Puppy Mill Action Week - Horrible Hundred 2016 - Missouri Hall of Shame

Each year researchers at the Humane Society of the United States gather data from state and federal inspection reports, investigator's photographs, and enforcement records received from the Freedom of Information Act to create the Horrible Hundred Report to highlight some of the most troubling problems in this industry.

The Horrible Hundred 2016 focuses on problem puppy mills in 16 states. Findings included underweight dogs, injured dogs who had not been taken to a veterinarian, puppies left outside to freeze in frigid temperatures, animal living in filthy conditions with feces in their food bowls and fur, and unlicensed dealers offering to ship puppies sight unseen on websites without the required USDA license.

Missouri again topped the list with 30 of the 100 worst facilities, followed by Iowa (15), Kansas (14), Ohio (9), Nebraska (5) and Pennsylvania (5). Just over half of these dealers are repeat offenders.  15 appear in the Horrible Hundred for the third time;  11 for the fourth.  75 of the 100 are USDA licensed.

An AKC "Breeder of Merit" where underweight and injured dogs were found in unsanitary conditions, appears in this year's report, as do 6 dog breeders who supplies puppies to one of the largest providers of puppies to pet stores.

Talking Dogs blog is located in Missouri and it with great sadness, disgust and anger, here is the 2016 Missouri Hall of Shame:

• Pamela Baldwin, Samples Creek Kennel, Edgar Springs, MO (repeat offender)  Severely matted dogs, injured dogs, walls smeared with feces and extremely filthy conditions.
• Kevin Beauchamp, Beauchamp's Puppy World, Lebanon, MO   USDA filed an official complaint after licensee repeatedly failed to allow inspectors in; failed to provide adequate veterinary care to dogs.
• Craig and Angela Burns, Burns Cuddly Canines, Exeter, MO   Puppies were matted with feces; underweight dogs had not been treated by a vet.
• Kay Butler, High Point Kennel, Montgomery City, MO (repeat offender)  Dogs with bloddy lesions;  underweight dog; puppies with loose stools.
• Kimberly Coleman, TLC Kennels, Clinton, MO (repeat offender)  Puppy found entrapped in wire flooring;  white dogs appeared brown due to soiling with mud and feces.
• Leroy Detweiler, Sunset Ridge Kennel, Princeton, MO (repeat offender)  Emaciated dog and dogs with open lesions found;  received official warning from the USDA.
• Mary Foster and Cathy Griesbauer, Country Pets, Montgomery City, MO (repeat offender)  Massive puppy mill with more than 900 dogs had license for one property, but found operating second unlicensed facilty.
• Caryl Freeman, Freema Frenchies, Seneca, MO   Nine puppies found "lethargic, squinting;" offers puppies for sale on Facebook and puppyfind.com but has no federal license.
• Jeffrey and Judy Gray, G & P Kennel, Rothville, MO (repeat offender)  Multiple sick or injured dogs;  fined $9,500 by USDA for repeat violations.
• Beverly Hargis, Hargis' Sunshines Kennel, Hallsville, MO (repeat offender)  So many feces that the dogs had trouble walking without stepping in it.
• Wilma Jinson, Jinson Kennel, Stella, MO  (repeat offender)  Sick and dying puppies found year after year; wounded and suffering animals did not have adequate veterinary care; fourth time in Horrible Hundred report for grossly inadequate care.
• Toni and Wendy Jones, TJ's Kennel, Alton, MO   Failed to get sick or injured animals treated promptly by a vet; sick or injured dogs found by staate inspectors three years in a row.
• Monta Lou and Mural Beckett, Soo Big Kennel, Joplin, MO  Puppies found living in darkness;  Bichon had mass the size of a gold ball; Maltese was found "lethargic and unstable;" another was matted with feces.
• Eva and Isaac Martin, Cedar Line Kennel, Fortuna, MO (repeat offender)  5 week old puppies found in outdoor pen surrounded by flies and feces.
• Catherine Mast, C and C Kennel, Bogard, MO  Emaciated dog and dog with explosive diarrhea for 3 week had not been treated by a vet.
• Janice and Kenneth Nelson, Exeter, MO  Dog had "golf ball sized mass;" 4 other dogs had lumps or masses; 42 dogs in need of dental car.
• Barbara Neubert, Barb's Pups (formerly Neubert Kennel and Farms), Vienna, MO  (repeat offender)  Limping boxer with swollen leg had not been treated by a vet; unsanitary conditions; USDA violations for 6 years in a row.
• Jimmy Doyle Powell, Jimmy's Hilltop Kennels, West Plains, MO  Nursing mother dogs were underweight with hip and rib bones protruding; others had fleas and lesions.
• Mikhail Raylyanu, Marshfield, MO  Received official USDA warning for failure to provie veterinary care to underweight dogs, dogs with wounds and hair loss.
• John and Linda Reichel, Reichel Farms, McGirk, MO  Dogs had feces in their food and water; injured dogs found; puppies kept outside in the cold.
• Debra Ritter, Cornerstone Farms, Curryville, MO (repeat offender)  Puppies with bloody stools; excessive feces and underweight/sick dogs found year after year.
• Ellen Roberts, Rocky Top K-9s, West Plains, MO (repeat offender)  Sick or injured dogs found 4 years in a row.
• Donald Schrage, Rabbit Ridge Kennel, Edina, MO (repeat offender)  Violations have spanned 2 decades.
• Angela L. Smith, Family Lane Pets, Elkland, MO  Received official warning from USDA for bulldog with open wounds, puppies with loose stools and vomiting bulldog.
• Josh L. Souza, Chevorlet Ranch [sic], Phillipsburg, MO (repeat offender)  Dog went months without vet care even after owner was advised to get her treatment; violations found at 22 different USDA inspections.
• Allen Strenke and Jerry McClure, Jerrens Kennel, Grant City, MO (repeat offender)  Small dog died after dilapidated cages allowed dogs to mix and fight.
• Donna Taber, Jet Kennels, Wasola, MO  Underweight Bichon had "easily palpable" ribs; other dogs had paw injury, dental and eye disease.
• Joyce Walters, Select Pets, Anderson, MO  Dog without water stood on hind legs and paw at enclosure door as water was carried over, then drank profusely.
• Deborah Warren, Misty Dew Kennels, Pierce City, MO  One puppy found motionless and one deceased; received official warning from USDA for lask of adequate veterinary care.
• Marilyn Williams (aka Marilyn Shepard), Williams Kennel, Ava, MO  Underweight, sick and/or injured dogs found by state inspectors 4 years in a row.

