citation_inspection

IACUC approval is not being secured prior to enacting significant changes in protocol #21-003 regarding the care and use of animals in ongoing activities. **The protocol describes blood sampling for all animals on the pregnancy studies (adult female olive baboons) as being performed under ketamine sedation at 2-4 day intervals depending on the treatment group. - In 2023, the daily treatment records for 17-year-old #07105 “Alissa” show that she underwent blood draws at daily intervals during multiple time periods. This includes, but is not limited to, daily blood draws during the following time periods: Jan 27th through January 30th, February 6th through Feb 11th, March 3rd through March 6th, 2023. - In 2021, the daily treatment records for 16-year-old #26876 “Jemma” show that she underwent blood draws at daily intervals during multiple time periods. This includes, but is not limited to, daily blood draws during the following time periods: May 12th through 15th, May 17th through 20th, May 23rd through 30th, June 10th through 13th. Increased blood draw frequency can have potential impacts on animal health and well-being and is a significant change to the current IACUC-approved protocol. ** The protocol states that all animals (adult female baboons) will be weighed monthly when they are on study. The protocol later states that animal weight is monitored weekly while the animal is on study when sedated. Records of 5 female baboons (ID #s: 26741, 26876, 27320, 07105, 03105) on the current protocol only have weights documented during their semi-annual physical and TB test, or during a surgical procedure. Upon request, no further documentation of animal weights during this study period could be provided by the facility. Monitoring the animal’s weight weekly is described in the protocol as a clinical parameter to be monitored to indicate adverse effects, pain, and/or distress to the animals. Failing to follow the protocol and significantly decreasing the frequency of weigh-ins without IACUC approval does not allow the IACUC to review a change in the study procedure, especially one that is directly related to monitoring animal health and welfare. ** The protocol describes an anticipated adverse event (“seizures”) in approximately 10% of animals receiving a study drug from days 100-170 gestation. Due to this known adverse event, the protocol documents steps that will be taken for animals found non-responsive, actively seizing, or unconscious which includes removing the animal from the cage, performing a blood gas analysis and glucose level, catheter placement and potential supplementation of dextrose depending on the blood glucose result. A 16-year-old female Olive Baboon #26876, “Jemma,” while receiving the study drug, was found unresponsive at 6 am by a technician on June 16, 2021. There are no records indicating treatment was provided as outlined in the protocol. The only entry is from the attending veterinarian (AV) stating that she was found unresponsive at 6 am but by the time the AV arrived she had consumed some apples and was up and quiet, alert, and responsive. Failing to follow the protocol and significantly changing the procedures performed on animals without IACUC approval does not allow the IACUC to review and either approve, require modifications in, or deny the proposed changes. Correct by ensuring that the IACUC reviews and approves, requires modifications in (to secure approval), or withhold approval of proposed significant changes regarding the care and use of animals in ongoing activities. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with facility representatives and the attending veterinarian. Additional Inspectors: Kristina D'Apice, VETERINARY MEDICAL OFFICER GWENDALYN MAGINNIS, Nonhuman Primate Field Specialist n

One IACUC-approved protocol does not completely describe proposed use of animals. An IACUC-approved amendment (dated 1/9/2023) to protocol 23-0426 states that two non-invasive imaging techniques will be performed on hamsters (echocardiography and micro-CT) under general anesthesia. The amendment does not state which experimental groups of hamsters will be subject to the anesthesia and imaging procedures, how often the procedures will be performed, or how many times one animal might undergo either of the procedures. An employee who works with these animals stated that the plans has not been finalized, but that the intent is to perform these imaging procedures on each hamster once a week for about one year. Proposals and changes to animal use activities must contain accurate and complete information so that the IACUC can oversee animal care and use and ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act. Correct by July 3rd, 2023 by ensuring that proposals to conduct animal activities, or to make significant changes to ongoing activities containing animals, contain a complete description of the proposed use of the animals. This inspection was conducted with the Attending Veterinarian and exit interview was conducted with the Attending Veterinarian, IACUC Program Administrator, the IACUC Chair, and the Institutional Official. n

One macaque sustained an injury to his hand requiring amputation of several digits when a guillotine door fell on his hand during shifting for routine enclosure sanitation. The caretaker lost grip on the door causing it to fall on the animal’s hand. Handling of animals shall be done as expeditiously and carefully as possible so as not to cause physical harm. Corrective measures have been instituted and include installing a portable pully system for the guillotine doors in this animal holding area ,training care staff on its use and revising the SOP for moving alert non human primates . CORRECTED AT TIME OF INSPECTION 5/1/2023 This inspection and exit briefing were conducted with facility employees . n

