What A Dog And WHAT A SOLDIER......

Post by The German Shepherd Dog Community.

How To File A Compliant When Someone Sells You A Sick Dog .......

File Complaint

Post your experiences online anywhere you can. Alert the website or newspaper that you purchased from and request that they not allow them to advertise.

Law Enforcement

• The Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) ActPUPS Act requires that any breeder who sells more than 50 dogs each year to pet stores or online must meet federal standards.
• Report a breeder to your State’s Agricultural department for not being licensed (Missouri). You can look up breeder licensing information and inspections on this ASPCA website.
• You can see what legal power your state’s Human Society has here.
• File a complaint with the ASPCA, USDA, APHIS, Humane Society (Missouri), state’s Attorney General (Missouri), Animal Legal Defense Fund, Health Department (Missouri),
• The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) gives the victims of cyber crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations.

Animal Advocacy

• File complaints or reports with Humane Society of the United States here or call 1-877-MILL-TIP.
• Share your story with the ASPCA here, report a pet shop here or call 1-866-601-SPCA.
• File a compliant with the Companion Animal Protection Society, a national nonprofit dedicated exclusively to protecting companion animals. CAPS’ foremost concern is the abuse and suffering of pet shop and puppy mill dogs.

Consumer Advocacy

• Complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau will be forwarded to the business within two business days. The business will be asked to respond within 14 days, and if a response is not received, a second request will be made. You will be notified of the business’s response when we receive it (or notified that we received no response). Complaints are usually closed within 30 business days.
• www.ripoffreport.com
• www.complaintsboard.com
• www.pissedconsumer.com

Humane Society’s Five Year Summary of Buyer Complaints, 2007 – 2011

Over a five‐year period (2007‐2011), the HSUS’s puppy mill campaign received 2,479 puppy buyer complaints. Unsatisfied buyers contact The HSUS for many reasons; some are seeking information about how to pursue their consumer complaint, others seek information about where their pet store puppy really came from, many want the seller investigated or potentially shut down, and others simply want to share their stories as a warning to others.

But the complaints received by The HSUS represent only a small fraction of all sick puppy complaints nationwide. Some buyers of sick puppies report their complaints directly to the seller, to local animal control, or to a consumer agency such as their local Better Business Bureau, instead of contacting a national group. Many others do not contact anyone at all. Therefore the 2,479 complaints received by The HSUS represent just a very small sample of all consumer problems with sick puppies.

Staff with The HSUS made an attempt to follow up with each complainant to check on each puppy’s well‐being and survival, and to offer advice on how to resolve each complaint. Some complainants, for example, were advised of their states’ puppy lemon laws or referred to local law enforcement or animal control agencies, if warranted. Some complaints were forwarded to The HSUS’s Animal Rescue Team or other departments for potential investigation.

Read the full report of common buyer complaints and stats here.

Missouri Puppy Mill Watch Is A Great Source of Information on Puppy Mills and the Dog Breeding Industry

Missouri Puppy Mill Watch Is A Great Source of Information on Puppy Mills !!!

AKC, Licensed‎ Breeder Operating Puppy Mill

USDA Inspection of LTO Farms. Photo Credit: ASPCA

Dog breeders and owners, Mark A. Landers andRay J. Cole and handler Jeff L. Wright are on a winning streak in the dog show world with their prize English Toy Spaniel, LTO Prosperity. A recent article in Best in Show Daily titled “Toy Spaniel Hat Trick” reports that Prosperity won five best-in-show titles by April. Prosperity’s ongoing fame might not lead to fortune for the trio as accusations arise that the breeders are operating a puppy mill in Hartville, Missouri.

The breeders’ heightened publicity has helped unhappy customers and business owners track the online purchase of sick dogs to Mark Landers, Ray Cole and most recently Ray’s mother Dee Dee Cole(also known as Annie or Anna Cole). The trail of customer complaints and reports are starting to reveal the underpinnings of a puppy mill operation.

“I wanted to make sure I wasn’t buying a dog from a puppy mill so I researched the information I had which was Dee Dee Cole’s name and the company name, LTO Farms,” said one customer. “I wasn’t able to find anything alarming but when my dog arrived nearly dead from malnourishment I felt horrible and embarrassed that I didn’t figure it out sooner.”

