citation_inspection

*** The wallaby enclosure in the main building had an abundance of fruit flies in the enclosure around the animal and fruit on the ground. Although the facility has a fly trap near the diet prep area, it does not seem to be effective for this particular area of the building. This needs to be addressed for the health of the animal. Correct by: July 4, 2014 An exit briefing was conducted with the licensee at the time of the inspection.

The inspectors observed that the tiger JJ was drooling as she approached to drink water from the receptacle in her enclosure. JJ also appeared to be thin with prominent hips and backbone. The president stated that he knew she was thin and was considering having her put down. The last time the attending veterinarian saw this tiger was about six weeks ago according to the president. The attending veterinarian needs to be consulted regarding this tiger. The veterinarian must see her by the end of the day on 7-2-14. Records regarding veterinary recomendations and possible treatment must be made or the attending veterinarian can contact the inspector by phone to discuss JJ. These records must be made available for review by APHIS inspectors.

The two domestic cats are housed in an enclosure that contains one litter box. This litter box had excessive feces in it. Primary enclosures are to be cleaned of fecal material daily. Excessive feces in the litter box can lead to odor problems. It can also be a potential source of disease and pest control issues. Excessively dirty litter boxes can also be a source of discomfort to the cats as they will hesitate to use the boxes when they are overly soiled. The cats in this enclosure had started to defecate outside the box which could result in soiling of the cats and ingestion of feces as they groom themselves. This can lead to parasite and other potential infections. Clean litter boxes daily.

The enclosure housing the olive baboon contained an excessive amount of fecal material. Excessive fecal material can lead to disease, pest and odor control issues. The baboon can become contaminated by lying in the fecal material and subsequently ingest it while grooming. This could lead to potential bacterial or parasitic infections for the animal. Clean this enclosure on a more frequent basis. This enclosure needs to be cleaned. Correct by: Close of business 7-3-14

A waste container without a lid is located right next to the area used to butcher cows to be fed to the large cats. This container contained black decaying cow parts covered in maggots. The odor emanating from this container was overwhelming. Food waste needs to be removed promptly in order to minimize odors, vermin infestation and disease hazards. The large amount of maggots in and around this container will result in fly control issues in a short amount of time. Remove this and all other waste materials in a prompt manner. Correct by: Close of business 7-3-14

The shelter housing the three goats is not large enough for all of the goats in the enclosure. Not all of the goats in this enclosure will be able to seek shelter from inclement weather. This could result in possible animal discomfort and suffering. Adequate shelter must be provided to these animals to provide for their health and comfort. Provide enough shelter for all the goats in this enclosure.

The round bale of hay placed in the lama enclosure was moldy. It had a white discoloration and appeared to shed a white dust when handled. Food shall be free from contamination. This hay is of questionable nutritional content and is likely not palatable when spoiled to this degree. This hay needs to be replaced with unspoiled hay in order to provide the lama with a palatable nutritious diet.

The water receptacle for the enclosure containing Sher Kahn had a layer of green scum lining its interior surface. The water receptacle for the tigers Lenny and Squiggy also had a layer of green scum on its interior. The water receptacle for the lion had algae floating in it. The water receptacle for the sheep had a layer of green scum on its interior surface. The water receptacle for the lama had a layer of green scum on its interior surface. The water receptacle for the tiger known as JJ had a layer of brownish green scum on its interior surface. The water receptacles in the enclosures for the American black bears and the Asian black bears had algae floating in them. The water receptacle for the coyote had greenish algae scum lining its interior. These receptacles are not being kept clean and sanitary. Dirty water receptacles can affect water palatability. It can also lead to contamination of the water by pathogenic organisms. Water palatability is very important with large cats as poor water palatability can lead to decreased consumption. Decreased water consumption can lead to renal function problems. The majority of the large cats at this facility are advanced in age, making them especially susceptible to kidney problems. Clean these water receptacles. Clean them as often as need to keep the water clean.