Adult, male, Keeshond with no identification is not bearing any weight on his left front leg when both walking and sitting. There is also an area of thickened, red skin with hair loss on the inside of that leg between the paw and the elbow. The licensee has not consulted a veterinarian about this dog and his altered gait. Failure to adequately assess and treat limping and/or altered gaits in a dog can lead to increased and unnecessary pain and prolonged suffering. Non-weight bearing lameness is a significant indicator of pain and can be a sign of orthopedic problems such as, but not limited to, trauma and fracture. The licensee must ensure that all animals showing signs of veterinary medical problems are evaluated in a timely manner by a veterinarian as part of the facility’s programs of adequate veterinary care and that the facility uses appropriate methods to prevent, control, diagnose, and treat diseases, and injuries. This dog must be seen by a veterinarian by 10 am on 3 May 2023. The outcome of this consultation including the diagnosis, treatment plan and how the condition will be resolved must be documented and provided to the inspector upon request. The following adult dogs have not been groomed leading to heavily matted coats in which the hair is corded, pulling the skin and soiled with fecal matter and debris: **Male, black and white Pomeranian with microchip ending in 92445 has a matted coat around his rear end that has trapped fresh feces against the dog’s skin. The dog's anus was obstructed by the matted hair. **Female, cream colored Pomeranian with microchip ending in 92275 has matted hair coat around his rear end with dried feces trapped against the dog’s skin. The dog's anus was obstructed by the matted hair. **Female, black and white Cavachon with microchip ending in 31608 has matted hair coat on his rear legs and rump, lower abdomen, and lower back. These mats are tight against the skin. **Male, apricot poodle with microchip ending in 77858 had a matted hair coat on all four limbs and the abdomen. These mats are tight against the skin. **Female white bichon with microchip ending in 46482 has a matted hair coat on all four limbs, her back and rump area. These mats are tight against the skin. **Female white and tan Shih Tzu with microchip ending in 31631 has a matted hair coat on the inside of the rear legs and the top of the back. These mats are tight against the skin. **Female, brown poodle with microchip ending in 31635 has a generalized matted coat over the entire body. These mats are tight against the skin on the limbs and the torso. **Female, black and tan poodle with chip ending in 46484 has a generalized matted coat over the entire body. These mats are tight against the skin on all limbs and the torso. **Female white bichon with microchip ending in 54568 has a matted coat on all four legs and on the back and head. The mats on the limbs are tight against the skin. **Female tan poodle with microchip ending in 54563 has a generalized matted coat over the entire body. The mats on the body are tight against the skin. **Female apricot poodle with microchip ending in 92227 has a generalized matted coat over the entire body. The mats on the body are tight against the skin. **Female apricot poodle with microchip ending in 46603 has a generalized matted coat over the entire body. The mats have a “felted” appearance on the back and torso and the mats on the rest of the body are tight against the skin. **Female black and tan poodle with microchip ending in 46422 has a generalized matted coat over the entire body. The mats on the body are tight against the skin. Soiled, matted hair coats can cause skin infections and become painful. In addition, matted coats do not provide complete protection against the elements. The licensee must clean these animals' hair coats and remove the matted hair. As part of the facility's program of veterinary care, the licensee must develop and follow a program of hair coat maintenance to ensure that animals are cleaned when their hair coats become soiled, and that matted hair is removed on a regular basis. All dogs must have their hair coat problems resolved by 10 am on 3 May 2023. The licensee stated that she had three Australian Shepherds born on the property to one of the free roaming yard dogs without her knowledge. She was able to catch them about 3 weeks ago and applied a band to the tails to dock them. The licensee estimated that the dogs were between 7 and 8 weeks of age at the time she applied the bands. She stated that the tails fell off as she intended. She stated that she would like to sell these dogs if possible. The bands cause the skin, musculature, and other tissue of the tail to die and slough off. This is a painful process. The use of constrictive band to dock tails in dogs is not consistent with current veterinary practice standards. The licensee must use appropriate methods to provide veterinary care, prevent, control, diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. To be corrected by 3 May 2023. This inspection was conducted with the licensee. The exit interview for this part of the report was conducted with the licensee on 2 May 2023. A complete routine inspection was conducted starting on 2 May 2023. This inspection report is limited to the Direct non- compliances identified during that inspection. An additional inspection report will be delivered with the other issues identified during this inspection. n

