Ellen Roberts

3.1(e) (Non-Critical) – Housing facilities, general.
The bags of bedding material is stored under the carport. Several bags had tears in the bags 4″-5″ long, resulting in them being open and providing access for pests, vermin and for the potential spoilage and contamination. Supplies of food and bedding must be stored in a manner that protects the supplies from spoilage, contamination, and vermin infestation. The supplies must be stored off the floor and away from the walls, to allow cleaning underneath and around the supplies. To prevent spoilage and contamination of the bedding, all open supplies of food and bedding must be kept in leakproof containers with tightly fitting lids to prevent contamination and spoilage. To be corrected by: 13 August 2021 This inspection and exit interview were conducted with a facility representative. End Section

2.40(b)(2) (Non-Critical) – Attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (dealers and exhibitors).
Three dogs require evaluation by a veterinarian. A male brindle Boxer (Dez, m/c# 900115000783253) was observed to be limping on the right hind leg. There was an open sore between the 2nd and 3rd toes that had a moderate amount of clear discharge. A facility representative stated that it was not there the night before. Foot injuries can be painful and if not treated, can worsen to become infected. Maybelline, a female Olde English Bulldog (m/c# 9000085000740127) with 9 pups, was thin with the vertebrae and ribs easily seen and there was an abdominal tuck. Weight loss can be a sign of inadequate nutrition, parasites or an underlying medical condition. Loss of weight when nursing puppies can result in decreased milk quality. This dog must be evaluated by a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Stella, a buff and white female Cocker Spaniel (m/c# 900111881599146) was thin with a moderate abdominal tuck. She is nursing 7 puppies. Weight loss can be a sign of inadequate nutrition, parasites or an underlying medical condition. Loss of weight when nursing puppies can result in decreased milk quality. This dog must be evaluated by a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. A record of the evaluation and treatment of these dogs must be created and maintained and made available to APHIS officials.

3.4(b) (Non-Critical) – Outdoor housing facilities.
Two outdoor enclosures have a medium size Igloo dog house with 3 dogs. Each dog house is large enough for 2 of the enclosed dogs, but does not provide adequate space for the third dog to sit, stand, turn around and lay in a normal manner. The temperature at the time of inspection was 42F degrees but have been below freezing at night. Adequate shelter space for all the dogs in an enclosure is important for protection from the weather elements and as a place of safety for dogs. More shelter space must be provided and maintained at all times.

3.6(a)(2)(iii) (Non-Critical) – Primary enclosures.
In the outdoor enclosures constructed of chain link material, there is a gap between the gate and the post. The Boxer housed in this enclosure was able to freely place his head in that gap. In the small brown building behind the grooming building, a wire panel separating 2 enclosures was not attached securely to the wall, creating a gap large enough for the dogs to pass through. When a dog is able to place its head or other body parts through spaces to the outside of the enclosure, it could contact other animals that could harm the dog or become entrapped and injured. The owner must ensure the safety of the dog by repairing this enclosure and maintaining enclosures to contain the dogs securely.

3.13(a)(3) (Non-Critical) – Veterinary care for dogs.
The program of veterinary care does not have a frequency for sampling of heartworm, coccidia and giardia. Sampling of parasites in accordance with a schedule approved by the attending veterinarian is important to prevent contagious and deadly diseases of dogs and to know with certainty that the preventative treatment is effective. The applicant must add an intestinal parasite sampling schedule approved by the attending veterinarian to the Program of Veterinary Care.

3.13(a)(4) (Non-Critical) – Veterinary care for dogs.
The Program of Veterinary Care does not include plans for preventative care and treatment to ensure healthy and unmatted hair coats, properly trimmed nails, and clean and healthy eyes, ears, skin, and teeth. These plans are important to maintain the health and well being of the dogs and must be addressed in the in the written program of veterinary care that is signed by the attending veterinarian. 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 inspections by March 4, 2022 or the applicant will forfeit the license fee and must wait 6 months to reapply. Please contact your inspector to schedule the next pre-license inspection. Conducting regulated activities without a valid USDA license is a violation of the Animal Welfare Act. End Section

No violations recorded (clean inspection).

3.6(c)(1)(iii) (Non-Critical) – Primary enclosures.
In a wire enclosure inside the white building a black poodle had only 2 inches distance from the top of her head to the top of the enclosure. Dogs that are not given adequate head space can decrease the dog’s ability to exhibit its normal behavior or postural movements. The licensee is to ensure that all dogs have at least 6 inches of space from their head to the top of the interior height of the enclosure when standing in a normal position. Correction date: 20 May 2022

3.11(a) (Non-Critical) – Cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control.
In 6 of the outdoor enclosures, there was an excessive amount of feces. The enclosures measured approximately 5′ x 10′ and each enclosure had 3 or 4 dogs. The dogs must walk over the feces as they move about. Some of the feces was dried and obviously several days old. The owner stated that the enclosures were cleaned at least 3 times a week. Due to the amount of feces in the enclosures, this is not done frequently enough. Excreta and food waste must be removed from primary enclosures daily as often as necessary to prevent an excessive accumulation of feces and food waste, to prevent soiling of the dogs contained in the primary enclosures, and to reduce disease hazards, insects, pests and odors. To be corrected from this day forward.