The produce cooler contained boxes of mushrooms which were deteriorating and fluid is present in the packages. Shelves in this produce cooler were covered with a white material that appeared to be mold. It is not possible to store food items in this produce cooler without them becoming contaminated by the dirty shelving and produce in the cooler. Clean the produce cooler shelves and remove the spoiled produce. The counter in the butcher area was dirty and covered with a paint can and brush, a dirty knife and various other dirty equipment. Knifes that had been used and not cleaned were stored in a receptacle on the wall. The meat saw was contaminated with fat and hair and meat scraps. The produce cooler door was covered in blood and tissue. This area is used to butcher meat that is intended to be fed to the cats at this facility. This area must be kept clean and sanitary in order to ensure the food is clean, wholesome and not contaminated when fed to the animals. Clean and sanitize this area. The area directly outside the building housing the butcher area as well as the alleyway and building next to the butcher area are filled with various debris, old equipment, boards, trash, buckets, fencing and cardboard. These areas provide ample hiding areas for rodents and other pests. All this material must be removed to help control pests.

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 importance of adequate water, 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. The president has been offsite for the many of the days since the last inspection. As the dangerous animals cannot be serviced when he is not present the conditions in theses animal enclosures are not good. The enclosures are not clean. The majority of the water receptacles are not clean. Trained staff with adequate experience must be hired or the facility president must find a way to be onsite at the facility for a more substantial amount of the time. The inspection was conducted with the facility president on 7-1-14. The exit interview was conducted at this time. All non-compliant items were discussed with the facility president. APHIS expectations regarding JJ the tiger were made clear. The tiger was to be seen by the attending veterinarian by the end of the day on 7-2-14. It was explained to the facility president that records of the veterinary visit would be reviewed at the 12:00 PM formal exit interview on 7-3-14. In place of these records the attending veterinarian could contact the inspector prior to this time by phone. Formal exit interview conducted with the facility president on 7-3-14. Additional Inspectors Bongard Carrie, Animal Care Inspector

There is an expired bottle of Panacur liquid (expiration date of 12-2013). There is a bottle of Spectogard oral solution and a bottle of metronidazole for fish (Fish Zole) with no directions for use in dogs from the attending veterinarian. There is a bag of cephalexin capsules with no directions for use in dogs from the attending veterinarian or expiration date. The licensee mixes together and uses a combination of Flagyl, Albon, propolene glycol, and spectinomycin. There are no directions or approval from the attending veterinarian for the preparation and use of this medication combination for dogs. All of these medication are being stored in the medication cabnet of the whelping building. Lack of proper labeling of medications (including lack of directions for use) can result in medications being used incorrectly, prolonged medical problems, undesired side effects, and the use of expired medication. The licensee must ensure that all medications used in the facility are not expired and are labeled properly in accordance with standard veterinary practices.

The lower metal frame of the gates for at least 4 large dog enclosures are rusted to the point that they have jagged edges and/or are not supporting the fence material. Rusted surfaces prevent adequate cleaning and sanitization which can play a role in disease transmission and cannot maintain structural strength. All surfaces must be maintained so that they are free of excessive rust that prevents the required cleaning and sanitization or affects the structural strength.

A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 11:00 a.m. on 07/01/2014. Additional Inspectors Whiteley Robert, Animal Care Inspector

Within an outbuilding there is a dam and 8 puppies located in a dirt hole. The licensee stated he was not aware the puppies were there and were most likely less than a week old. The hole is located behind and under a metal food receptacle. Failure to observe the animals daily for veterinary care issues can lead to unnecessary pain, discomfort or suffering. Licensee must observe all animals daily to assess their health and well-being. To be corrected from this day forward.

There is no records of dogs on hand at the time of inspection. Licensee stated it was not completed. Complete and accurate animal records must be kept in order to facilitate tracking and/or tracing of animals. Records must be made,kept and maintained that fully and correctly disclose information concerning all animals purchased or otherwise acquired, owned, held, leased, transported, sold, euthanized or otherwise disposed of and shall include any offspring born while in the licensees possession. To be corrected by July 15, 2014

Maintenance and replacement of surfaces. One shelter and some plastic water bowls have chewed and worn surfaces. The edge of the shelter entrance and the rim of the water bowls have been chewed and the surfaces are rough and jagged. Dirt is embedded in the chewed and worn areas. Chewed and worn surfaces cannot be easily sanitized which can to lead to disease hazards for the dogs. All surfaces must be maintained on a regular basis. Surfaces of housing facilities--including houses, dens, and other furniture-type fixtures and objects within the facility--that cannot be readily cleaned and sanitized, must be replaced when worn or soiled. To be corrected by July 15, 2014

