Kimbertal Kennels: A Closer Look at Their Breeding Practices
Kimbertal Kennels, located in Pennsylvania, has been a topic of discussion among Doberman enthusiasts and animal welfare advocates for several years. While Kimbertal rejects claims to be a puppy mill, stating, “…We have won in court a previous case where we were incorrectly called a puppymill. The judge felt that the term was linked to a mental image of dirt, cruelty, wire cages and dogs being bred over and over and we did not fit that profile. We breed dogs are not a puppymill…,” these accusations reach far back in time. In a 1995 newspaper article, strong accusations resemble what one might think of as a puppy mill. The kennel is known for breeding Dobermans and Rottweilers in large numbers, a practice that has led to significant scrutiny and controversy.
Regulatory Compliance and Health Concerns
According to inspection reports, Kimbertal Kennels has faced various challenges concerning the health and welfare of their animals. For example, instances of dogs needing veterinary care for conditions like callused hips and sore feet have been documented during inspections. The facility has reportedly complied with these observations by providing the necessary veterinary documentation and care as requested by inspectors (Dober Forum).
Despite these efforts, broader concerns exist about the volume of dogs bred and the implications for their health. Critics argue that breeding at such a scale makes it difficult to ensure the health and well-being of each individual animal. This concern is exacerbated by reports from individuals who have purchased dogs from Kimbertal, some of whom have faced significant health issues with their pets, including hip dysplasia and other genetic conditions (Pedigree Database) (Dober Forum) (Dober Forum), as well as behavioral problems.
Rescue Reports and Public Perception
The perception of Kimbertal Kennels varies widely. Some former customers report satisfactory experiences, noting that the kennel replaced dogs with health issues without question (Pedigree Database). While that may sound trustworthy, the problem remains that they seem to produce a high volume of dogs with health issues. Moreover, others express frustration and disappointment, particularly regarding the lack of health testing and the high volume of puppies bred each year. For instance, it's reported that Kimbertal produces over 600 puppies annually, raising concerns about the feasibility of maintaining high breeding standards at such a scale (Dober Forum).
Additionally, many rescue organizations report that a significant number of Dobermans in their care come from Kimbertal Kennels. This highlights a concern about the long-term welfare of the animals bred by Kimbertal, as these dogs often seem to require rescue and rehoming due to various health and behavioral issues (Dober Forum).
Moreover, the business model of providing "instant gratification" by allowing buyers to pick up puppies immediately contrasts sharply with practices recommended by animal welfare groups, which advocate thorough buyer education and careful consideration before adopting a pet (Dober Forum).
A Call for Buyer Diligence
The debate around Kimbertal Kennels underscores a critical need for prospective pet owners to conduct thorough research before committing to a breeder. The mixed reviews and documented issues suggest that while some may have positive experiences, there are significant risks involved with purchasing pets from high-volume breeders.
Besides the named concerns, the Doberman Pinscher breed has had significant problems with specific genetic health concerns.
Arguably, high-volume breeders do little to nothing to improve this situation. Some may argue that they are a central problem looking at these genetic health concerns.
For those considering a Doberman or Rottweiler, it is crucial to explore breeders who prioritize health screenings, genetic testing, and more personalized care of their breeding animals. Additionally, adopting from rescue organizations or shelters can be a responsible alternative, providing homes to dogs in need while avoiding the pitfalls associated with large-scale commercial breeding operations.
While Kimbertal Kennels may not be classified as a puppy mill under the law, guarantee statements such as, “Guarantees apply to the original puppy/dog only and is not transferable. The puppy/dog must be in good physical condition and ears (dobermans) must be standing. No replacement will be given if the dog has been bred, neutered or spayed. The puppy/adult MUST be returned to the kennel. The owner is responsible for transportation cost to and from the kennel” leaves one wondering why they will not take back a spayed/neutered dog.
Lastly, Kimbertal Kennels engages in a practice called the "One-Litter-Back Contract.” This blog article explains why this may be of interest to you.
In summary, the case of Kimbertal Kennels presents a complex picture that highlights the broader issues within the pet breeding industry. While the kennel adheres to certain regulatory requirements, the scale of its operations and the subsequent health problems reported by pet owners contribute to ongoing debates about ethical breeding practices and animal welfare. As always, potential buyers should prioritize breeders who demonstrate a strong commitment to the health and well-being of their animals, ensuring that their practices align with best practices in animal care and husbandry.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated agencies, organizations, employers, or companies. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal, professional, or other advice.
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