TWO DANA POINT MEN ARRAIGNED ON MULTIPLE COUNTS OF ANIMAL ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND TAX EVASION FOR RUNNING AN ILLEGAL POMERANIAN PUPPY MILL

TWO DANA POINT MEN ARRAIGNED ON MULTIPLE COUNTS OF ANIMAL ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND TAX EVASION FOR RUNNING AN ILLEGAL POMERANIAN PUPPY MILL

Santa Ana— Mark Bock, 37, and Jeffrey Worley, 38, of Dana Point, were arraigned today and pled not guilty to 14 counts of felony animal abuse and 44 misdemeanor charges stemming from their business called “Pearlie’s House of Pomeranians.”  A Franchise Tax Board investigation revealed evidence that led to additional charges being filed against the defendants for two counts of willful failure to file or make fraudulent tax returns.  Animal abuse charges were originally filed against the defendants on January 26, 2005.  Based on newly developed evidence, a new complaint was filed November 7, 2005, to add the felony charges.  If convicted on all counts the defendants face a sentencing range from probation to a maximum of 13 years in state prison.   

The defendants are accused of selling Pomeranians out of their home, maintaining an illegal kennel in the residence, and failing to report more than $484,000 of taxable income.  The defendants had been previously warned and cited by law enforcement for unauthorized animal sales and failure to provide medical treatment for animals in their care. 

In September 2003, one victim bought a puppy for $6,700 only to find out the dog had a hole in its heart and was suffering from pneumonia.  The victim’s veterinarian suggested that she return the puppy because it was unfit for sale.  The puppy died within 10 days of the purchase.  She did not receive a refund and was threatened with legal action by the defendants if she stopped payment on her check.

In February 2004, a second victim purchased a puppy from the defendants for $973.  Within a week, the dog was coughing up roundworms and diagnosed with parasites and corneal trauma.  One of the roundworms that the puppy coughed up was seven inches in length.

In May 2004, a third victim purchased a puppy from the defendants for $2,000.  Within one hour, the puppy had vomited, had blood in its stool, and had diarrhea.  When the victim tried to return the dog saying it was sick, the defendants denied knowing her.

In January 2005, law enforcement officers found 39 Pomeranian puppies hidden in a secret room in the attic and two dead puppies in the freezer.  Many of the rescued puppies were ill with respiratory and parasitic problems.  They were immediately taken from the home and placed on antibiotics at the Coastal Animal Services Authority (CASA).  One puppy died and the other 38 puppies made a full recovery and were adopted.  CASA provided more than $16,000 in services to heal and care for the puppies.