Shipping documents accompanying the dog revealed additional information such as Ray Cole’s phone number (417-259-3111), Dee Dee Cole’s phone number (573-247-1170) and Mark Landers’ name. After a quick online search it was apparent why this information would be withheld from potential buyers.

Our research revealed that the suspected puppy mill operators, Mark Landers and Ray Cole, have been changing their company name, operating under two different USDA licenses and now using family members such as Dee Dee Cole as their new sales contact.

Mark Landers and Ray Cole bred, distributed and auctioned hundreds of dogs under the business name “Promises Kept” and “Promises Kept Kennels.” According to PetShopPuppies.com, Landers and Cole housed over 200 dogs in 1999 and by 2008 that number almost doubled to 400.

Following a string of failed USDA inspections and released photos of the Missouri puppy mill operation courtesy of the ASPCA, Landers and Cole established “LTO Farms” and “Kennel LTO” and list themselves as “Mark & Ray Landers & Cole.” Dee Dee Cole, Ray’s mother, became the new point of contact for online buyers

USDA records show Landers canceled his license number 43A3615 in June 2012 and established the new license number 43A5776 in August 2012.

Dogs breeds currently available for purchase through LTO Farms or Kennel LTO include Komondor, English Toy Spaniel, Beagles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog and Brussels Griffon.

When asked about the process of purchasing the dog from LTO Farms the customer said “When I asked about the puppy’s small size and health, Dee Dee told me the dog was “extra fancy” because it was small and that I shouldn’t worry because the dog was just checked out by the vet and was healthy.”

Brussels Griffon puppy sold on NextDayPets by Dee Dee Cole and LTO Farms helps authorities close down puppy mill operation of AKC breeder Mark A. Landers and Ray J. Cole

The Brussels Griffon puppy was purchased on NextDayPets.com and the description currently reads: Small is what this girl is. LTO Sunset A weighed in at 3.6 pounds on July 10, 2013 and is a tiny toy black rough female Brussels. She is expected to stay small. She is sired by LTO Algernon (10 pounds) and her dam is LTO Sunset (8 pounds). She comes with full AKC registration, up-to-date vaccinations, health checked, and microchipped.

This customer spent twice as much on medical bills during the first month than what was paid for the dog. Dee Dee Cole and her business partners did not respond to complaints made by this customer or our request for comment.

Part two of this story is still in development but additional information can be found throughout http://www.missouripuppymill.com.

LTO Farms / Kennel LTO / Promises Kept Kennels

• The USDA tracks Mark A. Landers, Dee Dee Cole and Ray J. Cole under customer number 10248 and the Better Business Bureau files complaints for LTO Farms.

Posted by: Staff Writer // Puppy Mill Exposé // Dee Dee Cole, Hartville, Kennel LTO, LTO Farms, Mark Landers, Missouri, Puppy Mill, Ray Cole // October 10, 2013

Department of Agriculture for Missouri Has Great Information On Missouri Animal Care.......

Missouri Animal Care

Home » Animals

Question & Answer

What is the definition of hands-on veterinary care?
Each year, dogs must receive a hands-on examination by a licensed veterinarian. The examination must include auscultation, palpation and a visual inspection of a covered dog or cat and in which the heart, respiration, breeding soundness and the results of palpation are assessed. Examination means a complete physical evaluation from head to tail by a licensed veterinarian to include and recorded as indicated on the forms provided.

Is an annual vet exam mandatory?
Yes, an annual exam by a licensed veterinarian is required for all covered dogs. Covered dogs include all intact females more than six months of age and any males used for breeding.

Can my veterinarian do a visual exam only?
Dogs must have at least one complete, hands-on physical examination each year that is recorded on the forms provided by the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Care Program. Any additional exams may be visual at the discretion of the veterinarian and the licensee.

What is the definition of serious illness or injury?
Serious illness means a condition or injury that would likely result in significant pain or progression of disease if not addressed within 24 hours and would require daily or continuing treatment as determined by a veterinarian.

