Hurricane Sandy | HSUS Animal Rescue Team

Follow along with the Humane Society of the United States Animal Rescue Team and they aid families, many now homeless, take care of their pets.  The HSUS is providing shelter for many pets whose families have been forced to find shelter for themselves due to Hurricane Sandy.

Missouri - Horse Slaughter Capital of the World?

Image: Stop Horse Slaughter

In November, the US Congress lifted a 5 year ban on horse slaughter for human consumption.  Wyoming based Unified Equine is planning a new plant in Mountain Grove, Missouri, that will slaughter somewhere between 200 and 400 horses per day. 

Only a handful of states allow the plants.  Missouri is among them.

So far, the Mountain Grove plant is still in the planning stages.  The meat produced would primarily be shipped overseas, but some would find its way to specialty stores in the US.

Horse lovers and other Ozarks folks are not all happy about this proposal.  [A petition to oppose the horse slaughter plant can be found on Change.org.]  And not all residents want Mountain Grove to be known as the horse slaughter capital of the world.  

Proponents of the slaughter plant often suggest this is a solution for the problem of suffering old or ill horses.  

However, as Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, points out:  "According to the company's own literature, the plant would not be for old or sick horses."  This plant will be "procuring mature horses that are in good shape and free of disease.  The company is also not ruling out the possibility the plant may get horses bred specifically for slaughter.

Critics say horse slaughter is always fraught with terror, pain, and suffering.  You may view Humane Society of the United States undercover video showing still conscious horses being shackled and hoisted by a rear leg before their throats are cut.

The Missouri Ozarks already has a reputation for meth labs and puppy mills.  Horse Slaughter Capital may be next.

Puppy Mills: HSUS Investigation of NY Pet Stores Selling Puppies

MO Puppy Mill Photo from HSUS  

In anticipation of the busiest puppy-buying season of the year - the winter holidays - The Humane Society of the United States has revealed the results of its latest hidden-camera investigation; exposing more than 100 New York state pet stores that supply unsuspecting consumers with puppies from inhumane large-scale commercial breeders known as puppy mills. 

Many Web sites or employees of these stores imply or explicitly state that the puppies come only from small-scale “private breeders”—not from notorious puppy mills.

“These high-priced pet stores claim to sell dogs from small private breeders, but are actually pushing dogs from huge Midwest puppy mills with some of the worst federal Animal Welfare Act violations imaginable,” said Jonathan Lovvorn, senior vice president for investigations at The HSUS. “Consumers are being duped into buying puppies born to breeding dogs who spend their entire lives trapped in tiny wire cages, churning out litter after litter.”

An HSUS investigator, along with businessman Lorenzo Borghese from ABC’s “The Bachelor,” went undercover as “shoppers” and caught sales staff at 11 New York City-area pet stores making misleading claims concerning the origin of their puppies. Shipping documents were also obtained for more than 100 New York State pet stores. The investigation revealed:

• All 11 stores videotaped by HSUS investigators purchased their puppies from large-scale commercial breeding facilities, despite specific claims of “no puppy mills” or misleading statements implying that their sources were small “private breeders.” When HSUS investigators filmed some of these breeding facilities they found hundreds of dogs confined to small cages.
• More than 100 pet stores in New York that were investigated through a public records search were shown to have purchased more than 4,500 puppies from similar commercial large-scale breeding or brokering operations in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Oklahoma during approximately a four-month period in 2011. More than 3,000 puppies were shipped to New York stores from Missouri alone during that period. Missouri is the puppy mill capital of America.
• All of the stores visited by investigators and many of the 100 stores whose puppy transport records were examined were found to be buying puppies from suppliers with known Animal Welfare Act violations, including some with citations for filthy conditions, lack of adequate space, underweight breeding animals, dogs found in the freezing cold or high heat without adequate weather protection, or sick or injured dogs in need of veterinary care.
• Some of the stores investigated (but none of the stores visited in person) were even found purchasing from an unlicensed, convicted animal abuser, Kathy Jo Bauck, aka Kathy Cole, whose USDA license was revoked after years of extreme state and federal animal care violations for issues such as dogs with open and bleeding wounds who had not been treated by a vet, piles of accumulated feces, and puppies found shivering in the cold in temperatures as low as 12 degrees F. Bauck was ordered to stop performing surgeries on dogs without a veterinary license in 2006, and convicted of animal cruelty and torture in 2009.
• Seven of the stores investigated by The HSUS were buying puppies from Brandi Cheney, who was identified in The HSUS’s Missouri‘s Dirty Dozen report last year as one of the worst puppy mill operators in Missouri. More than 500 pages of USDA inspection and enforcement reports on breeding facilities linked to Cheney reflect the facilities’ failure to provide vet care to sick and dying dogs, dogs subjected to below-freezing temperatures with inadequate shelter and dogs with such severe matting that the removal of the mats left oozing, open sores. Four additional puppy mills highlighted in the HSUS’ Missouri’s Dirty Dozen report were also found selling to New York pet stores.
• One salesman refused to give breeder information to the undercover shoppers, repeating three times, “I have nothing to hide.” The investigation found his store purchased puppies from Brandi Cheney.

 

Puppy Mill Facts:

• Dogs at puppy mills typically receive little to no medical care, live in squalid conditions with no exercise, socialization or human interaction and are confined inside cramped wire cages for life. For more information, see humanesociety.org/puppymills.
• Dogs from puppy mills are sold in pet stores, online and directly to consumers with little to no regard for the dog's health, genetic history or future welfare.
• The HSUS urges people who want to get a puppy to consider adopting from a shelter or rescue group first. If deciding to buy from a breeder, potential buyers should always visit the breeder in person to see that the dogs are treated humanely and ensure the puppies and their parents are living in spacious, clean areas. For more information, see humanesociety.org/puppy.

