Animal welfare complaints lodged as investigation confirmed
Trending
MILL HALL -- New developments have emerged regarding animal welfare complaints involving Calico Creek Feed & Pet in Mill Hall, Pa., as state officials acknowledge concerns involving the former pet store and a local business announces plans to relocate into the building.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Pennsylvania State Police have responded to complaints regarding the alleged treatment and living conditions of animals previously housed at the establishment.
Meanwhile, JD’s Bait and Tackle, LLC has announced plans to relocate into a larger facility within the former Calico Creek building along Route 150, next to Belle Market.
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Confirms Investigation
Danielle Lehman, DVM, Veterinary Medical Field Officer for Region 2 with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services, confirmed through official correspondence that a complaint involving Calico Creek Feed & Pet had been received.
“Your complaint has been noted with Calico Creek Pet & Feed store and will be investigated within our jurisdiction,” Lehman stated.
The department’s response confirms that the complaint has been acknowledged and that an investigation is expected within its jurisdiction.
No official findings or timeline for the investigation have been released through the correspondence provided.
Pennsylvania State Police Acknowledge Previous Complaints
Additional correspondence was received from Corporal Michael J. Spada, an Animal Cruelty Officer assigned to the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Cpl. Spada confirmed that he had previously communicated with the municipal police department responsible for the area regarding earlier complaints involving the location.
“I have been in touch with them regarding previous complaints involving this location,” Spada stated.
Spada further indicated that he would contact the municipal police department to ensure officials were aware of the concerns and offer assistance where possible.
The correspondence confirms that previous complaints involving the location had been brought to the attention of law enforcement. However, the nature and outcomes of those complaints have not been disclosed.
JD’s Bait and Tackle Announces Relocation Into Former Calico Creek Building
In a separate development, JD’s Bait and Tackle, LLC announced plans to relocate its business into a larger facility inside the former Calico Creek building, located next to Belle Market along Route 150 in Mill Hall.
According to the business’s public announcement, the relocation process is expected to begin on Dec. 1, 2026, with the new location opening once the store setup is completed.
The relocation announcement represents a new chapter for the former Calico Creek property. However, there is no indication from the information currently available that the relocation is connected to the animal welfare complaints or anticipated investigation.
Animal Welfare Concerns Remain Under Review
The original complaints involved allegations of overcrowded animal enclosures, inadequate bedding, limited access to food, unsanitary conditions and concerns regarding the treatment of fish and other animals.
These allegations have been brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities for review.
Although the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has confirmed its intention to investigate, the correspondence does not establish that any animal cruelty violations occurred.
No official investigative findings, citations or criminal charges have been confirmed through the information currently available.