Officials liberated 2 dogs and a rabbit from Scamps who were found to be living in poor health conditions. Store manager Laura Lien, 59, was cited for animal neglect. Scamps Pet Center at the Lancaster Mall is now being investigated.
"There are times in the morning when I can hear the animals, and it sounds like they're crying, through the wall," said Justin Tocher, who works nearby. "I don't know how well they're taken care of."
Googling "Scamps Pet Center" reveals many negative comments on different websites from former employees and shoppers. One has to wonder how Scamps has survived this long.
"My kids always wanna go in there and it's honestly depressing," said a local shopper from Lancaster Mall. "Most of the time the cages need to be cleaned because puppies are playing or even eating I've witnessed their own poo. Most don't have water and are confined in such a small space. I've also always wondered if anyone really pays as much as they try and charge for animals. I'm happy someone has stepped in. Hopefully they get shut down!"
Tracy Lee, a former employee of Scamps in Corvallis, Albany and Eugene says, "I'm not surprised that there are only 6 stores left of the dozens that were in business when I worked for them. Yes, they were known for buying from puppy and kitten mills, and a number of animals would die while in the shop. I remember the mutant American Eskimo with the paw growing out of it's chest."
The Humane Society and the Department of Agriculture will continue the investigation.
"If more information surfaces, there may be additional counts," said Salem Police Lt. Dave Okada.
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