2.40(b)(2) (Non-Critical) – Attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (dealers and exhibitors).
A number of dogs during inspection were in need of veterinary care. A female shih-tzu (#134) was matted on its front legs. In addition, fecal material was caking up on its rear end near the anus. The dog was also observed to be thin. She had little muscle and fat covering her back and her spine was prominent and easily felt. A male shih-tzu (#248) had a buildup of organic material with hair intertwined in it in the dog’s right ear. A female teddy bear (#133) had a buildup of organic material with hair intertwined in it in the dog’s left ear. A 2 year old nursing female teddy bear (with five puppies, #251) was observed to be thin during examination. She had little muscle and fat covering the ribs, back, and hips. Her ribs and spine were prominent and easily felt. A female yorkie (#231) was observed to have a difficult time standing up and walking. The dog was stiff as she was trying to walk. Both hind legs were stiff and the inspectors observed the dog dragging the right hind leg at times and then it would be dragging the left hind left leg at times. Matts on dogs can be uncomfortable and even become painful. Caked up fecal material in the dogs fur can contribute to the spread of disease. When the caked up fecal material is near the anus, it can lead to the anus becoming blocked by the caked up material possibly resulting in the dog not being able to properly defecate which can result in serious illness for the dog. Thin dogs indicate an underlying health issue. The dog may not be getting the proper nutrition it needs. A dog dragging its legs and stiffness indicates the dog may be in pain or uncomfortable. The dog may be arthritic or have some other underlying health issue. The attending veterinarian must be contacted and each dog listed in this report must be treated as per the attending veterinarian instructions. Correct by 3/1/26.
3.1(a) (Non-Critical) – Housing facilities, general.
Two enclosures had leaking watering nipples causing the water to puddle up at the ends of four different enclosures housing a total of five dogs. The five dogs weren’t able to access their food or water without stepping into the puddles. Another enclosure had a metal rivet sticking out into the enclosure. In addition, two enclosures had nails being used to hold the hinges together for the doors of the enclosures. The nails have sharp points at the bottom which the dogs are exposed to. Puddles of water can contribute to the spread of disease. Sharp points and a metal rivet sticking out into the enclosure are hazards that can cause injury to the dogs in those enclosures. Housing facilities for the dogs must be designed and constructed so they are structurally sound. They must be kept in good repair and must protect the dogs from injury. Correct by 3/5/26.
3.1(e) (Non-Critical) – Housing facilities, general.
The main supply of dog food was shipped in a large cardboard box. The box is open and the top of the food had what appeared to be indentations on top, possibly from the barn cats. A barn cat was observed to be laying near by. The facility representative agreed the indentations in the food was most likely from a barn cat. In addition, the storage for the bedding on two different containers did not have lids. Not storing the food and bedding properly can result in the both supplies becoming contaminated which can result in the spread of disease. Storage containers for food and bedding must be stored in a leak proof container and have a properly fitting lid to prevent contamination. Correct starting on 3/1/26.
3.11(b)(2) (Non-Critical) – Cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control.
The outside enclosures haven’t been sanitized in 3-4 weeks. From talking to the licensee, he isn’t sanitizing all the surfaces the dogs come into contact on a consistent two week basis. Not sanitizing the enclosures and all surfaces the dogs come into contact with on a biweekly basis allows for fecal material and grime to build up which can contribute to the spread of disease. The licensee must sanitize the enclosures, feeders, and all other surfaces the dogs come into contact with every two weeks to prevent the accumulation of dirt, debris, excreta, and other disease hazards. Correct by 3/5/26.
3.13(a)(3) (Non-Critical) – Veterinary care for dogs.
The program of veterinary care doesn’t have a deworming schedule for his dogs that has been prepared and approved of by the attending veterinarian. Not having a deworming schedule in the program of veterinary care doesn’t ensure the dogs are being adequate dewormed against the various parasites that can infect a dog. The attending veterinarian must add a deworming schedule to the program of veterinary care. Correct by 3/26/26.
3.13(b)(4) (Non-Critical) – Veterinary care for dogs.
The dogs have been sampled for heartworm in the past year, but the licensee doesn’t have documentation of the results. Not being able to present the documentation of the results doesn’t ensure the population is adequately protected against heartworm. All test results must be documented so an APHIS official can confirm the population has been sampled for heartworm. Correct starting on 2/27/26. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with the licensee. End of report. Additional Inspectors: KELLY MAXWELL n