3.11(d) (Non-Critical) – Cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control.
In one of the outdoor enclosures, when an igloo type shelter was lifted, at least 6 mice were observed under the shelter. They quickly moved away and out of the enclosure. As the mice are in close proximity, they can quickly contaminate the food, water and dog enclosure with their urine and feces. The licensee must establish an effective program for the control of insects, external parasites affecting dogs, and birds and mammals that are pests, must be established and maintained so as to promote the health and well-being of the animals and reduce contamination by pests in animal areas. Correction date 20 May 2022 This inspection and exit interview were conducted with facility representatives. End Section

No violations recorded (clean inspection).

2.40(b)(2) (Non-Critical) – Attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (dealers and exhibitors).
There were 2 bottles of oral medications (dewormers) in the middle building that had no expiration dates and 1 other medication (secnidazole) was expired (4/23). Expired medications do not ensure that the medications are effective at treating disease or illness and the health of the animal may suffer. Each dealer shall use appropriate methods to prevent, control, diagnose, and treat diseases and injuries. The licensee must ensure that expired medications are removed from the facility. Correction date: 3 November 2023 (Removed from facility during inspection)

3.1(a) (Non-Critical) – Housing facilities, general.
In the back row of enclosures behind the middle building, the 2nd enclosure from the north end had a large gap between the shelter and the 2×4 welded wire panel wall. The enclosed dog was able to place her leg through this gap and almost placed her head through the gap. The gap was 4-5 inches wide and about 16 inches high. Dogs can become injured by pushing parts of their body through the gaps and then pulling back quickly. They can also become trapped if they cannot remove their head from the gap. Housing facilities for dogs must be designed and constructed so that they are structurally sound. They must be kept in good repair, and they must protect the animals from injury, contain the animals securely, and restrict other animals from entering. The licensee must ensure that there are no gaps that can cause injury to the dogs. Correction date: 3 November 2023

3.1(c)(1)(ii) (Non-Critical) – Housing facilities, general.
On the east side of the Big Building, one of the outside pens had a sheet of metal at the end of the pen that had sharp edges on it. The 6 enclosed dogs gather at this end of the enclosure and could become injured from the sharp metal. Any surface that comes in contact with dogs must be free of jagged edges or sharp points that might injure the animals. The metal must be replaced or repaired to prevent injury to the dogs. Correction date: 5 November 2023

3.1(c)(3) (Non-Critical) – Housing facilities, general.
Most of the inside enclosures of the Middle Building were excessively dirty. On the left side the 3rd and 4th pen had excessive feces and other grime and brown material on the floor. In the 4th enclosure, the amount of feces made it difficult for the dogs to avoid stepping in the feces. Each of these pens contained a female dog with young puppies. On the right side 2 pens had excessive grime on the exposed wood of the dog door frame. Feces, dirt, and grime can harbor organisms that can affect the health of the dogs. The licensee must spot clean the feces daily ensure that cleaning and sanitization are done as frequently as necessary to prevent excessive accumulation of feces, to prevent soiling of the dogs, and to reduce disease hazards. Correction date: 3 November 2023

3.4(b)(4) (Non-Critical) – Outdoor housing facilities.
In an outdoor enclosure containing 1 Bulldog, the shelter had no bedding material. The temperature at the time of the inspection was approximately 41 degrees F (data from Weather Channel app on phone). Animals that expend energy to stay warm may not thrive and have increased risk of sickness. Bedding material is necessary to protect the dogs from the cold temperatures. Shelters in outdoor facilities for dogs must contain clean, dry, bedding material if the ambient temperature is below 50 °F (10 °C). Additional clean, dry bedding is required when the temperature is 35 °F (1.7 °C) or lower. Correction date: 3 November (Corrected during inspection)

3.11(d) (Non-Critical) – Cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control.
Inside the building one of the enclosures has a female Boxer with young puppies (approximately 10 days old). There was an excessive amount of flies in this enclosure, including numerous dead flies. Flies can cause contamination to the food and water and irritation to the dogs by biting them. An effective program for the control of insects, external parasites affecting dogs, and birds and mammals that are pests, must be established and maintained so as to promote the health and well-being of the animals and reduce contamination by pests in animal areas. Correction date: 4 November 2023 This inspection and exit interview were conducted with a facility representative. n

