http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/news/2000/12/SHEPARDM.HTM
Jim Rogers (301) 734-8563 jim.d.rogers@usda.gov
Laura Sanchez (301) 734-7255 laura.d.sanchez@usda.gov
RIVERDALE, Md., Dec. 14, 2000--The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently charged Marilyn Shepard, doing business as Cedarcrest Kennel in Ava, Mo., with violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
"Shepard sold at least 284 dogs to another animal dealer without being licensed," said W. Ron DeHaven, deputy administrator for animal care with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a part of USDA's marketing and regulatory programs mission area. "Operating without a license is a very serious violation. It allows illegal animal dealers to avoid inspection of their facility. If we cannot inspect, we cannot guarantee that an operator is even meeting the minimum standards of animal care required by law."
In addition to the 284 dogs sold by Shepard without a license, APHIS inspectors found that she also failed to:
-Construct and maintain structurally sound housing facilities for dogs;
-Provide dogs in outdoor housing facilities with adequate protection from the elements; and
-Construct the flooring in the primary enclosures for dogs so as to protect the animals' feet and legs from injury and that do not allow their feed to pass through any openings in the floor;
APHIS inspectors conduct inspections of licensees to ensure compliance with the Act. Any violations that inspectors find can lead to civil penalties and license actions. The AWA requires that regulated individuals and businesses provide animals with care and treatment according to standards established by APHIS. The standards include requirements for recordkeeping, adequate housing, sanitation, food, water, transportation, exercise for dogs, veterinary care, and shelter. The law regulates the care of animals that are sold as pets at the wholesale level, transported in commerce, used for biomedical research, or used for exhibition purposes.
NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like an interview concerning this or any other AWA related issue please contact Jim Rogers or Laura Sanchez at the numbers listed above.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/news/1998/08/SHEPHERM.HTM
Press Releases
Jim Rogers (301) 734-8563 jrogers@aphis.usda.gov
Jamie Ambrosi (301) 734-5175 jambrosi@aphis.usda.gov
AVA, MO., ANIMAL DEALER FOUND GUILTY OF VIOLATING ANIMAL WELFARE ACT
RIVERDALE, Md., Aug. 10, 1998--The U.S. Department of Agriculture fined Ava, Mo., animal dealer Marilyn Shepherd $2,000 and suspended her license for seven days for violating the Animal Welfare Act.
"Shepherd violated the Act," said W. Ron DeHaven, acting deputy administrator for animal care with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a part of USDA's marketing and regulatory programs mission area. "She appealed the original decision, lost, and found herself faced with an even larger fine than before. This really is a victory for the animals."
APHIS inspectors found violations in the areas of housing, recordkeeping, sanitation, and veterinary care.
Shepherd has the right to appeal this decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals.
The AWA requires that regulated individuals and businesses provide animals with care and treatment according to the standards established by APHIS. Animals protected by the law must be provided with adequate housing, handling, sanitation, food, water, transportation, veterinary care, and shelter.
The law covers animals that are sold as pets at the wholesale level, transported in commerce, used for biomedical research, or used for exhibition purposes.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/news/1996/12/SHEPARD.HTM
Press Releases
Jim Rogers (301) 734-8563 jrogers@aphis.usda.gov
Robin Porter (301) 734-3265 rporter@aphis.usda.gov
AVA, MO., ANIMAL DEALER FACES USDA ANIMAL WELFARE CHARGES
RIVERDALE, Md., Dec. 17, 1996--The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently charged licensed animal dealer Marilyn Shepherd, doing business in Ava, Mo., with violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
W. Ron DeHaven, acting deputy administrator for animal care with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a part of USDA's marketing and regulatory programs mission area, said that the charges against Shepherd are based on numerous APHIS inspections.
APHIS inspectors found that Shepherd failed to:
-- Build and maintain structurally sound housing for dogs;
-- Remove rust from surfaces that come in contact with dogs;
-- Frequently remove animal and food waste, garbage, and dead animals;
-- Adequately protect dogs in outside housing from the elements;
-- Provide dogs sufficient space in primary enclosures;
-- Develop, document, and follow an exercise program for dogs;
-- Clean and sanitize food and water receptacles;
-- Keep premises free of trash and debris;
-- Maintain programs of disease control and prevention, euthanasia, and adequate veterinary care under the supervision of a veterinarian; and
-- Individually identify dogs.
APHIS inspectors conduct inspections of licensees to ensure compliance with the Act. Any violations that inspectors find can lead to civil penalties. The AWA requires that regulated individuals and businesses provide animals with care and treatment according to standards established by APHIS. The standards include requirements for recordkeeping, adequate housing, sanitation, food, water, transportation, exercise for dogs, veterinary care, and shelter. The law regulates the care of animals that are sold as pets at the wholesale level, transported in commerce, used for biomedical research, or used for exhibition purposes.