Winners of the 2011 HSUS Spay Day Pet Photo Contest

Pet lovers raised almost $340,000 to help fund spay and neuter efforts around the world in the recent Spay Day Photo Contest sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States.

Grand prize winner in the Fundraising Category: Matilda whose charity is Lost and Found Dog Rescue Adoption Center in New Castle, Delaware.

Matilda - photo courtesy HSUS

Winner in the Judged Category:  Jinjy a dog from Edwards, Colorado, whose favorite charity is any and all participating Spay Day organization.

Jinjy - photo courtesy HSUS

Missouri Puppy Mills: Invasive Painful Vet Procedures Performed by Dog Breeder

Background:

Late last year, researchers at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) spent weeks poring over state and federal inspection reports, investigators’ photographs, and enforcement records to compile a list of some of the worst puppy mills in Missouri, known as “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen.” The report included direct quotes detailing horrific care violations documented in the facilities’ federal and/or state kennel inspection reports The violations included thin-coated breeds like Italian greyhounds found shivering in the cold in temperatures as low as 9 degrees, dogs with open, oozing or bleeding sores, underweight dogs with their entire skeletal structures showing, and sick or dying puppies who had not been treated by a vet.

March 9, 2011, the HSUS released an update to this report.  The majority of the Missouri Dirty Dozen kennels are still state licensed and in operation.  On the same day, the Missouri Senate voted 20 - 14 to repeal Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  The Missouri House will vote on this issue soon.

If there is any doubt in your mind that MO Prop B, as written and passed by voters last November, is needed and provides essential protection for dogs, please read below for details from the Dirty Dozen update.

S K's Kennel, Bill and Sandra Sackrey, Brookfield MO
S K's Kennel remains both USDA and MDA licensed through 2011 despite ongoing violations.  They've accumulated repeat Animal Welfare Act violations for failure to provide adequate veterinary care for numerous animals, including dogs with missing teeth and a dog who was missing a portion of his jaw, and sick or dying puppies. Several underweight dogs "thin in appearance with visible hip bones and vertebrae" were found in April 2010, as well as dogs with matting so severe that urinary/ anal openings were blocked. A rusty scalpel and scissors were found at the facility in May 2010 - the licensee admitted to using these dirty instruments on his dogs
.
Shockingly, the violations at this facility continue to escalate: in Oct. 2010 the licensee admitted to a federal inspector that he performed dewclaw removal and tail docking on 1 to 2 week old puppies
without the approval of a vet. He also stated that he cleans the dogs’ teeth and "extracts them when necessary" - the licensee stated that sometimes he has to stop because of the excessive amount of blood or when the dogs try to bite down on his fingers. Other violations include dogs in need of veterinary attention, dogs with untreated dental issues - "a wet, brown to green discharge was present along the gumline," multiple expired medications, housing in disrepair (repeat), accumulations of grime and hair and more.


Here are quotes from the October 2010 USDA inspection report:

“The licensee stated that he removes dewclaws and docks the tails of 1 to 2 day old puppies, but he does not have any documentation showing that he is appropriately trained and qualified to perform these procedures.” (USDA inspection Oct. 2010)

“The licensee stated that he cleans the dogs‟ teeth and extracts them when necessary. A bottle of 'Anased' was present in the facility, which he states he sometimes administers to the dogs intramuscularly while cleaning and extracting their teeth. The licensee stated he sometimes has to stop the procedures and finish them later due to the presence of excessive amounts of blood or when the animals begin to bite down on his fingers, which could indicate that the animals are experiencing pain or distress. The licensee is not a veterinarian and is not qualified to administer anesthesia/ sedation or
conduct invasive, painful veterinary procedures such as dental extractions.” (USDA inspection Oct. 2010)
 
"The following medical items were in the kennel area ready for use but were expired:  A container of amoxicillin pills inside the same refrigerator used to store vaccines expired 1/2002;  a container of catgut suture that the licensee stated he sometimes uses on umbilical cords expired 9/2004.  Expired medical products such as suture may become contaminated and could result in infections in the animals."  (USDA inspection Oct 2010).

Missouri Puppy Mills: Entire Floor Surface of Dog Enclosure Covered in Feces

Background:

Late last year, researchers at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) spent weeks poring over state and federal inspection reports, investigators’ photographs, and enforcement records to compile a list of some of the worst puppy mills in Missouri, known as “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen.” The report included direct quotes detailing horrific care violations documented in the facilities’ federal and/or state kennel inspection reports The violations included thin-coated breeds like Italian greyhounds found shivering in the cold in temperatures as low as 9 degrees, dogs with open, oozing or bleeding sores, underweight dogs with their entire skeletal structures showing, and sick or dying puppies who had not been treated by a vet.

March 9, 2011, the HSUS released an update to this report.  The majority of the Missouri Dirty Dozen kennels are still state licensed and in operation.  On the same day, the Missouri Senate voted 20 - 14 to repeal Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  The Missouri House will vote on this issue soon.

If there is any doubt in your mind that MO Prop B, as written and passed by voters last November, is needed and provides essential protection for dogs, please read below for details from the Dirty Dozen update.

Mar-Don Kennel, Marsha Cox, Chillicothe, MO
Despite a long history of Animal Welfare Act violations and the recent cancellation of her federal license, Marsha Cox remains state licensed in 2011.  during her October 2010 USDA inspection, Cox reportedly refused to allow access to federal inspectors.  When asked why, she stated "Because you [USDA] had something to do with the Missouri dirty dozen."  Note:  the USDA did not work with the HSUS on the Missouri's Dirty Dozen report.  The HSUS used quotes from USDA records which are available to the public.

