San Diego Puppy

On the premises at the time of investigation: Approximately 200+ dogs.

Breeds: Yorkshire Terriers, Italian Greyhounds, Shiba Inus, Maltese, Bichon Frise, Poodles, Shih Tzus, Siberian Huskies, Jack Russell Terriers, Beagles, more.

The temperature at the time of the investigation was 85 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny.

Building Type #1:
I arrived at Robert Taylor’s kennel around 1 pm. No one was present at the kennel. I obtained his home phone number from a neighbor and then drove about 5 miles to his home, which is located separately, and then he drove me back to the kennels.

During the extent of my visit, Mr. Taylor fed and left water for several dogs haphazardly, indicating there was no food or water readily available for those dogs for an unknown amount of time and likely no set feeding schedule. Water must be readily available for dogs if not continually, often enough to ensure their health in the current weather conditions. On an 85 degree day, dehydration is common and water should be made available continuously (3.10 Watering). Also, according to Missouri State regulations, as of 2011, water must be provided continuously. At one point, Mr. Taylor filled a water bowl belonging to a group of Beagles with the contents of an old bleach container. The contents in this container were unknown and would not be considered a potable origin of water or an acceptable container (3.10 Watering).

There were four rows of wire kennels stacked two high, the lower one being about 4 feet off the ground. There were also three rows of kennels of the same structure, but only one kennel high. The kennels were very old and did not seem structurally sound, as the structure appeared to be leaning (3.1(a) Housing facilities, general) (3.6(a)(1) Primary Enclosures) (3.6(a)(2)(v) & (vi) Primary Enclosures). They were made of plastic PVC piping for the supports and metal caging for the walls and floors. The metal caging was rusted in many locations (3.1(c)(i) Housing facilities, general). The caging on the floors had cracks about 3/4” thick between each bar, the cracks too wide for a dog to stand comfortably. Many of the dogs had very long, unkempt toenails which can lead to kennel foot and very painful injuries.

The kennels did not have any visible bedding, and temperatures in this area drop below 50 degree Fahrenheit in the winter (3.2(a)-Indoor housing facility) (3.4(b)(4) Outdoor housing Facility). No air conditioning seemed to be provided for the inside portions of the kennels as it was the same temperature inside the kennels as outside (3.1(d)-Housing facilities, general) (3.2(a) & (c)-Indoor housing facilities) (3.3(a) & (c)-Sheltered housing facilities).

At one point, Mr. Taylor picked up a very small puppy, likely under 1 week of age, and handled it carelessly. Puppies this small should not be handled, as it causes stress and potential injury to both the puppy and the mother (2.131(b)(1) Miscellaneous). Many dogs were seen with overgrown toenails, and matted fur. Overgrown toenails can become caught and break and/or become painful, and matting can lead to various skin issues. This is a vet care violation. If a licensed veterinarian does not conduct daily observations, a mechanism of direct and frequent communication is required so that timely and accurate information on problems of animal health, behavior, and well-being are being conveyed to the attending veterinarian (2.40(a) Attending veterinary and adequate veterinary care) (2.40(b)(2) & (3) Attending veterinary and adequate veterinary care)

Building Type #2:
The large breed dogs were kept in grounded pens separate from the other dogs and had no access to indoor housing (3.4(b) Outdoor Housing Facility). Siberian Huskies are dogs not acclimated to this temperature range because they originate from a much colder climate and should be restricted from being kept in outdoor housing facilities that are cooled (3.4(a)(1)(i) & (ii) Outdoor housing facilities). The dogs were not shaved and had full coats further exacerbating the heat. The facilities for larger dogs did not have roofs to help provide shade (3.4(b) Outdoor housing facilities) (3.4(b)(1) & (2) Outdoor housing facilities). No bedding was provided for these dogs. (3.4(b)(4) Outdoor housing facilities).

On the premises at the time of investigation: Approximately 100+ dogs.

Breeds: Miniature Pinchers, Pomeranians, Great Danes, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Shih Tzus, more.

The temperature at the time of the investigation was 84 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny on 06/07/12 and 86 Fahrenheit and cloudy on 06/14/12.