2.40(b)(2) (Direct [REPEAT]) – Attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (dealers and exhibitors).
A female Boxer (Whiskey, id# 900217000688080) was observed to have a yellow discharge over the left eye. Upon closer observation, the cornea was blue, opaque and appeared to have a roughened area. She was squinting and avoiding sunlight. The licensee stated that Whiskey had been playing rough with another dog and the dogs were placed in separate enclosures. The other dog had a slight injury and was taken to the veterinarian for examination. This eye injury was not seen thus not provided with diagnosis and treatment. Eye injuries are painful and can quickly worsen if not treated properly. Squinting is a significant indicator of pain and the discharge indicates that the eye is irritated. This dog must be examined by a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. The medical records must be available for APHIS officials upon request.

3.11(d) (Non-Critical [REPEAT]) – Cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control.
Inside the big building along the wall across from the enclosures, there were 2 small holes where the wall and floor join. There was insulation material and rodent feces by a hole, indicating that rodents are in this area. There was a distinct smell of rodent urine and feces in this area. Failure to control pests can cause contamination of food, surfaces and increase the risk of disease hazards towards the dogs. The licensee must establish and maintain at all times an effective program for the control of insects, external parasites affecting dogs, and birds and mammals that are pests, to promote the health and well-being of the animals and reduce contamination by pests in animal areas. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with a facility representative. n

No violations recorded (clean inspection).

2.40(b)(2) (Direct [REPEAT]) – Attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (dealers and exhibitors).
Lindy Lou (900217000254630) a female boxer with six (approximately 4 week old ) puppies, was very thin. Her ribs and vertebrae were easily seen and palpated. There was a distinct abdominal tuck. Four of the puppies appeared lethargic. One puppy had watery, yellow diarrhea. One puppy, called Jake, was thin with easily seen ribs. The owner stated that he was getting milk as a supplemental feeding and they were all getting dewormed daily since some day last week, but there is no medical record of the treatment. There had been no discussion or consultation with a veterinarian to have a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Undiagnosed medical problems can result in improper treatment that may result in the conditioning worsening. Incorrectly treated medical conditions may cause further suffering and pain and even death. The puppies and dam must be evaluated by a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Records must be available to APHIS officials.

2.50(a)(2) (Non-Critical) – Time and method of identification.
The 6 Boxer puppies (dam Lindy Lou) had no identification and the owner could not say with certainty how old the puppies were. Identification is required in order to ensure that each animal’s identity can be known with certainty and to facilitate record keeping requirements that includes the ability to track the dogs that are purchased, transported, traded, sold, or leave by other methods and for accurate health care documentation. The owner must provide identification at all times for each puppy born on the premises. To be corrected by 7 May 2024

3.11(a) (Non-Critical) – Cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control.
The enclosure containing six four week old Boxer puppies (dam is Lindy Lou) had excessive waste and grime on the floors and caked material along the edges and corners of the enclosure. The blanket on the floor was stained with dried diarrhea. The amount of dirt and grime was attracting numerous flies that can bite and irritate the dogs. Due to the number and condition of the puppies, the enclosure needs to be cleaned and sanitized more frequently and maintained to ensure a healthy environment. To be corrected by 7 May 2024 This inspection and exit interview were conducted with a facility representative Additional Inspectors: KONSTANZE PLUMLEE, VETERINARY MEDICAL OFFICER n

3.1(c)(1)(i) (Non-Critical) – Housing facilities, general.
The horizontal bar at the bottom of the chain-link gate containing 2 small dogs was rusted on its whole surface. There are jagged holes rusted along 7-8 inches of the bar that is in the inside part of the enclosure. Excessive rust cannot be readily cleaned and sanitized and affects the structural strength. When the surface cannot be readily cleaned and sanitized, it creates a risk of disease. When the structural strength is weakened, the dogs could escape or other animals could enter the enclosure. Interior metal surfaces and those that come in contact with the dogs must be free of rust that prevents the required cleaning and sanitization. Correction date: 23 May 2024

3.11(d) (Non-Critical [REPEAT]) – Cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control.
Inside the grooming building and the big building, there are numerous flies on the surfaces of the enclosures and floors. There are very young puppies housed in both of these buildings. Pests can bite and irritate the dogs and contaminate the surfaces and food and water, which creates a risk of disease. An effective program for the control of insects, external parasites affecting dogs, and birds and mammals that are pests, must be established and maintained so as to promote the health and well-being of the animals and reduce contamination by pests in animal areas. An effective program must be established and maintained. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with a facility representative. Additional Inspectors: KONSTANZE PLUMLEE, VETERINARY MEDICAL OFFICER n

No violations recorded (clean inspection).