During her most recent USDA inspection in December 2010, Cox accumulagted repeat violations for animals outside in freezing temperatures without adequate protection from the cold and other serious welfare issues.  the inside temperature during that inspection was 25 degrees F, according to USDA inspectors, and it had been 9 degrees F the previous day.  When inspectors began to write her up for this and other infractions, Cox reportedly stated "I'm done with this crap," stomped inside the house and claimed she was giving yup her license, yet she didn't produce the license for surrender.  A recent review of federal license records found her lic ense was not cancelled until three months later.

Cox's previous Animal Welfare Act violations included a seriously underweight Maltese with skin lesins whom the inspector noted was "thin with prominent backbone, hipbones, and a tucked abdomen" and a 2 cm x 2 cm wound with crusted dried bglood;"  expired medications in the "puppy house," dogs in the heat without shade, houseing problems, and the "entire floor surface" of one enclosure "covered with wet feces."

Should Marsha Cox ever lose her Missouri state license, she appear to have backup nearby.  A relative, Lou Cox, owns a second puppy mill at an adjacent address.  Lou Cox also has multiple Animal Welfare Act violations on file with the USDA, yet remains both state and USDA licensed..

Missouri Puppy Mills: Botched Home Surgery Performed on Dogs by Breeder

Background:

Late last year, researchers at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) spent weeks poring over state and federal inspection reports, investigators’ photographs, and enforcement records to compile a list of some of the worst puppy mills in Missouri, known as “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen.” The report included direct quotes detailing horrific care violations documented in the facilities’ federal and/or state kennel inspection reports The violations included thin-coated breeds like Italian greyhounds found shivering in the cold in temperatures as low as 9 degrees, dogs with open, oozing or bleeding sores, underweight dogs with their entire skeletal structures showing, and sick or dying puppies who had not been treated by a vet.

March 9, 2011, the HSUS released an update to this report.  The majority of the Missouri Dirty Dozen kennels are still state licensed and in operation.  On the same day, the Missouri Senate voted 20 - 14 to repeal Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  The Missouri House will vote on this issue soon.

If there is any doubt in your mind that MO Prop B, as written and passed by voters last November, is needed and provides essential protection for dogs, please read below for details from the Dirty Dozen update.

Hidden Valley Farms, Brenda Walter, Greencastle MO

Hidden Valley Farms remains both USDA and MDA licensed through 2011 despite ongoing violations.  As mentioned in the original Missouri's Dirty Dozen report in 2010, in recent years inspectors have identified numerous underwight dogs with"very prominent" backbones, "easily visible" ribcages," "no discerable body fat" and/or "extremely tucked abdomens," lethargic and injured animals, unsafe conditions, dogs found in below freezing (17 degree F) temperatures without adequate protection from the elements, dogs with matted fur caked with feces, and other problems at Walter's kennel.

Brenda Walter was cited in October 2010 for a "direct non-compliance" for cutting the tails of six 4-week old golden-doodle puppies because she reportedly suspected there was an infection in the tails.  According to the federal inspector:  "At time of inspection there were six 4-week old golden doodle puppies that were in need if immediate veterinary medical attention.  According to the licensee, she suspected an "infection" in the tail area.  Upon conferring with her veterinarian via phonem, she "crimped" the tails.  the "crimp" did not completely cut tyhrough the entire thickness of the tail (approximately 1/4" depth completely around the tail), leaving the end of the tail below the 'cut line' hairless, lifeless, lumpy, and limp.  At the site of the incision there appears evidence of swelling.  the would was a circumscribed incision around the tail approximately 2 inches from the base exposing raw, moist, red tissue, and white tissue with a smooth surface that appeared to be bone cartilage.  The cut area was not bandaged and was left exposed to the environment which included:  flies, outdoor housing, dirt, hay and wood surfaces.  The hair around the cut surface was soiled with dirt and grime.  Licensee conferred with a veterinarian and performed a 'surgical procedure' without anesthesia nor any pre/post procedural analgesia."  (USDA inspection Oct 6, 2010)

Newly reported information indicates that as far back as 2001, Brenda Walters was suspended from all AKC privileges for ten years and fined $2,000 for "failure to maintain her dogs and facilities in an acceptable manner" and other problems, according to the organization's board minutes.

In January 2011 Hidden Valley Farms passed a USDA inspection.

Missouri Puppy Mills: Euthanasia Plan - Club the Dogs

Background:

Late last year, researchers at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) spent weeks poring over state and federal inspection reports, investigators’ photographs, and enforcement records to compile a list of some of the worst puppy mills in Missouri, known as “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen.” The report included direct quotes detailing horrific care violations documented in the facilities’ federal and/or state kennel inspection reports The violations included thin-coated breeds like Italian greyhounds found shivering in the cold in temperatures as low as 9 degrees, dogs with open, oozing or bleeding sores, underweight dogs with their entire skeletal structures showing, and sick or dying puppies who had not been treated by a vet.

March 9, 2011, the HSUS released an update to this report.  The majority of the Missouri Dirty Dozen kennels are still state licensed and in operation.  On the same day, the Missouri Senate voted 20 - 14 to repeal Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  The Missouri House will vote on this issue soon.

If there is any doubt in your mind that MO Prop B, as written and passed by voters last November, is needed and provides essential protection for dogs, please read below for details from the Dirty Dozen update.

 Walnut Creek Kennel, Jesse and Sonja Miller, La Monte MO

The Millers no longer hold a current USDA license, but still have an active Missouri state kennel license.  In fact, Walnut Creek Kennel still has ads listed on "breeder club" classified advertising sites such as BreedersClub.net, a front for various sellers which claim to have a "no puppy mills" policy.

