in purchasing from a breeder. Buyers should go the house, watch the puppies in the litter and demand to see the parents or at the very least, the dam. Ask questions and believe nothing.
Don’t take a breeder’s word for it that “these are AKC registered.” That’s usually a bunch of hooey. That is the other part of this story. A fraud investigation that has been opened now that buyers of these dogs are starting to hear about the case. Some have posted on Pets Corner of receiving dogs who have severe health issues including hip dysplasia, an often crippling orthopedic issue common in retrievers.
Hunter Brownback remains jailed while undergoing the evaluation and her home in Cloverdale has been condemned.