What you can do to stop the cruelty and put an end to puppy mills:

1. Do not buy puppies from pet stores, online or at flea markets. Instead, visit the dog breeder and see the parents and the conditions in which they live.  Or adopt from an animal shelter or rescue. 
2. Do not shop at pet stores that sell puppies supplied by puppy mills.
3. Support legislation that regulates and reduces breeding of animals.
4. Educated yourself about puppy mills and spread the word.
5. Sign the HSUS pledge.

Over 150 Dogs Cats Horses Goats Rescued from Squalor in Missouri

More than 150 dogs, cats, horses and goats were rescued from squalid conditions in Morgan County, Missouri by the Humane Society of Missouri's Animal Cruelty Task Force on Tuesday, May 6, 2014.

Working with the Morgan County, MO, Sheriff's Office, the HSMO took these animals to safety after the owner of the property and a tenant voluntarily surrendered all of the animals to them.

Many of the cats were living in a filthy, trash-strewn trailer on the property and are suffering from upper respiratory disease, eye infections, severely matted coats and other maladies.

The dogs included mixed breeds, terriers, Akitas, Labrador Retrievers and Beagles which are thin and suffering from parasites.  Included in the group are 2 two week old puppies and 2 eight week old puppies.

The horses range in age from new foals and pregnant mares to adult horses and ponies.  They are also underweight and suffering from parasites.  One dead foal was found in a barrel on the property.

The Morgan County Sheriff's Office stated they will pursue animal abuse charges in this case.

The dogs and cats have been taken to HSMO Headquarters in St Louis for evaluation and treatment.  The horses and goats have been taken to HSMO's Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union for evaluation and treatment.