In their BreedersClub.net ad, the Millers claim, "We are a family who enjoys raising puppies on our farm.  We specialize in raising well-socialized, well-loved, and well-cared for puppies!"

Yet, as reported in the 2010 Missouri's Dirty Dozen report, the HSUS shared what a USDA inspector noted during a pre-license visit to Walnut Creek Kennel in August 2008:

"The Program of Veterinary Care stated that the applicant would be euthanizing the dogs at the facility by clubbing the dogs."

The Millers were also cited in 2010 and 2009 for "attempted inspection" violations - instances when they were not available during stated business hours to allow inspectors to conduct their visits.  They subsequently cancelled their federal license, yet are still licensed by the state of Missouri in 2011.

Missouri Dirty Dozen Puppy Mills: Underweight Dogs, Dying Puppies

Background:

Late last year, researchers at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) spent weeks poring over state and federal inspection reports, investigators’ photographs, and enforcement records to compile a list of some of the worst puppy mills in Missouri, known as “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen.” The report included direct quotes detailing horrific care violations documented in the facilities’ federal and/or state kennel inspection reports The violations included thin-coated breeds like Italian greyhounds found shivering in the cold in temperatures as low as 9 degrees, dogs with open, oozing or bleeding sores, underweight dogs with their entire skeletal structures showing, and sick or dying puppies who had not been treated by a vet.

March 9, 2011, the HSUS released an update to this report.  The majority of the Missouri Dirty Dozen kennels are still state licensed and in operation.  On the same day, the Missouri Senate voted 20 - 14 to repeal Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  The Missouri House will vote on this issue soon.

If there is any doubt in your mind that MO Prop B, as written and passed by voters last November, is needed and provides essential protection for dogs, please read below for details from the Dirty Dozen update.

Bar M Ranch Kennel, Diana and Floyd Miller, Spickard, MO

Bar M Ranch Kennel is one of several examples of a facility that dropped its USDA license after amassing dozens of pages of Animal Welfare Act violations, yet the kennel remained state license until just recently.  It is now one of three kennels listed in the original Missouri's Dirty Dozen report that appears to have gone out of business.

Severe, repeat violations were recorded in 2009 for sick animals not receiving proper care, sanitation violations, animals in below-freezing conditions with inadequate shelter, an underweight dachshund who was "ver thin with prominent ribcage and vertebrae," a Sheltie with "easily palpable and prominent" vertebrae, hip bones, and ribs, and other underweight or sick animals who had not been treated by a vet, and dogs with open sores.

Gingerich Farms, Paul and Pollie Gingerich, Bogard, MO

While they were USDA licensed, the Gingerich facility was cited by inspectors dozens of times o9ver a period of several years for grave repeat violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including dogs with frozen water desperately trying to lick at the ice, underweight dogs whom inspectors described as shivering in the cold, filthy conditions, sick and dying puppies who had not been treated by a vet;  severely matted dogs, housinhg issues, and more.  There were also repeated "attempted inspection" violations in which federal inspectors were denied access to the the facility.  Before recently dropping their USDA license, the Gingeriches had amassed 62 pages of USDA violations since April 2008.  Yet even though they were no longer federally licensed, they still held a Missouri state kennel license through 2010.

As of February 2011, Gingerich Farms is another of the three kennels listed in the original Missouri's Dirty Dozen report that appears to be out of business.

Tiny Tails, Robert Dukes and Robin Dollens, Edgar Springs, MO

Before dropping his USDA license, this Missouri commercial dog breeder accumulated multiple repeat Animal Welfare Act violations fr4om at least 2006-2009, including citations for dogs without food and water in Oct 2008, injured dogs who were not being treated by a vet, sanitation issues and serious care issues.  In February 2009 there were two attempted USDA inspections during which the licensee did not show up or permit access to allow his facility to be viewed.

Robert Dukes cancelled his USDA license in May 2010.  Wilma Dukes, at the same address, cancelled her USDA license in January 2011.  Robert Dukes, Robin Dollens and Wilma Dukes were all on the Missouri state kennel license list for 2010 but are no longer licensed as of 2011.  Tiny Tails is among the three kennels listed in the original Missouri's Dirty Dozen report that appears to be out of business in 2011.

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Missouri Dirty Dozen Puppy Mills: Urine and Feces Raining Down on the Dogs

Background:

Late last year, researchers at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) spent weeks poring over state and federal inspection reports, investigators’ photographs, and enforcement records to compile a list of some of the worst puppy mills in Missouri, known as “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen.” The report included direct quotes detailing horrific care violations documented in the facilities’ federal and/or state kennel inspection reports The violations included thin-coated breeds like Italian greyhounds found shivering in the cold in temperatures as low as 9 degrees, dogs with open, oozing or bleeding sores, underweight dogs with their entire skeletal structures showing, and sick or dying puppies who had not been treated by a vet.

March 9, 2011, the HSUS released an update to this report.  The majority of the Missouri Dirty Dozen kennels are still state licensed and in operation.  On the same day, the Missouri Senate voted 20 - 14 to repeal Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  The Missouri House will vote on this issue soon.

If there is any doubt in your mind that MO Prop B, as written and passed by voters last November, is needed and provides essential protection for dogs, please read below for details from the Dirty Dozen update.

