3.1(f) (Non-Critical) – Housing facilities, general.
The facility provides the dogs with animal bones to chew in order to help maintain the dogs’ dental health. In the majority of the enclosures, containing approximately thirty adult dogs, there is a large buildup of old and fresh animal bones. Some of the bones still have meat attached to them and in at least one of these enclosures the odor of decomposition is coming from a pile of bones near the outdoor shelter. The buildup of bones could have a negative impact on the dogs’ health and well-being by creating foul odors as well as potentially attracting pests such as flies and mice. Two outdoor enclosures, containing a total of four dogs, each have a large puddle of water. In one of the affected enclosures, the puddle of water is located beneath the shade structure and the other affected enclosure has a puddle next to the concrete slab the shelter is placed on. Standing puddles of water could attract pests such as mosquitoes and other insects which could ultimately have a negative impact on the health of the dogs. Housing facilities must provide for the regular and frequent collection, removal, and disposal of food waste, debris, garbage, water, and any other waste. Housing facilities must be equipped with drainage systems that rapidly eliminates waste fluids and water. Standing puddles of water in animal enclosures must be drained or mopped up. The licensee must eliminate the buildup of old bones and the puddles of water from the dog enclosures in order to support the animals’ well-being. To be corrected by: June 02, 2021
3.4(b) (Non-Critical) – Outdoor housing facilities.
In one enclosure, containing three adult dogs, the outdoor shelter does not have a floor and is also not tall enough to contain the dogs compliantly. The dogs are Great Danes and are taller than the shelter when standing in a normal position. Failure to provide a floor may allow water and pests into the shelter and a shelter that is not tall enough may cause discomfort to the animals. Outdoor shelter structures must be large enough to allow each animal to sit, stand, and lie in a normal manner and to turn about freely. Shelters must contain a roof, four sides, and a floor. The licensee must either replace the affected shelter with a compliant shelter or alter the affected shelter in a manner that provides a floor and an appropriate amount of height. The licensee must ensure all shelter structures are compliant at all times. To be corrected by: June 04, 2021
3.6(a)(2)(ii) (Non-Critical) – Primary enclosures.
A male black and white Great Dane named Merlin has small, bleeding wounds on the upper left and lower right lips. The licensee was unable to hold the dog for closer examination. The licensee says these types of injuries are common with this dog and are the result of Merlin repeatedly striking his mouth against a hard wire fence (cattle panel) during aggressive interactions with another male dog in an adjoining enclosure. Construction materials that are safe and effective for most animals, can be a source of injury for other animals that display unusual or aggressive behaviors. The outdoor enclosures at this facility are constructed of wire cattle panels and other types of wire fencing. In numerous enclosures, containing approximately seventeen dogs, sharp points were discovered by the inspectors. Several of the cattle panels are cut in a way that leaves short sharp points approximately ¼ inch long along the cut edge and located at the level of the dogs. Wire is used throughout the facility to connect the fence panels and secure them to posts, to secure fencing protecting trees, and to secure shade structures and feeders. In many spots, the sharp ends of the wires project into the enclosures. In one enclosure, a screw was protruding from a board above the door of a shelter. One of the feeders had a missing metal access door, but one of sharp screws once used to secure the door remains and is protruding into the feeding area. Sharp points within primary enclosures are potential causes of injury to the dogs. Primary enclosures must be constructed and maintained so that they protect dogs from injury. Sharp points must be eliminated, and Merlin’s enclosure must be constructed in a way that prevents further injury. To be corrected by: June 1, 2020
3.9(a) (Non-Critical) – Feeding
In one enclosure, containing three adult dogs, the metal self feeder is missing the access door flap and bird droppings are located on the dog food. In approximately two enclosures, contain at least four dogs, caked feed was found in the interior corners of the metal self feeders. Caked dog food and food contaminated by bird feces may have a negative impact on the health and well-being of the dogs. Dog food must be uncontaminated, wholesome, palatable, and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to maintain the normal condition and weight of the animal. The licensee must ensure that the food provided to the dogs remains uncontaminated and wholesome at all times. To be corrected by: End of business May 13, 2021
3.11(b)(2) (Non-Critical) – Cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control.
The surfaces of the interior walls of at least two outdoor shelters are coated in a heavy buildup of brown dirt. A total of six adult dogs have access to the affected shelters. At least one metal feeder has a buildup of brown dirt and debris on the exterior side of the access door. Two adult dogs have access to this feeder. The interiors of at least two metal feeders have a buildup of caked feed in the corners. At least four adult dogs have access to these feeders. The facility representative stated that the feeders and shelters are not sanitized. Buildup of dirt, debris, and food waste could increase the risk of disease towards the dogs. Primary enclosures and food and water receptacles must be sanitized once every two weeks and more often to prevent the accumulation of dirt, debris, food waste, excreta and other disease hazards. The licensee must sanitize the outdoor shelters and metal feeders and must ensure all surfaces the dogs come into contact with are sanitized once every two weeks or more often if necessary in order to support the health and well-being of the animals. To be corrected by: May 26, 2021 This inspection and exit interview were conducted with the facility representatives. Additional Inspectors: William Janecke, VETERINARY MEDICAL OFFICEREnd Section