Talking Dogs Blog at For Love of a Dog: Conway Missouri Puppy Mill A-Lick-A Hope Closed

February 27, 2012

Conway Missouri Puppy Mill A-Lick-A-Hope Kennels Closed

Another Missouri puppy mill has been shut down.  Lori Gross, owner and operator of A-Lick-A-Hope Kennels in Conway, Missouri is now prohibited from operating any dog breeding facility in the state for ten years.

Located just a few miles from us, we're dog-goned glad to see it closed.  Conditions reported in our local newspaper were shocking.  We're equally bothered by the number of locals who seemingly knew all about it, yet turned a blind eye and did not report the abuse.  Until now. 

Missouri Department of Agriculture inspections of her operation revealed numerous violations of state animal welfare laws including: 

• Failure to provide clean, dry bedding
• Failure to provide wind and rain breaks to protect the dogs from the elements
• Failure to keep food receptacles clean and sanitized
• Failure to provide clean drinking water
• Failure to collect and remove animal waste
• Faiture to clean and sanitize the facility
• Failure to provide housing that protected the animals from injury
• Failure to provide adequate veterinary care to animals obviously in medical distress.

In addition to being prohibited from doing business in Missouri, Gross has also been assessed a $1,000 civil penalty, $100 for inspection fees, and assessed all costs associated with the court case that resulted in these penalties.

Since the passage of the Missouri Animal Care Facilities Act and Canine Cruelty Prevention Act, there's been a real crackdown thanks to the dedication of Missouri Attorney General Chris Kostner and Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler.   A Canine Cruelty Prevention Unit was established, more inspectors were added and we've seen many dog breeding operations closed.  The Missouri Canine Cruelty Prevention Unit reports over 5,500 dogs have been rescued from substandard facilities since January 2009.