HSMO cautions that due to their poor condition, it may be several weeks before many of these animals will be available for adoption.

* Information provided by the Humane Society of Missouri.

Adopt a Pit Bull Dog - National #DogFighting Awareness Day | Tuesdays Tails

The ASPCA has designated April 8 as National Dog Fighting Awareness Day to advance the conversation about dog fighting and to encourage animal lovers acress the country to take action against this brutal form of animal cruelty.

Dog fighting is defined by many as a "blood sport."  It is a felony in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.  In addition, the US Animal Welfare Act makes it unlawful for any person to knowingly sell, buy, possess, train, transport, deliver or receive any dog for the purposes of having the dog participate in an animal fighting venture. 

Although other breeds of dogs are used for dog fighting around the world, the American Pit Bull Terrier is the most popular in the US according to the ASPCA.  They estimate tens of thousands of people are involved in dog fighting.

Because of the cruelty involved, I can barely think about dog fighting, let alone write about it.  I've been featuring adoptable dogs on Talking Dogs blog every Sunday for 7 years now -many of them Pit Bulls - from primarily three shelters and rescues in Missouri.  Stray Rescue of St Louis is one of these.

Photo courtesy StrayRescue.org

Stray Rescue is very well acquainted with the victims of dog fighting.  In fact, because of their experience and success in medically and behaviorally rehabilitating dogs who have suffered severe trauma, last month they were one of the rescues chosen to take in seven dogs from a large dogfighting ring bust in Louisiana.  Aptly called, precious cargo, three scarred and injured males, plus an emaciated momma dog with three pups, arrived at Stray Rescue one month ago today.  Now they'll receive the second chance they deserve.

Stray Rescue currently has over 220 dogs available for adoption.  Many of them are Pit Bulls or Pitty mixes.  

Reliable, partially deaf Pit Bull mix adoptable dog.

This handsome boy is Reliable.  He's a 40 pound Pit Bull mix dog and about 18 months old.  Reliable's rescuers found him sitting near a trash pile, obviously dumped there.  He was hungry, dirty, and looked like he was waiting for someone to come back for him.   

After rescue, Reliable was found to be partially deaf, therefore he does need a little extra attention to make sure he knows what's going on and what is expected of him.

According to Stray Rescue shelter staff and volunteers:

Everybody who has met Reliable has fallen in love with him.  They all find him to be sweet, gorgeous, affectionate and eager to please.  He doesn't let his hearing hinder his activities.  Recently he has been on two five-mile hikes with his shelter buddies.  He loved every minute.  On the way to the hikes, he rode quietly in the back seat of the cars amusing himself with toys or looking out the window.  He was also known to sneak in a quick kiss for the driver.  Reliable was a great hiker who enjoyed smelling everything he could in nature.  He did very well on the leash, didn't tire on the hike, and didn't react to the other dogs around him.

As a young dog, Reliable is at the perfect age for training.  He loves people and willingly learns from them.  He will need some special training because of his hearing loss, but he has already shown that he is capable of living a good life even without perfect hearing.  Reliable is well loved at the shelter, and everyone wants him to have a very special home.  Could that home be yours?  Reliable is hoping so.

Check out Reliable's video and then contact Stray Rescue at 314-776-6121 for more information.

..   .


Founded by Randy Grim, Stray Rescue of St Louis sole purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, restore them to health, and place them in loving adoptive homes.  Virtually all of the pets they save have been abused and neglected.  Stray Rescue is a no-kill organization that believes rescued animals often make the best pets.  Given a second lease on life and in return for a little affection and attention, these remarkable animals reward their new owners with a love and loyalty unmatched anywhere.

This is a very special Tuesday's Tails Blog Hop devoted to calling attention to National Dog Fighting Awareness Day.  Co-sponsored by Lisa at Dogs N Pawz Sue at Talking Dogs, Melissa at Barking from the Bayou, Sarah from Lola the Pitty, and Jenna from Love is being owned by a Husky.  

