CYPRESS : City Orders Kennel to Shut Its Doors

After more than two hours of testimony from county and city officials, the City Council this week ordered Kipperdale Kennels to cease operation and gave owner Norma Nielson about two months to get her more than 70 animals out of town.

The council listened as representatives from several Orange County agencies said inspections showed dogs having to sleep in their own waste and sewage backed up onto the lawn, among other health code violations.

Detective Carlos Solorza of the Cypress Police Department also said Nielson is being investigated for several cruelty-to-animal charges, including allegations that two dogs died under her care.

Nielson denied the allegations made by the officials and pleaded with the council not to take her kennel away.

“I have never mistreated one animal in my entire life,” Nielson said. “I beg you not to let this happen.”

The kennel on Denni Street had been the target of an extensive investigation after patrons complained about unsanitary conditions. In February, 1990, Orange County Animal Control stripped the kennel of its license, and it has been operating illegally since then, officials said. At least 11 citations have been issued to Nielson, including three for keeping ferrets, which are illegal in California.

Since the investigation began, Nielson says she has been harassed by city police officers who turned away customers. She also says that many of the complaints concerning backed-up sewage, tree trimming and landscaping have been addressed.

Residents living nearby came out to ask the council to shut the kennel down. “The sheer number of dogs in the kennel is animal cruelty,” Ben Walters said.

Nielson now has about 50 dogs, 15 cats, five rabbits and handful of exotic birds in the kennel. A few friends of Nielson spoke on her behalf, saying she takes in strays nobody else wants.

However, in a unanimous decision, the council ordered Nielson to stop operating immediately and to vacate within 60 days. If she fails to get out, the city retains the right to go in clean up the premises and charge her for it, according to City Atty. Jerry M. Patterson.

“It is an example of someone not obeying the rules,” said Councilwoman Gail H. Kerry. “We have no choice.”