Wayne's Puppy Shop in Appomattox, VA: Are the Dogs from a Legitimate Kennel?

On June 15, 2009, Pam Chappell approached the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors under petition # CUP09004 to request a Conditional Use Permit to operate a commercial kennel off Church St, which is adjacent to the Town of Appomattox. The Appomattox Planning Commission denied her request.

On the exact same day, Susan Harold requested under petition # CUP09005 a Conditional Use Permit to operate a commercial kennel on her property off River Ridge Road in Appomattox. See the Sources section below for more information about these petitions.

Even though these two ladies have separate properties, they are clearly working together. Ms. Chappell spoke at the meeting on Ms. Harold's behalf to explain the difference between a USDA broker license and a breeder license. Also, both of their phone numbers are listed under Contact Us on horseshoekennels.com

Why does it matter that they are affiliated?

Many people who have inquired about Susan Harold's Horeshoe Kennels feel that her facility is a puppy mill because she sells so many breeds. She also reportedly breeds underweight dogs. One buyer says that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy purchased from Susan Harold had kennel cough, ear mites, and could barely use her back legs. There was one incident where AWAG was contacted because she couldn't catch her own stud dogs. Do dogs from a reputable kennel run away to the point that a dog rescue group had to be contacted to help retrieve them?

It would seem that since Chappell's original kennel plan was denied in 2009, she decided to open a puppy shop. Her puppy store opened on February 24, 2011 in the Shoppes of Appomattox. Instead of getting to play outside, these dogs are locked indoors in small pens all day long. They look so tired and unhealthy from being exposed to the public at such a young age. It's truly sad to see.

The online public reaction to her store has been mixed.

Chappell claims that the store puppies come from different breeders, but an online search shows that they list themselves as the breeders for multiple dog breeds even though Chappell is only a licensed broker.

The store's unofficial mascot is a papillon that cannot walk correctly on its front legs, which was the result of in-breeding. It's really sad to see this poor little dog trying to walk and hopefully it is under the care of a veterinarian. That little dog is a great example of why going to a reputable breeder is so important!

A neighbor says that Chappell's home is always vacant except for the animals. People who know her allege that neither Chappell's own dogs nor her horses receive basic care. They stated that her little pot belly pigs used to run up and down the street. The pigs have since been sold due to neighbor complaints.

People are also questioning if there is a need for a puppy shop in Appomattox. With a 90% kill rate at the Appomattox Pound, the better question might be why this puppy shop doesn't have a goal of helping to raise the abysmal 10% shelter's adoption rate. In comparison, Petsmart is a profitable pet store in Lynchburg, VA that has some of Campbell County's shelter cats on display.

It's interesting that Wayne's Puppy Shop's domain registration contact information only lists VistaPrint. It's unusual for small businesses not to list themselves as any form of contact in the domain information. Wayne's Puppy Shop can be contacted by e-mail: pchapp63@hotmail.com or their cell phone number: (434) 665 - 9284.

Sources

http://www.appomattoxcountyva.gov/vertical/Sites/%7B9A7F8CAA-D898-4C74-82B9-B9F2AEE6A7B9%7D/uploads/%7BA48363A1-BA7A-43C8-9BCC-F2E8012996FB%7D.PDF

http://horseshoekennels.com/Page_2_VWEF.html