citation_inspection: 37762

At least three of the outdoor enclosures, containing approximately 25 dogs, have areas along the fence line where the dogs have dug underneath including at least one freshly dug hole. Many of these gaps have been covered or filled using boards, wire, or concrete blocks. The decaying carcass of a dead dog was found outside one these enclosures. The facility representative explained that the dog, a mini Australian Shepherd, had crawled under the fence through one of the gaps between two adjacent enclosures, and when it entered the adjacent enclosure, it was attacked and killed by the dogs housed there. Within the sheltered housing building there is one enclosure, containing an adult female dog and her seven puppies, that has an opening cut in the fencing that will accommodate a self-feeder. The opening is located along the floor and did not contain a self-feeder at the time of the inspection. The opening is large enough to allow a puppy to escape from the enclosure. A section of the metal fencing between two enclosures, containing a total of two adult dogs and three puppies, in the covered outdoor enclosures is not secured and is easily moved. One of the adjacent gates is secured with wire, but the resulting gap is large enough that the dogs could put their head or leg through. Thirteen enclosures in the whelping building, housing approximately 8 adult female dogs and 97 puppies, have carabiner style clips to secure entrance to the enclosure. These clips do not secure the entrance tightly and leave a gap large enough for the puppies to put their heads and legs through. Carpet squares used as bedding in three enclosures containing 3 adult dogs and approximately 15 unweaned puppies, have long strands of the material that have pulled away and pose a choking threat to puppies. The storage closet in the sheltered facility has a leaking water pipe. There is a large amount of water-soaked bedding material on the floor that has been used to try to adsorb some of the standing water. APHIS officials identified this issue during an earlier visit to the facility, but the facility representative stated he had not had time to fix the water pipe. Facilities that are not structurally sound, in good repair, or properly maintained pose a risk to the animals they are to house and protect. When the enclosure fails to contain the animals, this can result in injury, inability to access food and water, and in the case described above, death. Facilities, enclosures, and their contents must be good repair. Housing facilities for dogs must protect the animals from injuries and contain the animals securely. The licensee must alter the enclosures in a manner that removes the openings and gaps and eliminates the ability of the animals to escape. The licensee must also repair the leaking water pipe. The licensee must ensure that all enclosures are safe for the animals and contain them securely at all times.