Media contact:
Misti Preston
Phone: (573) 751-8596
Misti.Preston@mda.mo.gov

For Immediate Release: February 27, 2006

Department Recognizes Responsible Pet Producers Through New Program

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo) — The Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Fred Ferrell accompanied by Dr. Shane Brookshire, state veterinarian and director of the Division of Animal Health at MDA, signed the first Blue Ribbon Kennel Program certificates. These certificates presented to 7 kennels identify these facilities as responsible pet breeders in Missouri.

“The Blue Ribbon Kennel Program is a new initiative aimed at ensuring prospective animal owners that the pets they purchase in our state have been under excellent care by some of the best pet producers,” says Ferrell. “We are dedicated to providing quality puppies to homes and families in Missouri.”

Missouri is the first state to implement a quality assurance program such as the Blue Ribbon Kennel Program. This program is dedicated to providing healthy, happy animals to families across Missouri and the United States. Blue Ribbon Kennels demonstrate a commitment to providing to improve animal welfare and husbandry practices through formal training and educational seminars.

These facilities have passed a comprehensive inspection and have been certified by MDA’s Animal Care Facilities Act (ACFA) program. Only a select few facilities will initially qualify. Blue Ribbon Kennel candidates must pass an inspection that significantly exceeds current minimum standards.

For more information regarding the Blue Ribbon Kennel Program, visit www.mda.mo.gov/Animals/blueribbonkennel.htm. To find more information about a Blue Ribbon Kennel in your area, contact Dawn Wood at the Department of Agriculture at (573) 751-4570.

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