The record of acquisition information (inventory) for dogs provided by the licensee accounts for 188 adult dogs. Inspectors counted 228 adult dogs on the premises during the inspection. The licensee had inventory information for 14 puppies. Inspectors counted 55 puppies on the premises during the inspection. Accurate acquisition/inventory information facilities the inspection process and ensures that dogs covered under the Animal Welfare Act can be traced. The licensee must make, keep, and maintain records or forms which fully and correctly disclose the required information concerning each dog purchased or otherwise acquired, owned, held, or otherwise in his or her possession or under his or her control, or which is transported, euthanized, sold, or otherwise disposed of by that dealer or exhibitor. The records must include any offspring born of any animal while in his or her possession or under his or her control.

**There are wood enclosure posts and supports that are constructed of wood that are chewed, cracked and splintered in places. These surfaces can not be readily cleaned and sanitized. **The licensee is housing some dams and their puppies in the house with the pet dogs at the time of the inspection. The wood floor of the room housing all of the dogs is soiled with grime and excreta and does not appear to be able to be readily cleaned and sanitized. Inability to house dogs in housing facilities that are clean and able to be sanitized can contribute to disease transmission. The licensee must ensure that surfaces of housing facilities must be constructed in a manner and made of materials that allow them to be readily cleaned and sanitized, or removed or replaced when worn or soiled. To be corrected by 16 May 2023.

The licensee has approximately 20 indoor house dogs. As of the time of inspection, there were 2 puppies and their mothers being housed in the house as well. The puppies were loose in the same room as all of the adult dogs. The two puppies were obviously from different litters as evidence by the difference in size and development but were being guarded by one female dog. The licensee stated this dog had taken one of the puppies from the other mother. Housing dams and their litters with other adult dogs can result in injury to the puppies and conflict between the dams. The license must ensure that bitches with litters may not be housed in the same primary enclosure with other adult dogs, and puppies under 4 months of age may not be housed in the same primary enclosure with adult dogs, other than the dam or foster dam. To be corrected by end of day 3 May 2023.

The self-feeders in the large dog building have a build-up of grime and food debris on the inside of the "bowl" section in contact with the food. Also in the big dog building, the edges of the water buckets are chewed and soiled. These chewed edges prevent correct cleaning and sanitization. Food and water receptacles that are not cleaned and sanitized sufficiently can plan a role in disease transmission. The licensee must ensure that used food and water receptacles for dogs and cats must be sanitized at least once every 2 weeks using one of the methods prescribed in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, and more often if necessary to prevent an accumulation of dirt, debris, food waste, excreta, and other disease hazards. To be corrected by 9 May 2023.

The licensee stated multiple times that she was unable to groom the number of dogs at the facility in a time frame that keeps all the dogs' hair coats clean, healthy and free of matting. This and the other non-compliances recorded in this and past inspections indicates that the licensee does not have enough employees to provide the husbandry required for this number of dogs. Inadequate numbers of employees can result in substandard care for the dogs. The licensee must ensure that there are employees to carry out the level of husbandry practices and care required in this subpart. To be corrected by 9 May 2023.

The Program of Veterinary Care (PVC) states that adults would be tested randomly when presented to the hospital or 10 adult dogs would be tested randomly. When asked for this documentation, the licensee presented six heartworm tests that had been preformed. This does not satisfy the heartworm sampling requirements stated in the PVC. The PVC also does not state a sampling requirement for other parasites including intestinal parasites. Inadequate plans for sampling of parasites is a human health hazard for the purchasers of the puppies and for the other dogs in the facility. The licensee must have and follow a sampling and treatment plan for parasites and other pests (including fleas, worms, coccidia, giardia, and heartworm) in accordance with a schedule approved by the attending veterinarian.