What is an example of extreme weather?
Temperatures less than 45 degrees Fahrenheit or more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit are considered extreme weather, as is inclement weather such as severe storms, including hail, excessive rain and flooding. During times of extreme weather, access to the outdoors may be limited at the discretion of the dogs’ owner and/or veterinarian.

Does the rule apply to cats?
The statute does not apply to cats, however the Department’s Animal Care Program does oversee many rules and regulations regarding cats. If you breed cats, or know someone who does, and need more information, please contact the Animal Care Program at (573) 751-3377 or ACFA@mda.mo.gov.

Does my pet have to be inspected by Animal Care?
No, personal pets are not included in the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act or the Animal Care Facilities Act.

Is concrete allowed in the pen?
Yes, concrete is one of the acceptable types of flooring. The full list of approved flooring manufacturers is available here.

What does unfettered access mean?
Unfettered access means that dogs have unrestricted access to both indoor and outdoor space.

What happens if I don’t comply with the new law?
The legislature included an enforcement provision in the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act, in which cases can be sent to the Attorney General’s Office or the County Prosecutor for non-compliance. The Attorney General and county prosecutors have the authority to pursue legal action as they deem appropriate in each situation.

Do I need an Animal Care license?
The Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Care Program licenses commercial breeders, animal shelters, boarding kennels, commercial kennels, contract kennels, dealers, pet sitters, exhibitors, hobby shows, intermediate handlers, dog pounds, pet stores, rescues and listing services.

If you have 4 or more intact females and are breeding dogs for commercial sale, yes you will need a license. If you operate a kennel, sell dogs on behalf of another breeder, you will need a license. If you are not sure whether your operation is included in one of the above categories, please contact the Animal Care Program at (573) 751-3377 or ACFA@mda.mo.gov.

Where can I find the forms needed to get a license?
Information about applying for a license through the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Care Program is availableonline. Application forms are also available on that website.

If you have questions about applying for a license, please contact the Animal Care Office at (573) 751-3377 orACFA@mda.mo.gov.

Where can I find a form for a construction plan?
The Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Care Program does not require that you submit construction plans for your facility unless you are requesting an exemption to a portion of the rules during your construction process. However, it is advisable to have your inspector do a pre-construction visit. Requests for exemptions must be made in writing to the Animal Care Program and approved by the program manager prior to beginning construction.

If you have questions about making modifications to your existing facility or constructing a new facility, please contact the Animal Care Office at (573) 751-3377 or ACFA@mda.mo.gov.

What is the space requirement?
The space requirements take effect in two phases, and include both indoor and outdoor areas. First, Missouri dog breeders with existing facilities must double the size of their enclosures by Jan. 1, 2012. Second, in all new construction, and in all facilities by 2016, space is tripled.

A space calculator is available on the Animal Care Program website, which will figure the space required given the number of animals and their size.

Who qualifies as exempt?
Individuals with three or fewer intact females are generally exempt from needing a license from the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Care Program.

If you are not sure whether your operation should have a license, please contact the Animal Care Program at (573) 751-3377 or ACFA@mda.mo.gov.

Missouri Puppy Mill Watch Is An Excellent Source Of Information On Puppy Mills In Missouri

Missouri Puppy Mill Watch

Reporting on the digital world of puppy mills in Missouri and elsewhere.

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Missouri, the Puppy Mill State

According to the Humane Society of the United States, Missouri generated the highest number of complaints about both breeders and brokers. This is consistent with research and analysis of state and federal records which shows that Missouri is one of the top puppy‐producing states.

After Missouri, the top states for breeder complaints were Oklahoma, Texas, Ohio, and Arkansas. After Missouri, the top states for broker (dealer) complaints were Florida, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Iowa.

The ASPCA and the Humane Society of Missouri report that Missouri is the puppy mill capital of the United States and exports more than 40 percent of all dogs sold in pet stores nationwide. It is home to more than 3,000 commercial dog breeding facilities, which represents more than 20 percent of puppy mills nationwide.

THE PROBLEM OF UNLICENSED PUPPY MILLS

Currently the United States Department of Agriculture does not license or inspect large-scale puppy producers who sell puppies over the Internet or directly to the public. Many of these unlicensed facilities sell puppies sight-unseen to unsuspecting buyers who assume they are purchasing from a small family breeder.

