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

For Immediate Release: June 13, 2006

ACFA Inspectors Seize 82 Dogs From Substandard Barry County Kennel

Inspectors with the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Care Facilities Act (ACFA) program have seized 82 dogs from Severn River Kennels in the southern county of Barry.

“This was an unlicensed facility with operators who failed to provide adequate care for the dogs,” said Dr. Jerry Eber, ACFA program director. “As a result, our inspectors, in cooperation with the Barry County Sheriff’s Department, Barry County Prosecuting Attorney and members of the Missouri Pet Breeder’s Association, confiscated the animals. They were moved to safe shelter where they have been receiving the care necessary to revive them to a healthy state.”

John Cupps, animal health officer with MDA’s ACFA program, conducted the initial investigation. Cupps received a tip from a citizen regarding dogs thought to be in very poor condition located at the Severn River Kennels. Cupps visited the site, and in his initial inspection discovered that the kennel operators had transported 56 dogs into Missouri from Indiana. The dogs were being housed in a 20 x 24 ft. garage that was deemed substandard and unacceptable. The owners had also failed to apply for a Missouri breeder’s license as required by ACFA regulations. The owners were given 60 days to clean up their act and comply with the regulations.

Instead, the kennel deteriorated further. A follow-up visit by inspectors found the facility to be further deteriorated, unclean and unsanitary. Food receptacles were contaminated with feces, and water supplies were insufficient. Puppies had been locked in an abandoned van with no food or water available. The puppies were also sleeping in approximately three days worth of their own urine and feces.

On April 28, 2006, a warrant was issued by the Barry County Circuit Court, ordering the animals to be impounded and placed into the custody and care of the ACFA program. Inspectors rescued 81 King Charles Cavalier Spaniels and one English Bulldog - all highly sought after and valuable dogs. Initial figures estimated the total worth in excess of $100,000. As soon as the animals are given a clean bill of health, they will be sold at auction. Proceeds will be used to compensate for inspection costs, veterinary care and court costs.

Severn River Kennels is the sixth Missouri facility to be shut down by ACFA inspectors in 2006 for substandard operations. Close to 500 animals have been rescued and placed this year alone.

The ACFA program, which became law on August 28, 1992, has 12 inspectors who travel year-round to make certain Missouri’s dogs and cats, specifically those under the care of breeders, pet sitters, intermediate handlers, dealers, exhibitors, hobbyists, boarders, retail pet stores, animal shelters, rescue operations and municipal pounds, receive adequate care, shelter, health care and proper socialization. ACFA inspectors visited 519 kennels in Missouri through June 1.

In an effort to improve the quality of Missouri kennels, MDA became the first state to implement a quality assurance program dedicated to providing healthy, happy animals to families across the United States. Missouri’s Blue Ribbon Kennel program is a new premium puppy program designed to ensure that prospective animal owners are purchasing only top-quality dogs from the most responsible pet breeders in the nation. Blue Ribbon Kennels must each pass a comprehensive inspection to ensure the highest quality pets.

For more information on MDA’s ACFA program or the Blue Ribbon Kennel program, please call the department at (573) 751-3377, or visit the web site at www.mda.mo.gov/Animals/acfa.htm.

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