Windsong Kennels, Shannon Plymell in Pattonsburg, MO

This facility's USDA license was cancelled in January 2011, but the operator still holds a 2011 Missouri state kennel license.  As detailed in the original HSUS Dirty Dozen report, federal and state authorities have cited Windsong Kennels repeatedly for severe animal welfare issues, including underweight and sick animals, dogs found in frigid temperatures without adequate protection from the cold, inadequate shelter and temperature control, and housing in disrepair.  Violations also included dogs requiring vet care, dogs without adequate space to turn around and move freely, dogs in stacked cages that allowed tyhe urine and feces from dogs in the upper enclosures to rain down on the dogs in lower tiers, and issues with substandard housing, incurring more than 21 pages of USDA violations since July 2008.

Plymell continued to accumulate USDA violations as recently as January 2011.  Even after she was listed in the HSUS Dirty Dozen report, she was apparently unable to unwilling to raise the standard of care at her facility;  federal inspectors cited the kennel in January 2011 for failure to provide adequarte protection from the wind and rain, failure to provide adequate bedding when temperatures had been and were expected to be, below 35 degrees F, and excessively chewed housing.

Although she cancelled her USDA license in January, Plymell is still state licensed as of February 2011.  Now that the facility is no longer USDA licensed, Windsong Kennels cannot legally sell puppies to brokers or pet stores.  However, as long as its Missouri state kennel license is current, Plymell can resume or continue breeding and selling dogs directly to the public at any time.

Missouri Dirty Dozen Puppy Mills: B & B Kennel, Beverly Fields Dogs in Freezng Cold

Background:

Late last year, researchers at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) spent weeks poring over state and federal inspection reports, investigators’ photographs, and enforcement records to compile a list of some of the worst puppy mills in Missouri, known as “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen.” The report included direct quotes detailing horrific care violations documented in the facilities’ federal and/or state kennel inspection reports The violations included thin-coated breeds like Italian greyhounds found shivering in the cold in temperatures as low as 9 degrees, dogs with open, oozing or bleeding sores, underweight dogs with their entire skeletal structures showing, and sick or dying puppies who had not been treated by a vet.

March 9, 2011, the HSUS released an update to this report.  The majority of the Missouri Dirty Dozen kennels are still state licensed and in operation.  On the same day, the Missouri Senate voted 20 - 14 to repeal Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  The Missouri House will vote on this issue soon.

If there is any doubt in your mind that MO Prop B, as written and passed by voters last November, is needed and provides essential protection for dogs, please read below for details from the Dirty Dozen update.

B & B Kennel, Beverly Fields
Beverly Fields, B & B Kennel in Galt, MO, had her USDA license canceled in December 2010, but still holds an active Missouri state kennel license in 2011.  Fields, an early contributor to MoFed PAC, a group that opposed Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act, had good reason to fear better oversight of the kennel industry.  Her record includes a long list of violations for inadequate veterinary care and dogs with inadequate protection from the cold, including some found outside in temperatures as low as 9 degrees, according to federal and state inspection reports.  Serious care vilations included dogs with untreated injuries, oozing sores, inadequate space, dogs caked in feces, and many violations for housing in severe disrepair and sanitation problems,.

Although her USDA license was canceled in December, Beverly Fields is still state licensed as of Febru8ary 2011.  Now that she no longer holds a USDA license, Fields cannot legally sell puppies to brokers or pet stores.  However, as long as her Missouri state kennel license is current, Fields can resume or continue breeding and selling dogs directly to the public at any time.

Missouri Dirty Dozen: Puppy Mill Linked to MO Lawmaker Attacking Prop B

MO Rep Jason Smith

 

 

 

 

Background:

Late last year, researchers at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) spent weeks poring over state and federal inspection reports, investigators’ photographs, and enforcement records to compile a list of some of the worst puppy mills in Missouri, known as “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen.” The report included direct quotes detailing horrific care violations documented in the facilities’ federal and/or state kennel inspection reports The violations included thin-coated breeds like Italian greyhounds found shivering in the cold in temperatures as low as 9 degrees, dogs with open, oozing or bleeding sores, underweight dogs with their entire skeletal structures showing, and sick or dying puppies who had not been treated by a vet.

March 9, 2011, the HSUS released an update to this report.  The majority of the Missouri Dirty Dozen kennels are still state licensed and in operation.  On the same day, the Missouri Senate voted 20 - 14 to repeal Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  The Missouri House will vote on this issue soon.

If there is any doubt in your mind that MO Prop B, as written and passed by voters last November, is needed and provides essential protection for dogs, please read below for details from the Dirty Dozen update.

Smith's Kennel, Mary Ann Smith, Salem, MO

Smith's Kennel remains both USDA and MDA licensed despite ongoing repeat violations.  In fact, they have a history of repeat USDA violations stretching back more than a decade, including citations for unsanitary conditions;  dogs exposed to below-freezing temperatures or excessive heat without adequate shelter from the weather;  dogs without enough cage space to turn and move around freely;  pest and rodent infestations; injured and bleeding dogs, dogs with loose, bloody stools who had not been treated by a vet, and much more.

Mary Ann Smith's son, now Republican Majority Whip Representative Jason Smith, was once listed in Missouri state records as a co-owner of her kennel and has been an outspoken opponent of Proposition B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act and other animal welfare bills.

A reporter for Fox2 news recently dubbed the link a "potential conflict of interest."  When Fox 2 requested permission to visit Smith's Kennel in February 2011, the reporter was denied access.

The HSUS has received complaints about sick puppies sold by Smith's Kennel, including a Bulldog who was sold through a Petland store in 2008 and still suffers from congenital health problems that require daily care.

The kennel's most recent USDA inspection was in June 2010, when the owner was cited for a repeat violation for two dogs that had untreated veterinary problems, a repeat violation for housing in disrepair, and sanitation problems.  According to news reports, Smith's most recent Missouri state inspection also lists some recent violations.  HSUS researchers were not able to obtain a copy in time for this Missouri Dirty Dozen update..