There is a large outdoor enclosure attached to an outbuilding containing a dam and 8 puppies. Licensee stated the 8 puppies are less than a week old. There is also an adult male and female within the same enclosure. The two adult dogs are in direct contact with the dam and puppies. Failure to separate other dogs from the dam and puppies could lead to animal injury. Puppies 4 months of age or less may not be housed in the same primary enclosure with adult dogs other than their dams. Corrected prior to the exit briefing conducted on July 3, 2014

Housekeeping for premises. There is overgrown vegetation along the fenceline of the outdoor primary enclosures. Vegetation is in direct contact with the majority of the enclosures. Overgrown vegetation can harbor pests and can lead to disease hazards for the animals. Premises where housing facilities are located, including buildings and surrounding grounds, must be kept clean and in good repair to protect the animals from injury, to facilitate the husbandry practices required in this subpart, and to reduce or eliminate breeding and living areas for rodents and other pests and vermin. Premises must be kept free of accumulations of trash, junk, waste products, and discarded matter. Weeds, grasses, and bushes must be controlled so as to facilitate cleaning of the premises and pest control, and to protect the health and well-being of the animals. To be corrected by July 15, 2014

One male and two female Newfoundland dogs were observed in an outside kennel area with access to an outbuilding with a dirt floor. Upon entering the building for inspection, the inspector heard a faint squeaking noise coming from under a metal food receptacle. Behind and under the food receptacle was a hole in the dirt with 8 Newfoundland puppies. The puppies appear to be very young, their eyes were still closed, their hair coats were soiled, and are too young to move out of the hole on their own. The dam(cid:25)s haircoat was soiled, and she had difficulty accessing the puppies in this area. The pen is muddy. The area is not easily accessible to the licensee or the female dog. The hole is oval in shape, roughly 24 inches across, appears to be 18 inches deep, extends outside the building, and is partially blocked by the metal enclosure above it. The licensee advised he was not aware that the puppies were there. He also stated he did not have an appropriate facility to house the dam and puppies at that time. The licensee must provide appropriate facilities to house female dogs and their puppies to keep the puppies clean, allow the female to access and care for the pups, and protect the puppies from extreme temperatures, soiling, and other animals. The licensee must provide these animals with appropriate housing facilities. The licensee must establish and maintain programs of veterinary care that include the availability of appropriate facilities for all animals. TO BE CORRECTED BY: Midnight on July 1, 2014

A tri-colored female Beagle without ID was found with excessively long toenails that require trimming. These nails are excessive long can interefere with the dogs abiility to walk normally. In addition, these lons nails are a potential injury hazard should they get caught in the flooring the dog is housed on. Correct this by trimming this dog's nails and maintaining all dogs' nails in the kennel. THIS IS A REPEAT NON-COMPLIANT ITEM THAT REMAINS UNCORRECTED

***Most of the plastic shelters being used for the dogs housed in the outdoor facility are chewed and worn on the edges and at the entryways. These shelters are not in good repair and require maintenance or replacement. Chewed and worn shelters can eventually affect the structural strength of the shelters which can become an injury hazard to the dogs. Correct this by repairing or replacing these shelters. Correct by: 01 August 2014

*** Many of the self-feeders being used at this facility are worn and chewed. These feeders require repair or replacement to ensure they can be cleaned and sanitized. Excessively chewed cannot be properly cleaned and sanitized as required and can lead to food contamination. One self-feeder was found in the first outdoor enclosure housing an adult female and 6 puppies with caked feed in the bottom. This feed is not safe for the dogs to eat and the feeding of caked feed can lead to health problems or digestive upset. All feeders must be kept in good repair and maintained clean and sanitary. Correct by: 01 AUG 2014 for replacement of chewed feeders, 04 JULY 2014 for cleaning feeder with caked feed. ***Inspection conducted with the licensee's wife. Exit interview conducted by phone with the licensee.