A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 11:00 AM on 02MAY2023. Inspectors knocked on the door, called the licensees cell phone and left a message, yelled hello towards the animal facility and waited 30 minutes at the facility. Additional Inspectors: JUSTINE O MALLEY, VETERINARY MEDICAL OFFICEREnd Section

A contingency plan has not yet been developed at this facility . Developing a plan that outline actions to take in emergency situations is necessary to protect animal health and well being . Dealers, exhibitors, intermediate handlers, and carriers must develop, document, and follow an appropriate plan to provide for the humane handling, treatment, transportation, housing, and care of their animals in the event of an emergency or disaster (one which could reasonably be anticipated and expected to be detrimental to the good health and well-being of the animals in their possession). CORRECT BY : 5/16/2023

The licensee has 4 French Bulldogs that are approximately 5 months old and 3 puppies about 12 weeks old that have no form of identification. Identification of dogs and puppies is necessary for record keeping, in the provision and recording of medical treatments, and provides important information in case of disease outbreaks. All dogs on the premises need to be identified using a USDA approved method. To be corrected by: May 16, 2023

The licensee does not have a written contingency plan. All dealers must develop, document, and follow an appropriate plan to provide for the humane handling, treatment, transportation, housing, and care of their animals in the event of an emergency or disaster (one which could reasonably be anticipated and expected to be detrimental to the good health and well-being of the animals in their possession). To be corrected by: May 16, 2023

The licensee does not have written program of veterinary care for dogs. The program of veterinary care establishes guidelines for preventative medicine, husbandry, and veterinary care that are vital for protecting the health and wellbeing of the dogs. Each dealer must follow an appropriate program of veterinary care for dogs that is developed, documented in writing, and signed by the attending veterinarian and must keep and maintain the written program and make it available for inspection. To be corrected by: May 16, 2023 This inspection and exit interview were conducted with a facility representative. n

The licensee has 24 adult French Bulldogs and 3 puppies in their possession for which there are no records written using APHIS Form 7005. The licensee currently has no 7006 (disposition) papers for 3 puppies that were recently given to another person. Accurate and complete records are necessary for tracking the location and movement of dogs to aid in regulation and provide important information in case of disease outbreak. Each dealer shall make, keep, and maintain records and forms which fully and correctly disclose the information concerning each dog purchased or otherwise acquired, owned, held, or otherwise in his or her possession or under his or her control, or which is transported, euthanized, sold, or otherwise disposed of by that dealer. APHIS Forms 7005 and 7006 must be used. To be corrected by: May 16, 2023

The licensee does not have a documented exercise plan. Provision of adequate space and time for exercise is very important for the health and wellbeing of dogs. Dealers must develop, document, and follow an appropriate plan to provide dogs with the opportunity for exercise. In addition, the plan must be approved by the attending veterinarian. The plan must include written standard procedures to be followed in providing the opportunity for exercise. To be corrected by: May16, 2023

At the time of inspection, there was no documented environmental enhancement program for the five non-human primates housed at the facility. An adequate environmental enhancement program is essential in promoting the psychological well-being of non-human primates. Dealers. Exhibitors, and research facilities must develop, document, and follow an appropriate plan for environment enhancement adequate to promote the psychological well-being of non-human primates, it must be in accordance with the currently accepted professional standards and as directed by the attending veterinarian. The licensee must ensure that a documented plan for environmental enrichment that addresses the required elements is maintained and available for inspection. CORRECT BY: May 16, 2023 This inspection and exit interview were conducted with a facility representative. n

The facility has no official identification present on 20 adult cats or placed on the enclosure pen. Official identification is necessary for APHIS officials to positively identify animals for inspection and to properly trace their movements. An exhibitor shall identify all live cats under his or her control or on his or her premises, whether held, purchased, or otherwise acquired by identifying each dog or cat with: An official USDA sequentially numbered tag that is kept on the door of the animal's cage or run; A record book containing each animal's tag number, a written description of each animal, the data required by § 2.75(a), and a clear photograph of each animal; and a duplicate tag that accompanies each dog or cat whenever it leaves the compound or premises. To be corrected by: 12-May-2023.

A responsible adult was not available to accompany APHIS Officials during the inspection process at 11:45am-12:15pm on 02-MAR-2023. End Section

In the enclosure housing three foxes, there is a triangular piece of plywood used as a platform with a significant number of chewed, jagged edges. Additionally, where the plywood is attached to the corner of the enclosure, there are three screws that extrude approximately 1.5in-2in into the enclosure. These sharp points pose a risk of injury to the animals contained therein. The housing facilities must be constructed so that they protect the animals from injury. Correct by 6/2/2023. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with the facility representative. n