Missouri Dirty Dozen Puppy Mills: HSUS Close Up on S & S Family Puppies, Circle B Farms LLC, Brandi Cheney

Background:

Late last year, researchers at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) spent weeks poring over state and federal inspection reports, investigators’ photographs, and enforcement records to compile a list of some of the worst puppy mills in Missouri, known as “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen.” The report included direct quotes detailing horrific care violations documented in the facilities’ federal and/or state kennel inspection reports The violations included thin-coated breeds like Italian greyhounds found shivering in the cold in temperatures as low as 9 degrees, dogs with open, oozing or bleeding sores, underweight dogs with their entire skeletal structures showing, and sick or dying puppies who had not been treated by a vet.

March 9, 2011, the HSUS released an update to this report.  The majority of the Missouri Dirty Dozen kennels are still state licensed and in operation.  On the same day, the Missouri Senate voted 20 - 14 to repeal Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  The Missouri House will vote on this issue soon.

If there is any doubt in your mind that MO Prop B, as written and passed by voters last November, is needed and provides essential protection for dogs, please read below for details from the Dirty Dozen update.

S & S Family Puppies, Circle B Farms LLC, Brandi Cheney

Brandi Cheney in Milan,Missouri retains both federal and state kennel licenses in 2011 despite ongoing animal care violations.  In fact, she's opened a new facility in Huntsville with a different license number.

As detailed in the HSUS Missouri's Dirty Dozen Puppy Mills report (see below), Brandi Cheney and her relative and business partern, Diana Stephenson, own S & S Family puppies in Milan, MO (USDA # 43-B-0435).  This facility has accumulated more than 500 pages of federal enforcement records detailing repeated, severe violations of the Animal Welfare Act over a period of several years.

The USDA enforcement records for them include photos of dogs with oozing or encrusted eyes, dogs with bleeding lacerations, puppies attempting to stand on wide-spaced wire flooring, an underweight and "unresponsive" poodle, and some dogs so badly matted with feces-encrusted hair that it was difficult to determine what gender or breed they were.

USDA inspection reports detail repeated Animal Welfare Act violations for dogs exposed to the freezing cold without adequate weather protection, problems with seriously ill, injured or malnourished dogs not being treated by a vet, housing problems, filthy, feces-laden conditions and more.

Shortly after the initial Missouri's Dirty Dozen report was released in October 2010, former customers of Brandi Cheney filed a lawsuit in Randolph County Circuit Court, accusing Cheney and Stephenson of selling them sick and dying puppies.  The lawsuit is currently making its way through the court system.

Yet despite her dismal history, Brandi Cheney has been granted a second jUSDA license under a different business name and license number.  Both the older and newer facilities linked to Brandi Cheney continue to be cited for repeated violations of basic animal care.  the new kennel, Circle B Farms LLC, is in Huntsville, MO and the new USDA license number is 43-B-3698.

A January 4, 2011 USDA inspection  of Circle B Farms uncovered a number of new, severe violations, including temperatures inside the kennel registering as high as 109.5 degrees F., failure to provide adequate lighting or electricity, and failure to provide adequate cage space.

In addition, Cheney's name continues to be associated with S & S Family Puppies along with Diana Stephenson.  A November 16, 2010 inspection of S & S Family Puppies resulted in seven pages of violations, including several dogs in dire need of veterinary care.  These dogs included a male Husky who was "observed laying in front of a shelter and was reluctant to rise."  when roused, the Husky "walked very gingerly and was reluctant to put pressure on all four paws" and the inspectors observed that his paw pads were "cracked, swoolen and reddened."  The Husky als had open sores on both of his ears.  He had not been treated by a vet.  In addition, inspectors found a female French Bulldog with a largbe open lesion that was "reddened and oozing."  The licensee reportedly stated that she had previously noticed the lesion, but had not contacted her veterinarian about it.

Other violations include a Japanese Chin with a leg injury, a Shiba Inue "scratching, biting and itching almost continuously," puppies with darrhea, dogs with matted fur, housing with broken metal ande protruding wires on the cages, accumulations of dirt and grime, broken drainpipes causing waste buildup outside the kennels, strong fecal and ammonia odor4, dogs with their feet passing through broken wire floors, dirty feeders, and excessive feces.

A follow-up report indicated the Husky was later euthanized due to "old age."  The USDA has amassed over 500 pages of Federal enforcement records on this licensed dog breeder. 

Missouri Puppy Mills: Sick Puppies - Dogs and Commercial Breeders

Background:

Late last year, researchers at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) spent weeks poring over state and federal inspection reports, investigators’ photographs, and enforcement records to compile a list of some of the worst puppy mills in Missouri, known as “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen.” The report included direct quotes detailing horrific care violations documented in the facilities’ federal and/or state kennel inspection reports The violations included thin-coated breeds like Italian greyhounds found shivering in the cold in temperatures as low as 9 degrees, dogs with open, oozing or bleeding sores, underweight dogs with their entire skeletal structures showing, and sick or dying puppies who had not been treated by a vet.

March 9, 2011, the HSUS released an update to this report.  The majority of the Missouri Dirty Dozen kennels are still state licensed and in operation.  On the same day, the Missouri Senate voted 20 - 14 to repeal Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  The Missouri House will vote on this issue soon.

If there is any doubt in your mind that MO Prop B, as written and passed by voters last November, is needed and provides essential protection for dogs, please read below for details from the Dirty Dozen update.

