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Pet Owners Scramble to Pick up Pets After Kennel Abruptly Closes

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Pet owners rushed to retrieve their animals after a kennel in Wilkes-Barre was forced to close its doors. For more than 10 years, Prep...

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. -- Pet owners rushed to retrieve their animals after a kennel in Wilkes-Barre was forced to close its doors.

For more than 10 years, Preppy Pet kennel has been on North Sherman Street in Wilkes-Barre. Michelle Jenkins has owned it for two years now, and she says there have been problems, including issues with water pipes and water pressure.

An attorney for the landlord says the water is "not a major issue" and said Jenkins has not paid her rent in over a year.

"That is absolutely, 100 percent, not true. Please go to the Wilkes-Barre Courthouse, pull up the prothonotary. I paid then $44,000 into the prothonotary on February 25 of this year. That money was held in escrow trying to get them to fix the water situation," said Jenkins.

Monday, Jenkins was evicted. People showed up to get their animals; 16 dogs and one cat were picked up. The business was forced to close, and the building was secured.

"She was given a possession eviction order in January. She confirmed it again in March. She was given notice in May and in June, and that fact that sheriffs came in about 10 days with a notice to say let the owners know that the dogs have to be removed," said Bill Vinsko, an attorney for the landlord.

A building at 543 Scott Street in the city is under construction. Jenkins said she owns it and it will be the new location for her kennel.

"We purchased this building May 10 and we have been doing renovations trying to get us out of the old building. This big, beautiful building, I'm happy, you know. I'm sad and I have a lot on my plate right now, but I'm going to persevere."

If all goes well, Jenkins hopes she can open her business on Scott Street by the end of the week.

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