Building Type #1:
I arrived at Robert Osburn’s place around 1 pm after contacting him on the phone. I approached a woman spraying down the waste in the kennels with a live stream, with the dogs presently in the kennels and subject to being sprayed with the feces or the water at high pressure. Dogs should be removed from kennels when using live stream if there is potential they will be harmed, wetted or distressed in the process (3.11 (a) Cleaning, sanitation, housekeeping and pest control). She then referred me to Mr. Osburn himself who showed me the kennels.

In the indoor/outdoor kennels, no air conditioning or fans appeared to be on, however, there were fans in the indoor portion of the kennel that were powered off. It was warm enough for the dogs to need air conditioning at 85 degrees Fahrenheit (3.1(d)-Housing facilities, general) (3.2(a) & (c)-Indoor housing facilities) (3.3(a) & (c)-Sheltered housing facilities).

At least four Pomeranians could be seen in one enclosure. This didn’t meet minimum space requirements for four dogs of this size in one location. With the dogs being an estimated 10 inches in length, this would require the dogs have at least 1.78 sq ft of space per dog, or 7.11 sq ft total. There did not appear to be more than 3 or 4 sq ft of space. (3.6 (c) Primary enclosures).

Space requirements are determined as follows:

The mathematical square of the sum of the length of the dog in inches (measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail) plus 6 inches; then divided by 144.

(length of dog in inches + 6) x (length of dog in inches + 6) = required floor space in square inches.

Required floor space in inches/144 = required floor space in square feet.

(10+6) x (10+6)    =    (16) x (16)    =     256    =     1.78 sq ft. per dog, or 7.11 sq ft per 4
          144                      144            144                        

The more prominent example of the conditions from Osburn’s kennel came from the state of the four adult breeding dogs he gave me because he did not want them anymore. I received a total of 4 Miniature Pincher dogs, 2 males, and 2 females. The red male and female were both about 4 years old, the black male 9, and the black female 7. As Mr. Osburn was attempting to retrieve the dogs to give them to me, they were very hard to catch and appeared very afraid of him. He made a remark that “when he goes inside the dogs go outside and vice versa.”

Once I received the first Min Pin, I immediately took him to Dr. Brett E. Herrin DVM of Herrin Animal Hospital in Cassville, MO. Dr. Herrin told me that the dog had been fed low quality dog food because his coat was very rough and full of dry skin. The dog had a very enlarged prostate due to overbreeding which can be very painful and dangerous to a dog, and his biggest and most painful problem were his teeth. The male black Miniature Pincher had 3 teeth remaining that were very infected. These teeth now need to be removed and are very painful to the dog, and once they are removed he will only be able to eat soft food. This issue should have been acknowledged years ago by a veterinarian and taken care of. (2.40(a) Attending veterinary and adequate veterinary care) (2.40(b)(2) & (3) Attending veterinary and adequate veterinary care).

The red Min Pins and the female black Min Pin were very terrified of people and wouldn’t let any person, myself included, come within a 5 foot span of them without struggle. Dogs behaving this way have obviously been neglected and are in serious violation of adequate veterinary care. (2.40(a) Attending veterinary and adequate veterinary care) (2.40(b)(2) & (3) Attending veterinary and adequate veterinary care).

On the premises at the time of investigation: Approximately 150 dogs.

Breeds: Noted: Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Standard Poodles, Miniature Poodles, Wheaten Terriers, Persian Cats

The temperature at the time of the investigation was 93 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny.

Building Type #1:
I arrived at Ms. Jacobs’s home around 3 pm. She said that her state inspector had just left and the inspection went well, passing with few violations. She mentioned that the relationship with your inspector can completely make or break your inspection and that luckily hers liked her. During the time of my investigation, I noted several violations. Several dogs were kept in her home, including one nursing poodle with several puppies, which were in a laundry basket. She stated these were for sale and not pets. There was trash and clutter all over the home, making the area unsuitable for proper sanitation and organization (3.1(b) Housing facilities, general).

Building Type #2:
I was only able to visit one of Ms. Jacobs’s shelters, mostly holding puppies ready for or almost ready for commercial sale and several brokerage puppies. This enclosure was completely indoors and provided no outdoor access for the dogs. This is in violation of the new revisions to the Missouri Canine Cruelty Prevention Act, which require unfettered outdoor access for all dogs.