Hundreds of these “direct” sellers have taken advantage of the pre-Internet language of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations (otherwise known as the “retail pet stores loophole”) to operate without any federal oversight or inspections. As a result, an increasing number of large-scale unlicensed breeders are not monitored for their animals’ overall health or for any humane treatment standards.

Important Missouri Legislative Recap That All Of Us Watch That The HSUS & MAAL Work So Hard On......

 

2014 Legislative Recap

The Missouri General Assembly wrapped up its 2014 legislative session today at 6:00 pm.  The following is a recap of the legislation we worked on this year and the final status of each bill.  Because of your hard work we were able to stop several bills that would have moved Missouri backwards.  Thank you to everyone who took part in this process by participating in Humane Lobby Day and taking action through our action alerts.  We couldn’t do it without you!

HJR 55 & 59 and SJR 28- These overreaching and unnecessary bills are the “Right to Hunt” bills that would change our constitution to take power away from the Conservation Commission to regulate hunting and also prohibits ballot measures by the people of Missouri on wildlife and hunting issues.  Final status: FAILED!

HB 1391- The “Right to Rodeo” bill is another unnecessary and overreaching piece of legislation that would protect rodeo practices, no matter how cruel and abusive.  Final status: FAILED!

SB 727- A bill filed by Senator Maria Chappelle Nadal that would eliminate the state sales tax on goods sold at farmers markets.  This bill promotes humane, sustainable farming, and helps create a level playing field for farmers who are good stewards of the land and animals.  Final status: passed!

HB 1727- This bill would have prohibited the Department of Natural Resources from denying waste water permits based on the species of animal being processed.  It was a pro-horse slaughter bill filed in direct response to DNR denying Rains Natural Meats a permit to slaughter horses last year.  Final status: Though the sponsor of the bill attempted to amend this language on to several other bills, this bill FAILED!

HB 1728- This bill, filed by Representative Warren Love, would make it more difficult for county health boards to regulate Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs, or factory farms).  Final status: Love amended this language on to several bills but in the end, this bill FAILED!

HB 2094- This bill would have exempted government records that include information on animal health from Missouri’s Sunshine Law.  This bill was a threat to public health, and also would have prevented the public from seeing inspection records on commercial dog breeding facilities.  Final status: FAILED!

HB 2157- This bill made detrimental changes to Missouri’s animal cruelty laws and would have left animals in the hands of their abusers.  Final status:FAILED!

SB 506- Senate Bill 506 was the only agriculture omnibus bill that passed in 2014.  This bill has language that hurts family farmers, including a provision that makes it easier for our farmland to be sold to foreign corporations, and a provision that could implement a new tax on cattle.  It also moves the classification of Missouri’s captive deer from the Department of Conservation to the Department of Agriculture, something both departments strongly opposed.  This bill passed 26-0 in the Senate, and with 107 “yes” votes in the House.  The bill will now go to Governor Nixon, and he has the ability to veto the bill.  A veto override will take 109 votes in the House.  It’s very disappointing that this bill passed, but we are pleased that we were able to remove HB 1727, HB 1728, and HB 2094 from the bill before it made its way through.  Final status: passed.

10 Tips To Report Animal Cruelty .......from the ASPCA site !!!!

1. Find out where to report cruelty.
    
2. When you know who to contact, provide a concise, written, factual statement of what you observed, giving dates and approximate times whenever possible.
    
3. If at all feasible, try to photograph the abusive situation and date your pictures.
    
4. It would also be helpful to get short, factual written statements from other witnesses.
    
5. When you call to report animal cruelty, always make sure to keep a careful recordof exactly whom you contact, the date of the contacts and the content and outcome of your discussion.
    
6. Never give away a document without making a copy for your file!
    
7. Make it clear to the agent that you are very interested in pursuing the case, and that you are willing to lend whatever assistance you can.
    
8. Follow up! If you don't receive a response from the officer assigned to your case within a reasonable length of time, don't be afraid to present your information to his or her supervisor and, if necessary, to local government officials, such as the county commissioner, and ask them to act.
    
