A Manorville dog breeder is facing criminal charges after inspectors allegedly found more than 20 dogs and puppies living in unsanitary and freezing conditions at a local kennel.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that John Kowal, 57, owner of Blue Ribbon Puppies, was arrested and charged with 23 counts of misdemeanor animal neglect.
According to prosecutors, inspectors from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets conducted an unannounced inspection on February 24, 2026, at Kowal’s Manorville property where he allegedly breeds and sells dogs.
When inspectors arrived, they reportedly observed snow blocking access to the kennel building, leading them to believe no one had checked on the animals for at least 48 hours. Kowal allegedly had to shovel a path through the snow so inspectors could enter the facility.
Inside the building, inspectors found 23 dogs and puppies housed in both indoor and outdoor kennels.
Investigators reported several “critical” welfare issues, including:
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An accumulation of feces in the kennels
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Frozen drinking water for the animals
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Insufficient space restricting the dogs’ movement
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Indoor temperatures too low to protect animals from extreme cold
After inspectors noted the low temperature, Kowal allegedly turned on the heat. However, officials said the building’s temperature only rose to 43 degrees Fahrenheit after about an hour.
Authorities also alleged that:
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Some dogs had not received required rabies vaccinations
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Several animals were not properly licensed
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Required exercise plans were not documented or followed
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Sick or injured animals were not treated according to a veterinary care plan
The inspection findings were reported to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST). Detectives later executed a search warrant on March 9 at the property with assistance from the Riverhead Town Police Department, and veterinary care was sought for several animals.
Kowal was arraigned on March 11 in Riverhead Town Justice Court before Judge Lori M. Hulse.
Because the charges are non-bail eligible misdemeanors, Kowal was released following the arraignment. He is scheduled to return to court on March 24, 2026.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Megan Gallagher and Brooke Salvatore of the BEAST unit.
Authorities reminded the public that criminal complaints are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Photo: SCPD.
