Former Honesdale breeder convicted

Dogs stowed in storage unit await fate

By SANDY LONG

HONESDALE, PA — A former resident of Honesdale and 25-year breeder of Shetland Sheepdogs was convicted last week on 31 dog law violations and 25 counts of animal cruelty. SueAnn Wilke-Westbrook, now of Emigsville, forfeited 14 dogs and one cat and is prohibited from owning dogs for six years. Fines are pending, but have not yet been finalized and may total over $25,000.

Senior District Justice Joan Snyder’s ruling followed a five-hour trial at the Wayne County Courthouse on August 26.

The charges stem from three different incidents, including one in which Wilke-Westbrook stowed 10 dogs in a self-storage unit on Commercial Street in Honesdale on July 24. Pennsylvania Humane Society police officer Marlene Metzger, who, along with Pennsylvania Dog Warden Jim Rickert, seized the dogs from the unit, described them as filthy and flea-infested. An earlier incident at Wilke-Westbrook’s home led to the condemnation of that property.

The 14 dogs and cat are currently being cared for at the Dessin Animal Shelter in Honesdale. Wilke-Westbrook has up to 30 days to file an appeal, during which the animals can not be adopted and must continue living in cages. No phone number was available for contacting Wilke-Westbrook for comment.

Metzger said that the dogs are recovering nicely and would all make excellent pets for caring owners.

“Dogs forgive us so much, and continue to show love, even when they’re neglected,” said Metzger. “I only hope SueAnn loves them enough to let them go to good homes.”