Golden Gates woman charged for unlicensed vet services, 50 dogs seized

GOLDEN GATES - A woman in Golden Gates is facing charges after authorities discovered she was breeding dogs without a license.

Olga Kapishon, 63, had 50 dogs in her home, including 18 puppies, and was not a licensed breeder.

The Collier County Sheriff's Office said Kapishon was charged with practicing veterinary medicine without a license and failing to provide health certificates for the dogs she listed for sale.

In September, a tip led authorities to Kapishon's home, where she was selling dogs in poor living conditions.

Despite losing her breeder's license and receiving citations, Kapishon continued to sell dogs.

Deputies went undercover as potential buyers and found she offered to vaccinate puppies without a license.

Dog lovers in the community remain concerned for the welfare of the puppies, despite Kapishon's arrest. "I would never go to a backyard breeder," said Peggy Eckhold.

Jay, another local, questioned Kapishon's ability to provide veterinary services without proper licensing.

"Dispensing unlicensed veterinary service, unlicensed. That's not a good deal, right? I mean, I don't know how she could even do that, because how does she get supplies? How did she get medications? You know, who would bring their dog to someone like that? I research dogs like it was, like it was a pediatrician for my child," said Jay.

The impact on the puppies remains a concern for many in the community