citation_inspection

A brown goat that was noted by the inspectors on the inspection of 12-16-14 as lame and having difficulty moving still appeared to be having difficulty walking. The goat moved stiffly and seemed hesitant to move or place weight on its right rear leg. This goat had been seen by the attending veterinarian according to the facility president. It was diagnosed with arthritis and given an injection of cortisone according to the facility president. This had helped the goat according to the facility president. This goat requires evaluation by the attending veterinarian and additional treatment to alleviate its pain and suffering. This goat is to be evaluated by the attending veterinarian by close of business on 2-11-15. The tiger known as Sher Kahn was very hesitant to stand. When he did stand the muscles of all of his legs were trembling and the tiger appeared to be very weak. The tiger moved very slowly and stiffly. The tiger had not eaten any of its food from the night before. The facility president was aware of this animals condition and stated that the animal was old and had arthritis. This tiger was not on any treatment according to the facility president. This tiger is suffering in its current condition. This tiger requires evaluation by the attending veterinarian for treatment to alleviate its pain and suffering. This tiger is to be evaluated by the attending veterinarian by close of business on 2-11-15. The macaque known as Huey had a wound on the tip of its tail. This lesion was about 1/2 inch long and was red and raw. Tail wounds of this nature can spread rapidly if not treated in a timely fashion as the animal will continue to pick at this area. This can lead to infection which can ultimately require tail tip amputation. Wounds must be treated promptly to avoid unnecessary pain and suffering. This monkey requires evaluation by the attending veterinarian for treatment. This monkey is to be evaluated by the attending veterinarian by close of business on 2-11-15. Documentation of the veterinary evaluation for these animals with treatment recommendations and records must be maintained and available for review by APHIS officials.

The produce cooler contains spoiled produce. Oranges with white mold spots, deteriorating radishes, softening apples, molding ginger, molding cheese, deteriorating squash and peppers along with other spoiling produce were all present in the produce cooler. Spoiled produce must be removed promptly to prevent contamination of food intended to be fed to the animals. Sort and remove spoiled produce promptly. This cooler needs to be cleaned and have spoiled and deteriorating items removed in order to prevent contamination of food items that will be fed to the animals. The produce sorting area of the produce cooler contained two chainsaws that had been used to butcher the previous day. These saws were covered in blood and tissue. These saws must be cleaned and sanitized promptly after use. They should not be stored in the produce cooler where it is possible for the material on them or the gas and oil in them to contaminate produce intended for animal feed. The meat cooler had a horrible ammonia like odor mixed with the odor of rotten and decaying meat. This odor makes it very hard to determine if the meat items stored in this cooler are fit for animal consumption. Clean the cooler, identify the source of the odor and eliminate it.

The enclosure containing the three alpacas and the enclosure containing four goats and one sheep each had a large pan of dog food in them. Feeding a diet not intended to be fed to these animals could lead to digestive issues or nutritional deficits. Feed a diet that is adequate to meet the nutritional needs of these animals. Consult with the attending veterinarian if needed.

The butcher area had been used yesterday and was not cleaned. The floor was covered with blood and cow feces. The band saw was covered in animal tissue. The counter was covered in blood. A knife and cutting board were on the counter and also covered with blood. The facility president stated that no hot water was available as it was frozen. Fix the water supply and clean the butcher area or bring in water to clean and sanitize it. This area must be cleaned promptly after use. The animal tissue and blood can serve to attract rodent pest which are numerous throughout the facility. The alleyway leading to the butcher area as well as the buildings along this alleyway are filled with various trash, debris, fencing, pipe and old equipment. The building next to the butcher area is also filled with various debris, old equipment, boards, trash, buckets, tires and fencing. These areas provide ample hiding areas for rodents and other pests. Numerous rodent holes were located throughout the facility. Mouse feces was seen in the warm room area. All this material must be removed to help control the rodent infestation of this property.

It is evident that due to the nature and severity of the animal husbandry issues at the facility that there is a lack of adequately trained employees. The facility relies on volunteer workers. The president of the facility stated to APHIS inspectors that there was no formalized scheduling of workers at the facility. A lack of properly trained employees can result in facility and animal conditions that result in unnecessary animal suffering. Animal numbers must be reduced or more properly trained workers need to be added. Workers need to be trained in the basic needs of the animals at the facility. Topics should include at a minimum: the need for adequate bedding during times of extreme weather, the importance of cleaning and good housekeeping procedures, proper diet for different species of animals and observation of animals for abnormal conditions and behaviors. This training should be done in conjunction with the attending veterinarian or his designee. A list of topics covered and attendees must be documented for review by APHIS. A facility schedule needs to be developed that allows for adequate employee coverage in order to address all animal husbandry needs. Also the facility president is the only one authorized to work with the dangerous animals at the facility. All animal work must be done with the dangerous animals under his direct supervision. This limits the amount of time that is available to service the dangerous animal enclosures as the facility president is often offsite. This leads to poor sanitation in the dangerous animal enclosures. The facility president needs to find a way to be onsite more or hire trained staff to help run the facility. Inspection and exit interview conducted with the facility president. Additional Inspectors Bongard Carrie, Animal Care Inspector