The land and buildings at the site of the notorious Buxton puppy mill, where 250 dogs were seized in the state’s largest animal cruelty case, will soon be going up for auction.
The J’Aime Kennels property at 35 Paucek Road, owned by John and Heidi Frasca, will be foreclosed and auctioned by Sanford Institution for Savings on Friday, Oct. 3. The auction will be conducted by Murphy Auction & Realty.
“It’s a very interesting property,” Joe Murphy, auction company owner, said. “It’s 23 acres of land, and you can’t see a house any where.”
In August 2007, the state seized nearly 250 dogs from the Frascas. According to the state veterinarian, the majority of the dogs had health problems – including giardiasis and sarcoptic manage – and were confined to small, dirty living spaces. Some of the animals were also reportedly malnourished and many had lost their fur.
The state closed the kennel down, and for five months local animal shelters and the state cared for the dogs. The court eventually awarded custody of the dogs to the state, allowing the animals to be adopted into new homes.
Buxton Selectman Bob Libby said this week he is glad that the puppy mill scandal will soon be behind the town.
“It’s nice that we’re moving past this,” Libby said. “It’s a beautiful piece of property, and I hope some one will buy it who has good intentions of using it.”
The town of Buxton values the 23 acres at $244,100 and the 42-unit dog kennel building at $195,800. The mobile home that sits on the property is valued at $11,700.
The property is overgrown with grass and weeds and is isolated from neighbors. The odor of dogs still lingers throughout the abandoned kennel. The mobile home seemed to be in disrepair.
Murphy said there has been some interest in the property, which will be open for inspection from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday.
Murphy said he would like to see an animal shelter take over the property.
“Here’s a dog kennel that is off line now,” Murphy said. “I’ve got to think there is a need in Buxton for another one and I hope there is somebody who puts it back on line and gives a place to animals for help.”
The Frascas face multiple animal cruelty charges. In August, a York County Superior Court judge issued a second warrant for the Frascas’ arrest for a second failure to appear in court.
Earlier this year the Frascas filed a civil lawsuit in Cumberland County Superior Court for $1 million. They named 99 defendants in the suit, including Gov. John Baldacci and the Buxton Police Department, which investigated the animal cruelty case against the Frascas.
According to Buxton tax records, the Frascas owe $4,528.47 in back taxes and other fees that have not been paid in 2008.
The American Journal attempted to call a New Hampshire-area code phone number that was last listed for the Frascas, but no phone calls were returned.
Standing in front of the former J’Aime Kennel located in Buxton, Joe Murphy, of Murphy Auction and Reality, talks about the value of the property. The bank has foreclosed on the property and it will be auctioned on October 3, 2008. Send questions/comments to the editors.