For Heaven's Sake Kennel, Peggy Ryan, Reeds Springs MO
Although her most recent USDA inspection was compliant, this USDA licensed breeder has amassed 19 pages of Animal Welfare Act violations over the past two years.  A June 2010 USDA inspection noted repeated veterinary issues with two Chows, one of whom had "mats hanging down" while another had patches of untreated hair loss.  In February 2010 the kennel was cited for severely matted dogs, dogs with "very loose, greenish brown colored stool" who had not been gtreated by a veterinarian, animals in 36 degrees F temperatures who did not have enough protection from the cold, stacked wire cages where "puppies that were attempting to move around" were seen with their feet "falling throught the openings in the wire," dirty conditions, and more.

Previous federal inspections noted a severe flea infestation throughout the facility, dogs in 93 degree F buildings without adequate climate control, and puppies who were underswight and lethargic.

Animal Welfare: Where does your state rank?

The Humane Society of the United States has released its second annual "Humane State Ranking," a comprehensive report rating all 50 states on a wide range of animal protection laws dealing with pets, animal cruelty and fighting, wildlife, animals in research, horses, and farm animals.

We're not from here.  I wish I had a nickel for each time I've uttered those words - mostly to disclaim connection to Missouri.  In fact, it's true.  We're not from here and do not plan to stay here for the rest of our lives.  Because we plan to move when we retire, I'm always interested in the lists that rank various states or areas of the US on a slew of issues, lifestyles, and so on.   So, it was with great deal of self-interest that I checked out this HSUS list.

According to the HSUS report, in 2010, California topped the list, followed by New Jersey, Colorado, Maine and Massachusetts. This year, Illinois moved into third place, due to passage of a raft of important animal protection measures during the 2010 legislative session, including bills to prohibit the keeping of primates as pets and to protect animals from antifreeze poisoning.


Also making great strides were Louisiana, Oklahoma and Alaska. Oklahoma, one of the top three puppy-producing states in the country, gained major points for passing a comprehensive puppy mill bill in 2010, and also passed legislation protecting pets in domestic violence situations and for allowing the creation of pet trusts. Louisiana, which was the last state to ban cockfighting in 2006, strengthened its laws for spectators of cockfights. And Alaska gained points for making egregious acts of cruelty a felony on the first offense and for closing a loophole that allowed the possession of chimpanzees as pets.


At the bottom of the list, the states with the weakest animal protection laws are Alabama, Hawaii, Idaho, Mississippi, North Dakota, Ohio and South Dakota, with South Dakota ranking last with a score of eight out of 65. Idaho, Mississippi, North Dakota and South Dakota got low marks in part because they are the only four states in the country with no felony penalty for egregious acts of animal cruelty. Alabama, Hawaii, Idaho, Mississippi, North Dakota, Ohio and South Dakota are also among the 11 states that do not have felony-level penalties for cockfighting. Ohio is expected to move up in the ranking if the state follows through with a series of eight reforms advanced by The HSUS and agricultural groups in the state to deal with cockfighting, puppy mills, exotic pets, and factory farming issues.


The ranking was based on 65 different animal protection issues in 10 major animal protection categories including: animal fighting; animal cruelty; puppy mills; use of animals in research; equine protection; wildlife abuse; factory farming; fur and trapping; exotic animals; and companion animal laws.




RANK STATE SCORE OUT OF 65
 1 California 45
 2 New Jersey 40
 3 Illinois 39
 3 Massachusetts 39
 5 Tie:  Colorado 38 ;  Maine 38
 7 Tie:  New York  37;  Vermont 37;  Disctrict of Columbia 37
10 Tie:  Oregon 36 ;  Washington 36
12 Tie:  Connecticut 35;  New Hampshire 35; Pennsylvania 35; Virginia 35
16 Tie:  Florida 34;  Louisiana 34
18 Michigan 33
19 Tie:  Arizona  32 ; Maryland  32
21 Tie:  Iowa 29;  Nebraska 29;  Rhode Island 29
24 Tennessee 28
25 Tie:  Delaware 27;  New Mexico 27
27 Tie:  Georgia 26;  Oklahoma 26
29 Wisconsin 25
30 Tie: Minnesota 24;  Nevada 24
32 Tie: Kansas 23;  North Carolina 23
34 Indiana 22
35 Alaska 21
36 Texas 20
37 West Virginia 20
38 Tie: Arkansas 19; Kentucky 19; Montana 19; South Carolina 19 ; Utah 19; and Wyoming 19
44 Missouri 18
45 Tie: Alabama 17;  Hawaii 17;  Ohio 17
48 Tie: Mississippi 13;  48 North Dakota 13
50 Idaho 9
51 South Dakota 8


It certainly does not surprise me that Missouri is so far down at the bottom of the list.   I shudder to think what Missouri's rank would be if we had not passed MO Prop B - the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  Would Missouri have been at the very bottom?

I must admit that it looks like my feelings of geographic shame could be worse.  We could be living in Idaho or South Dakota.

Stop Puppy Mills - Adopt from a Shelter or Ethical Dog Breeder

Jeffie was adopted from Dogwood Animal Shelter

At For Love of a Dog Jewelry, we're partial to adopting pets from an animal shelter or rescue organization.  We prefer mutts, but you can find that perfect pure breed pup there, too.  If you're determined to purchase a purebred canine, we urge you to avoid the products of puppy mills and work with an eithical, responsible dog breeder.  Let's face it.  Puppy mills are about money.  We live in a supply and demand culture.  Don't patronize the puppy mill breeders.  If there are no buyers for their product, they will go out of business.

Here's what the Humane Society of the United States has to say:  f you've decided you're ready for a dog, follow The HSUS' top five puppy buying tips and you'll be far more likely to secure a healthy, well-socialized dog who doesn't drain your emotions or your pocketbook. One, in other words, who doesn't come from a puppy mill.