In this building, two puppies, one Shih Tzu and one Yorkshire Terrier, were isolated from their littermates due to weakness and/or illness. Ms. Jacobs, said that they were normal for their size and age. The puppies appeared lethargic and unresponsive. Small dogs can quickly become hypoglycemic and/or have various health issues that can be treatable by a veterinarian. Ms. Jacobs instead told me that small puppies (under 1-2 pounds) are often very sick and hard to keep alive to a sellable age, and this was not preventable other than by treating these dogs with NutriCal, a calorie supplement.

The dogs’ illnesses clearly surpassed normalcy and instead were more serious issues that needed veterinary care. It was implied these dogs would remain untreated and their current state is unknown. If a licensed veterinarian does not conduct daily observations, a mechanism of direct and frequent communication is required so that timely and accurate information on problems of animal health, behavior, and well-being are being conveyed to the attending veterinarian. This was not established for these dogs (2.40(a) Attending veterinary and adequate veterinary care) (2.40(b)(2) & (3) Attending veterinary and adequate veterinary care).

On the premises at the time of investigation: Approximately 60 dogs.

Breeds: Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs

The temperature at the time of the investigation was 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Building Type #1:
I arrived at L & L Kennels around 5 pm. Ms. Howard greeted me at the door along with a pet Yorkshire Terrier. After showing me the few dogs she had left at her facility after a recent downsize, I took interest in a Yorkie. She stated she didn’t usually sell to the public but was willing to sell me some of her Yorkies under the table to avoid taxes.  A licensee must report all sales directly or through an auction to research facilities, dealers, exhibitors, retail pet stores, and persons for use as pets in an annual report to determine licensing fees (2.7 (b) Annual report by licensees).

On the premises at the time of investigation: Approximately 200 dogs.

Breeds: Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Cocker Spaniels, more.

The temperature at the time of the investigation was 82 degrees Fahrenheit and cloudy.

Building Type #1:
In the outdoor kennels, adult dogs were kept in pens with enclosed wooden dog houses for shelter.  All walls, boxes, houses, dens, and other surfaces in contact with the animals in sheltered housing facilities must be impervious to moisture. Wood is not impervious to moisture and is therefore a sanitation concern (3.3 (e) (iii) Sheltered housing facilities).

Building Type #2:
In the whelping room, no outdoor access was provided. This is in violation of the new revisions to the Missouri Canine Cruelty Prevention Act. These revisions require unfettered outdoor access for all dogs. One Shih Tzu was seen with a bad infection and mucus discharge coming from its right eye. This appeared untreated and had clearly been a health concern for an unknown amount of time. If a licensed veterinarian does not conduct daily observations, a mechanism of direct and frequent communication is required so that timely and accurate information on problems of animal health, behavior, and well-being are being conveyed to the attending veterinarian (2.40(a) Attending veterinary and adequate veterinary care) (2.40(b)(2) & (3) Attending veterinary and adequate veterinary care).

At the time of the investigation, fecal accumulation was noted for over 24 hours of buildup.  Excreta and food waste must be removed from primary enclosures daily, and from under primary enclosures as often as necessary to prevent an excessive accumulation of feces and food waste, to prevent soiling of the dogs or cats contained in the primary enclosures, and to reduce disease hazards, insects, pests and odors (3.11(a) Cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping and pest control).

On the premises at the time of investigation: approximately 200 dogs.

Breeds: Yorkies, Shih Tzus, Beagles, Maltese, Bichon Frise, more.

The temperature at the time of the investigation was 90 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny.

Building Type #1:
All dogs were housed in wire kennels suspended from the ceilings of an indoor barn. No bedding was provided for these dogs (3.4(b)(4) Outdoor housing facilities). No outdoor access was provided. This is in violation of the new revisions to the Missouri Canine Cruelty Prevention Act, which require unfettered outdoor access for all dogs. There was an abundance of flies in the kennel that Ms. Bixenman vocally acknowledged were always there (3.1(c)(3) Housing facilities, general) (3.11(d) Cleaning, sanitation and pest control). This indicates lack of waste disposal and/or a bad drainage systems (3.1(f) Housing facilities, general). She told me that the barn had originally been used to house hogs and that part of the reason there were pests was because of bad drainage. These systems must be replaced if they are causing pests (3.4(c) Outdoor housing facilities).