9. If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police commissioner and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court.
    
10. Remember that expert witnesses are sometimes necessary in animal cruelty cases. A veterinarian, for example, can sign a statement that it is his or her "expert opinion" that a dog suffers when hit with a chain, is deprived of food, etc. Expert opinions will very often make or break a case, so if you happen to know a sympathetic veterinarian, you may wish to seek his or her assistance and tell the officer that you have expert support lined up for your case.

Thank you for standing up for animals and reporting cruelty! To learn more, please visit the Reporting Cruelty FAQ.

2014 HSUS List of 101 Problem Puppy Mills... Missouri 22 of Them !!! Believe me folks this is just scraping the surface

0. MISSOURI 
1. These are the puppy mills that HSUS has identified as 2014 List of 101 Problem Puppy Mills in the UNITED STATES that are in Missouri. Please continue to read more post below and to read over carefully their violations reports and stories about them.  
   • Kathie and William Blomberg, Locust Creek Farm, Versailles, MO USDA license number 43-A-116
   • Kay Butler, High Point Kennel, Montgomery City, MO  state license  #  CB-5853

•    Hazel Coleman, Dog-N-Ass Farm, Lebanon, MO  USDA # 43-A-2640
• Johnny Dake, J & M Kennels, Stover, MO  USDA # 43-A-4494
• Stacy Farley, Lancaster, MO  USDA # 43-B-3663 ( notice her B license as we will discuss this soon )
• Gary and Ruth Ann Goostree, Rafter “G” Kennel, Rocky Comfort, MO  USDA # 43-A-5677

• Jeffrey and Judy Gray, Rothville, MO  USDA #43-A-4052
• Richard Hoffman, Hoffman’s Kennel, Freeburg, MO USDA#43-A-3783
• Ron Hughes, Circle H Rotts & Labs, Williamstown, MO USDA# 43-A-4833
• Angelia Kochs, Rocky Creek, Inc., Niangua, MO USDA # 43-A-5611

• Barbara Neubert, Barb’s Pups, Formerly Neubert Kennel and Farms, Vienna, MO  USDA # 43-A-5777
• Brenda Ponting, Hale, MO  USDA # 43-A-5133
• Anna Mary Reiff, Rocky Branch Kennel, Latham, MO USDA # 43-A-4696

• Tom and Debra Ritter, Cornerstone Farms, Curryville, MO  not license that anyone can find ?????
• Patricia A Rowe, Rowe’s Family Kennel, Sheridan, MO USDA # 43-A-2520
• Josh L. Souza, Chevorlet Ranch [SIC], Phillipsburg, MO USDA # 43-B-3620

• Johanna Steele, Lone Sycamore Kennels, Gorin, MO USDA # 43-A-2520
• Trina Thomas, Havanese Haven, Elkland, MO USDA # 43-A-5600
• David and Esther Troyer, Clark, MO USDA # 43-A-3085
• Glenda Watson, Watson’s Puppies 4 U, West Plains, MO  USDA # 43-A-4919

    • Janelle Yates, Cloverleaf Kennel, Willow Springs, MO  USDA # 43-A-5324

    • Anna and Moses Zimmerman, Ana-Mos Kennel, Barnett, MO  USDA # 43-A-5328

So Close But Yet So Far Away........

What Dogs Can Teach Us.......

If A Dog Was The Teacher (and why they don't live as long as humans)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker.  The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker and were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer.

I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker and offered to perform euthanasia for the beloved old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure as they felt that Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him.

Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him.

What came out of his mouth stunned me.  I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.  It has changed the way I try to live.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them;
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride;
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy;
• Take naps;
• Stretch before rising;
• Run, romp, and play daily;
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you;
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do;
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass;
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree;
• When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body;
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk;
• Be loyal;
• Never pretend to be something you're not;
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it;
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good, so, love the people who treat you right. Think good thoughts for the ones who don't  -  life is too short to be anything but happy.

Falling down is part of LIFE...Getting back up is LIVING...

DON’T COMPLAIN ABOUT GROWING OLD…FEW PEOPLE GET THE PRIVILEGE.