***An adult female tri-colored Chihuahua "Missy" ID# 31 has a thick greyish-brown material that is encasing the upper cheek teeth and molars on both sides, and the molars and cheek teeth on the lower jaw. The upper canines have some material built up at the base. The gums are reddened, appear swollen, receded from the teeth and have a milky-white discharge at the gum line. ***An adult female chocolate Chihuahua "Star" ID# 54 has a thick greyish-brown material that is adhered to her upper cheek teeth and molars on both sides. The upper canines have some material along the base. The gums are dark pink, are swollen, the gums are receded and have a milky-white discharge. ***An adult male blue and tan Chihuahua "Joey" with no ID number has a thick greyish-brown material that is encasing his upper right canine tooth. The rest of the teeth could not be visualized due to the dog'(cid:25)s resistance. The gums above the canines are red, swollen, receded from the teeth and have a significant amount of a milky-white discharge at the gum line. Dental problems can be painful, make it difficult to eat, lead to lead to the development of other health problems, and can affect the well-being of the animal. The licensee must have these dogs evaluated by the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment, and provide the inspector the documentation of this visit upon request. To be corrected by close of business July 8, 2014 ***Several medications were past the labeled expiration date including: Parvovirus vaccine, January 2013; amoxicillin suspension, August 2013. These medications were intermingled with others that are currently being used at the facility and are therefore ready for use. Expired drugs may not work as intended, could be contaminated, and be harmful to the animals. The licensee must ensure that all medications used in the facility are not expired; they are labeled properly in accordance with standard veterinary practices, and are stored in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. To be corrected by July 3, 2014

A reindeer cow (white with brown spots) housed outdoors with two other reindeer was seen to be panting during the inspection. Atmospheric temperature was 93.7 degrees F (per Kestrel reading) at the time of the inspection and, though these 3 animals had access to a shade structure, it was at the far end of their enclosure. These 3 reindeer were noted to spend most of their time in an "alleyway' between their enclosure and an adjacent enclosure housing 4 other reindeer. Since these animals are best acclimated to colder climates, sufficient shade is necessary to their comfort and health. Panting is not a normal presentation in this species and indicates this reindeer was uncomfortable at the time of the inspection and that additional shade or more accessible access to shade was necessary. When sunlight is likely to cause overheating or discomfort of the animals, sufficient shade by natural or artificial means shall be provided to allow all animals kept outdoors to protect themselves from direct sunlight. The licensee did move the shade structure closer to the adjacent reindeer pen and will restrict the group of 3 reindeer from the "alleyway" between the enclosures so they can better utilize this shade structure but still remain in sight of the other 4 reindeer. Corrected during the inspection. Inspection and exit interview conducted with the licensee.

Section 2.126(b) - A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 1:56 on 07/01/2014.

A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 8:30 am on 07/01/2014. APHIS VMO rang doorbell and knocked on the door with no answer. VMO called the telephone number supplied to APHIS Animal Care and left a message. Please contact your APHIS VMO to update your contact information and business hours.

In the kennel facility there are three adult English Bulldogs which needs to be evaluated by the attending veterinarian. One animal is an adult male named Fraizer, chip #0A02014642, who has green matter surrounding his right eye. Dana is an adult female chip # 0A01565253, who gas green drainage from both eyes and her nose. Jea is an adult female chip# 941000013167750 who has an enlarged gland on her left eye with green matter. The dealer did not have any written documentation of the animals receiving any treatment or communications with the attending veterinarian. The animals must be evaluated by the attending veterinarian. The dealer must maintain written documentation of the evaluation and all treatment to protect their health and welfare. Affects three adults

Sale records listing the complete name and address and USDA license of the buyer were not being maintained. Licensee must make and maintain sale records which fully and correctly discloses the name and address of the buyer, the date animals were sold, buyer's USDA license number, and a description and number of animals sold. Sale records must be maintained to keep track of animal shipments for health and regulatory purposes and to document changes in ownership. APHIS form 7020 were left with owner to help maintain records of animals sold. Correct by July 3, 2014

***The licensee failed to notify the AC Regional Office of a new site that houses regulated species. The licensee must notify the Eastern Region Office of any change in business or additional site to facilitate enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. Written notification of the new site housing animals must be sent to the Eastern Regional Office by certified mail. Correct immediately. This inspection was conducted at the new site. An exit briefing was conducted with the licensee.