citation_inspection: 40124

During the 2-hour interview with Mr. Council, he was asked if he received the required statements from the consignor regarding when the dog had last been offered food and water. Mr. Council stated that he did not receive this information and was unaware of this requirement. The necropsy report for this animal states that the dog was severely dehydrated and was not properly fed or watered during transport. During a phone call with the veterinarian who conducted the necropsy, they stated that "there was no ingesta in the stomach or small colon and only the dark tarry material in the large colon" and that "the dog had been dead for at least 12 hours prior to the necropsy, based on the level of post-mortem changes." Not verifying when the animal last received food or water and not using that information to determine future food and water times can lead to an animal not being properly fed or hydrated during transportation, which can lead to the animal’s death. The regulations state that carriers and intermediate handlers must not accept a dog for transport in commerce unless the consignor certifies in writing to the carrier that the dog was offered food and water during the 4 hours before delivery to the carrier. The certification must be securely attached to the outside of the primary enclosure in a manner that makes it easily noticed and read. Correct by 20June2023.