Mischief Monday: Missouri Puppy Mill Lawsuit Withdrawn

Once again, I'm not talking about mischief at my house.  Today I'm barking about commercial dog breeders in Missouri.  

Several months ago, a group representing 83 dog breeders in Missouri brought a lawsuit to stop the new regulations for humane standards of care for dogs in puppy mills.  (The Canine Cruelty Prevention Act was passed in 2011.)  

These breeders now have dismissed their lawsuit against the regulations and the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act will remain the law of the land in Missouri.

Dog breeders must now comply with the new law or close their dog breeding businesses.  As of today, more than 1,000 dog breeders have chose to close up shop.  All breeding dogs now must be provided with veterinary care including an annual veterinary examination, have unfettered access to outdoor exercise, increased living space, and can no longer be housed on wire flooring.

Obviously, that's good news.  The mischief has to do with the testimony given in the latest court hearings.

Here's what the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation has to say about the lawsuit being withdrawn:

"We are certain that the lawsuit was dropped not only because there was no legal basis for such a court case but a public trial would have proved extremely embarrassing for the commercial dog breeding industry.

In the hearing for a preliminary injunction, one breeder testified that when she was told she had to provide her dogs with access to the outdoors, she chose to kill them rather than comply with the new rule. She had her veterinarian euthanize 72 of them and proudly presented a photo of 25 dead dogs to the judge as evidence of how her business has suffered since passage of the new law. Another breeder in the courtroom audience stated that she also destroyed her dogs rather than comply with new rules and bragged that she only had to pay her vet $7 per dog to have them euthanized.   

While some of the testimony was a tragic exposure of how dogs are exploited in the commercial dog breeding industry, some of the testimony proved farcical as the breeders and their representatives argued that they did not know what "constant" and "unfettered" access to the outdoors meant. They claimed that since the regulations did not define the terms, the breeders were left in the dark. One witness under cross examination by the attorney general's office was asked to read the definition of "constant" and "unfettered" from the dictionary. After reading the definition, the witness claimed that nowhere in the regulations did it say to refer to the dictionary for meaning of the words. He claimed not to know to use a dictionary for words he did not understand. He argued that "even words with defined meaning need further clarification from the Department of Agriculture."  

Another breeder testified that her dogs cannot be outside as they are too excitable and the excitement of being outside could kill them. She said she could not risk them being outside as a car might backfire or children might walk by her yard. Any excitement could cause them to die. This, of course, raises the question as to whether she informs her customers that the puppies she is selling are restricted to indoor use only for their entire life and can never go outside even to relieve themselves. This breeder testified that "outside air causes loss of ventilation" for dogs. She alleged that six dogs died of heatstroke and excitability when she tried an outdoor exercise plan.

 

The breeders argued that dogs do not need access to sunlight and even expressed objection to providing extra bedding to dogs housed outside in winter weather claiming they did not know what "extra bedding" meant. The breeders also argued against the requirement for heavy duty tarps for windbreaks for dogs housed outside.

An Assistant Attorney General summed it up well for the judge when he asserted that dogs are simply commodities to commercial dog breeders. We are certain that the dog breeders did not want the public to be aware of that sad fact and dropped their lawsuit rather than publicly expose the cruel conditions of puppy mills and the uncaring attitude of too many commercial breeders at an open trial."

Though I've been critical of the new Missouri law, saying that it does not go far enough, I'm glad we've got it when I think about the kind of people it addresses.

EDIT FOR CLARIFICATION:  The Canine Cruelty Prevention Act addresses individuals and entities that enter dogs or cats into commerce as defined under Missouri state statute.  Commercial breeders are inspected at least once per years by Missouri state animal care inspectors.   

In plain language, for those dogs confined to crates/small wire enclosures in commercial dog breeding facilities, attached outdoor runs are required.  Those runs must have "constant and unfettered access", as well as meet requirements for drainage and shade.  And there are other requirements for commercial dog breeding facilities.

My post (above) summarized testimony given by those commercial dog breeders who testified in a public court hearing.   

Thank you to Snoopy’s Dog Blog, Alfie’s Blog, and My Brown Newfies for hosting Monday Mischief!