In light of several past kennel raids in PA in which the kennels, namely Limestone and Almost Heaven Kennels, had received satisfactory inspections prior to being raided and having their licenses revoked, there has finally been at least one major change in the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.

Richard Martrich who was the dog warden supervisor for the southeast region, which included supervising the six wardens in the Philadelphia area, Lehigh and Berks Counties has been transferred. Martrich is now the regional supervisor in the Bureau of Weights and Measures and will have nothing to do with the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.

Department spokesman Chris Ryder declined to comment on the reasons for the transfer, saying it was a personnel matter.

Martrich, who also declined to comment, had been removed from active duty in July pending an investigation after a raid on a Chester County kennel revealed widespread abuse and poor conditions.

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