At one point, a female Beagle started coughing and Ms. Bixenman acknowledged the dog and told it to cut it out. This dog may have needed veterinary care (2.40(a) Attending veterinary and adequate veterinary care) (2.40(b)(2) & (3) Attending veterinary and adequate veterinary care). When I took interest in a 2-week-old Shih Tzu, Ms. Bixenman picked the dog up improperly, causing the dog to squeal loudly. This is considered improper handling (2.100(a) Compliance with Standards and Holding Period) (2.131(b)(1)Handling of animals).

Water bowls must be accessible to all dogs. The water bowls in the whelping/nursing room were more than twice the height of the 6 Shih Tzu puppies located in the kennel. This is not considered potable for the dogs (3.6(a)(2)(viii) Primary Enclosures) (3.10 Watering).

Puppy Parlor

Alvin Zimmerman
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Nov. 16, 2007
Department of Agriculture
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
CONTACT: Nicole L. Cullison
(717) 787-5085

UNION COUNTY KENNEL CHARGED, DOGS SURRENDERED

State Dog Wardens, Humane Officers Remove 29 Dogs from Lewisburg Kennel

HARRISBURG - State dog wardens helped humane officers to recover 29 dogs from an unlicensed Union County facility as part of Governor Edward G. Rendell's effort to crack down on unsatisfactory kennels, the Department of Agriculture said today.

On Nov. 13, state dog wardens visited Fairview kennel in Lewisburg to investigate a complaint about the facility operating without a license. The wardens found 29 of the 40 dogs were dirty, matted and living in unsanitary conditions, including excess fecal matter.

The owner, Alvin Zimmerman, is being charged by the wardens for operating a kennel without a license and failing to maintain sanitary conditions.

Jessie Smith, the state's special deputy for dog law, said any kennel with more than 26 dogs per year must obtain a license and be inspected annually.

"The conditions of the kennel were unsatisfactory and without a license it could not continue to operate," said Smith. "Upon finding evidence of poor sanitation, the wardens immediately contacted humane officers who removed the dogs."

Zimmerman previously held a kennel license, which was surrendered in 2006 due to problems with the kennel, including sanitation and cleaning deficiencies. Following the surrender of his license, Zimmerman voluntarily reduced the number of dogs housed. Smith said sometime between the kennel license revocation in 2006 and the inspection this month, Zimmerman increased the number of dogs at the kennel to more than is allowed by law.

In October 2006, Governor Rendell announced sweeping changes to the state's dog law and regulations. The Governor also took actions to increase the enforcement of current laws by naming Smith as a special deputy, hiring a special prosecutor, and increasing the number of dog wardens.

For more information on Pennsylvania's dog law, and to access kennel inspection records, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us/padoglaw .

On the premises at the time of investigation: about 17 dogs and six puppies

Breed: Shelties
Unlike before, no dogs were seen tethered to trees or kept in the wooden box outside of the kennel building. The box had old newspaper shreds that were heavily stained, but its door was opened and no animals were inside.

Main kennel
The kennel building’s design was the same as described in the CAPS USDA report dated 7/28/06. Indoor pens lined one side of the building, with doggie-doors to access outdoor runs with concrete floorings, wire walls and a roof for additional shelter. The other side of the building had indoor whelping pens, one of which was occupied by a black and white nursing Sheltie mother and six puppies that appeared to be about a week old.

The outdoor runs were relatively clean, though feces and fur were spread through the grass outside of the runs, primarily concentrated at their edge near the grass where flies were swarming (3.1(f)-Drainage and waste disposal; 3.11(d)-Pest control).

Indoor pens
Most of the indoor pens had dark fecal stains covering their concrete floorings (3.11(a)-Cleaning of primary enclosures). The nursing dog and puppies of the occupied whelping pen were in a shallow wooden box with feces-stained newspaper pieces in it. The wood of the whelping box also had feces stains on its surfaces, and a thin layer of dark, compacted feces was covering the pen flooring (3.11(a)-Cleaning of primary enclosures). Metal food and water dishes were in the whelping pen, and had dried clumps of feces stuck to their outer surfaces (3.9(b)-Feeding; 3.10-Watering).

The inside of the kennel was very dark, and the pens could not be seen clearly into without the use of extra light (3.2(c)-Lighting).