Arthur Schmucker

No violations recorded (clean inspection).

3.1(a) (Non-Critical) – Housing facilities, general.
The current large outdoor pen has two large holes in the ground that are a hazard to the dogs and need to be addressed. One hole is covered with some siding material but not secured down and was shifted, exposing the hole. These are deep holes that could pose a potential hazard to the dogs and need to be addressed to keep the enclosure in good repair. Correct by: Oct 11, 2023

3.11(d) (Non-Critical) – Cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control.
There was an accumulation of flies and stink bugs throughout the facility. The facility does not have any current program in place that would mitigate or control the number of insects around the kennel. This needs to be addressed and a pest control program in place for the overall health of the dogs. Correct by: Oct 6, 2023

3.13(a)(4) (Non-Critical) – Veterinary care for dogs.
The licensee is not currently following the program of vet care which states that dogs hair coats should be checked weekly. A female cavalier identified as “Mathilda” was in the whelping box and had heavily matted ears and matted fur along the back legs. The extensive nature of these matted ears indicate they are over a week old and were not identified or addressed by the licensee. Weekly checks allow these dogs to be identified and have preventative care provided in the manner of grooming to reduce matted fur. The licensee needs to follow his veterinarians plan for the health of the dog. Correct by: Oct 5, 2023 This inspection and exit interview were conducted with the licensee. n

2.126(b) (Non-Critical) – Access and inspection of records and property; submission of itineraries.
A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 11:48am on May 3rd, 2024. The inspector knocked on multiple doors of the home, honked the car horn, called into the barn next to the home, and waited 30 minutes. Failure to provide access to the facility, animals, and records for inspection is a serious violation of the AWA and regulations. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action. This is the first attempted inspection. End Section

3.7 (Critical) – Compatible grouping.
On each of 10/19/23, 10/28/23, and 1/10/24, 1 adult dog was found deceased with injuries attributed to fighting amongst dogs in a shared exercise space. The space was otherwise sufficiently sized and structured per the AWA regulations for the number of dogs utilizing it at a given time. Dogs housed in the same primary enclosures must be compatible to minimize risk of fighting, injury, and death. Compatibility with other dogs when grouped must be addressed. Correct by 6/4/24.

3.13(b)(3) (Non-Critical) – Veterinary care for dogs.
While the facility maintains records of rabies vaccination for all dogs, it does not document the names and dates of administration of other vaccines. Recording the names and dates of administration of all vaccines helps ascertain adherence to a facility’s written program of veterinary care. The facility must begin documenting these vaccines. Correct by 6/13/24. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with the licensee. n

No violations recorded (clean inspection).

3.13(a)(3) (Non-Critical) – Veterinary care for dogs.
The facility has not administered ectoparasite prevention in accordance with the written Program of Veterinary Care. Whereas the program prescribes monthly prevention between the months of April and November for adult dogs, the facility has not administered prevention since July 2024. Even though the facility had not had evidence of parasites prior to or since the last administration, parasites may still affect dogs during these months. The facility must adhere to a management schedule approved by the attending veterinarian. Correct by December 2, 2024. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with facility representatives. n

3.6(a)(2)(iii) (Non-Critical) – Primary enclosures.
Two adult dogs were seen free in the west kennel building when entered by the inspector, each having escaped from their individual primary enclosures. The doors of these primary enclosures are kept shut by a pin or hook-and-eye mechanism that the dogs were able to force loose. While no injuries or other concerns were apparent, dogs that are able to escape primary enclosures are at risk of escaping the greater housing facility or may encounter other incompatible animals in the kennel. Primary enclosures must be constructed so as to contain the dogs securely. Correct by May 13, 2025. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with a facility representative. n

3.1(c)(1) (Non-Critical) – Housing facilities, general.
Several of the enclosures have sections where the plastic surfaces have been excessively scratched by the dogs leaving these areas rough with deep ridges. These ridges can trap dirt and debris impacting the ability to clean and sanitize the enclosure. These surface areas need to be addressed to facilitate cleaning and sanitization of the enclosures.

3.11(b)(2) (Non-Critical) – Cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control.
The plastic flaps between the sheltered box and outdoor run need to be addressed. There is a layer of grime along the flap and along the base of the door that is not being cleaned and sanitized every two weeks. These plastic flaps and areas of the primary enclosure need to be cleaned and sanitized at least once every two weeks for the overall health of the dogs.

3.13(a)(4) (Non-Critical) – Veterinary care for dogs.
Two dogs a Poodle named “ Kobe” and a Bernadoodle named “Benie” have matted fur along their belly, and legs. Per the PVC, these dogs should be groomed in the fall and spring and then checked as needed. Matted fur pulls and separates from the skin and can trap moisture and debris. This matted fur reduces the insulation factor and can cause potential skin irritation. These dogs should be groomed more frequently between fall and spring to ensure their fur coats can adequately protect them in the winter months and for their comfort and well being. This is a 1st Re-License Inspection for a Class “A” license. The inspection and exit briefing were conducted with the applicant. All items must be in compliance within (2) more inspection(s) or by April 7, 2026 or the applicant will forfeit the license fee and must wait 6 months to reapply. Please contact your inspector to schedule your next Re-License Inspection. Regulated activity can continue under your existing USDA license until it expires. n

No violations recorded (clean inspection).

3.11(c) (Non-Critical) – Cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control.
Housekeeping at the facility needs to be addressed. There are several runs that have no dogs but do have feces remaining in the enclosures on wire mesh. Additionally the facility is hosing down underneath the runs weekly but then is not fully removing shavings and feces that are left sitting in drains. As these empty runs are not cleaned and feces and shavings not fully removed from underneath the runs, it is contributing to a strong smell around the outside of the kennel. These areas need to be cleaned to facilitate good housekeeping practices and for the health of the animals. Correct by: April 16, 2026 This inspection and exit interview were conducted with the licensee. n