1. Consider adoption. Adopting a dog instead of buying one is one of the surest ways to strike a blow against puppy mills. To find the perfect match, you'll want to choose the right one for you and your lifestyle. Animal shelters have dozens of dogs, many of them purebreds, just waiting for homes. There are also breed specific rescue groups for every breed of dog, including "designer" or "hybrids" like Labradoodles and Puggles. Mixed-breed dogs also make wonderful pets.

2. Find a responsible breeder and visit their premises. Responsible breeders provide a loving and healthy environment for their canine companions, one that they will be proud to show you. Never buy a puppy without seeing where they and their parents are raised and housed with your own eyes. 

3. Don't be fooled by common claims made by pet stores when pushing their puppies. Despite what they may tell you, pet stores do sell puppy mill puppies.



4. Don't be swayed by a great website or ad. Just because a website says great things about their "home raised" or "family raised" puppies doesn't make it true. Many puppy millers pose as small family breeders online and in newspaper and magazine ads. For many years The HSUS has aided local authorities in the rescue of puppy mill dogs across the nation. In almost all cases the puppy mills sold puppies via the Internet using legitimate-looking ads or websites that made claims that couldn't have been farther from the truth.


5. Avoid the temptation to "rescue" a puppy mill puppy by buying him. Even though your intentions may be good, don't buy a puppy with the idea that you are "rescuing" him or her. Your "rescue" opens up space for another puppy mill puppy and puts money into the pockets of the puppy mill industry. Pet stores won't leave their cages empty and websites won't leave their pages blank. The money you spend on your puppy goes right back to the puppy mill operator and ensures they will continue breeding and treating dogs inhumanely. If you see someone keeping puppies in poor conditions, alert your local animal control authorities instead of buying.


6. Do your part: Pledge to help stop puppy mills! Choose not to buy your next pet from a pet store or Internet site, and refuse to buy supplies from any pet store or Internet site that sells puppies.

Tips for Halloween Pet Safety

Halloween is not Tucker, Lucy or Jeffie's favorite holiday.  In fact, they find it pretty scarey.  All those loud, strange looking folks ringng the doorbell, plus all that tempting sweet stuff to try and snatch.

The Humane Society of the United States offers these tips to keep pets from gettng spooked on Halloween.  The best place for pets on this occasion is a safe, quiet spot, well out of the way of the activities, says The HSUS.  To help people keep pets safe and happy on Halloween, The HSUS recommends taking the following precautions:


* Keep pets safely inside; away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities.



* Cats, black ones in particular, often fall victim to pranksters. Keep cats safely indoors. Visit: humanesociety.org/safecats for more information.


* Make certain that all pets are wearing collars with ID tags. Frequently open doors provide perfect opportunities for escape, despite an owner's best efforts.


* Keep candy out of your pet's reach. Candy can be harmful to pets and chocolate is toxic to dogs, cats and ferrets.


* Decorations should be kept away from pets. Candle flames can potentially set fire to a pet's fur. Dangling decorations should be kept in high places to avoid pet entanglement, choking and other potentially life-threatening hazards.


* The only costume most pets want to wear is their own furry birthday suit. Costumes and masks can increase their risk of injury by causing them to feel confined and restricting movement.


* If trick-or-treating is the name of your game, leave the family dog at home. Dogs can be difficult to control amidst all the commotion. A lost pet or dog bite will quickly end your Halloween fun.


* Use fake cobwebs sparingly outdoors on your trees and bushes. These may adversely affect both pets and wildlife. Small birds are especially vulnerable and can easily become entangled in the webbing.
 
Let's have a fun and safe Halloween!

Taking Action for Animals Conference July 24-27

Sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States, this conference welcomes newcomers to animal protection movement, as well as experienced advocates. Taking Action for Animals will be held July 24-27 in Arlington, VA.

80 speakers, 4 tracks of workshops, vegan meals, and an exhibit hall full of experts. The HSUS says:

• Find out how to end the euthanasia of millions of pets in two special workshops: How to be more effective in promoting spay and neuter and The Shelter Pet Project - a 3 year national public service campaign to encourage adoption.
• Learn the most effective tactics for getting an elected official to listen to your views and then meet with your members of Congress during Lobby Day.
• Learn how to reduce the threat of swine flu and other emerging infectious diseases and prevent a pandemic.
• Meet Ginnifer Goodwin - animal advocate and star of the hit movie "He's Just Not That Into You."
• Enjoy comedian and author Carol Leifer and singer/songwriter Nellie McKay

Register before June 20 and save $25 on registration. Book your hotel room by July 2 to receive a special group rate at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. For more information

Dogs of Valor Awards - People's Choice!

Vote for your favorite Dogs of Valor Finalist!

The Humane Society of the United States created the Dogs of Valor Awards to honor and celebrate dogs who have performed an extraordinary act of courage by heroically helping a person in need. Finalists for this year’s award were chosen based on the significance and impact of their heroic actions.

Their panel of celebrity judges will choose a Valor Dog of the Year and three Runners Up. However, the HSUS also wants to hear from the people!

Cast your vote for your favorite heroic hound before the voting closes on Friday, May 15 2009 at 5 PM Eastern Time. The Finalist who receives the most votes will be named this year’s People’s Hero winner!

One lucky People’s Hero voter will be randomly selected to receive "Sirius", a signed, limited edition giclèe by artist Ron Burns!

Vote here

Disaster Relief

Here in the Missouri Ozarks, we're all too well aware of the flooding. Luckily ours has simply been mainly a hassle and not a disaster. Not so for thousands of other folks and their animals in the midwest. Though there are many, many ways you can help out, I just became aware of a really easy one.

You can simply purchase postage and money will go to the Humane Society of the United State's Disaster Fund! Click here and you'll be taken to more information.