The facility does not have the names of treatments and the dates of administration recorded in the medical notes. One adult female Golden Retriever dog “Micky” (microchip number 5168) had a Cesarean section delivery performed by a licensed veterinarian on 30-January-2023 and post-operative medication was provided to the licensee to administer to the dog. The medications prescribed were Amoxicillin 500 mg capsules and one capsule was directed to be given by mouth twice daily, for 10 days. The other medication prescribed was chewable carprofen 100 mg and ½ tablet was directed to be administered to the dog by mouth, twice daily, for three days. The licensee did not record the treatments administered or the dates of administration for these treatments. Failure to record the names and dates for all treatments administered does not allow for APHIS officials to determine if adequate veterinary care has been provided for animals covered under the Animal Welfare Act. Additionally, Complete medical records ensure that all personnel at the facility are clear on the plan for treatment and enables the licensee to evaluate effectiveness of the plan and ensure that the condition is corrected. The licensee must ensure that the names of all vaccines and treatments administered and the dates of administration are recorded and maintained. Correct by 03-May-2023. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with the Licensee. Additional Inspectors: Jonathan Tomkovitch, VETERINARY MEDICAL OFFICER n

During consigned vehicle transportation from Delaware to Iowa, a dog was found deceased in a crate in the transport vehicle upon arrival at the Iowa location. The carrier was unaware that the dog had died until he and the receiving person in Iowa opened the crate and found it dead. This information was verified by the registrant and the Iowa receiver. Handling a dog in a manner that does not ensure good health can result in serious compromise of health and can lead to the death of the animal. The regulations state that handling of all animals shall be done as expeditiously and carefully as possible in a manner that does not cause trauma, overheating, excessive cooling, behavioral stress, physical harm, or unnecessary discomfort. Correct by 20June2023.

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.

The necropsy report conducted on a dog found deceased at the end of a 5 day transport stated that the patient "is severely dehydrated, eyes are sunken in, and has dark, tarlike stools. Can confirm that patient was not fed or watered during transport due to the severity of malnourishment." During a phone conversation 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." They stated that they believed "the dog had been dead for at least 12 hours prior to the necropsy, based on the level of post-mortem changes." Although Mr. Council stated during a 2-hour interview that he had fed and watered the dog adequately, the necropsy results dispute his statement. Not providing adequate food and water in a timely manner can result in significant health concerns for the animals and can result in death of the animals. The regulations state that each dog that is 16 weeks of age or more must be offered food at least once every 24 hours. Each dog must be offered palatable water at least once every 12 hours. Correct by 20June2023.

During the two-hour interview with Mr. Council, he stated that the dog was allowed to roam about in the van during transport on occasion and that he took the dog out of the van on leash to walk it outside. A video of him walking the dog on a single leash outside on a sidewalk was sent to the consignor on the day after transport started. Taking a dog out of its transport enclosure during transit can result in injury to the animal or its escape. The regulations state that removal during transportation in commerce is prohibited. Except during the cleaning of the primary enclosures, as required in 3.15(b), during transportation in commerce a dog must not be removed from its primary enclosure, unless it is placed in another primary enclosure or facility that meets the requirements of 3.6 or 3.15. Correct by 20June2023. This inspection and exit interview were conducted with the registrant. Additional Inspectors: CHAD MOORE, Transportation Field Specialist n

Opie, a four-year-old neutered male corgi dog in good physical condition per the consignor and transporter, was accepted for consigned transport at approximately 6:50 PM ET on 30December2022 in Townsend, Delaware. The dog was transported in a crate in the transporter’s minivan. The dog was delivered to the receiver in Jesup, Iowa on Iowa at approximately midmorning on 05January2023. The dog was found cold, stiff and clearly deceased when the transporter and receiver opened the crate together in the transporter’s van in the midmorning of 05January2023. The transporter was unaware that the dog had died while in his possession. This information was verified by the transporter and the Iowa receiver and additional details are provided in the Field Service Report generated by the Captain of the Delaware Health and Social Services Animal Welfare Division, dated 06April2023. During a two-hour phone conversation held between the transporter, the Animal Care Transportation Specialist, and the Inspector on 07June2023 at 1 pm ET, the transporter was asked if he had completed the required written contingency plan. The transporter stated that he did not have a contingency plan and was not aware of the requirement. Not having a written contingency plan outlining how and when to seek emergency veterinary care during transport contributed to the starvation and dehydration death of this dog, as no veterinary care was sought when the dog’s health condition declined and the dog expired. The regulations state that intermediate handlers and carriers must develop, document, and follow an appropriate plan to provide for the humane handling, treatment, transportation, housing and care of their animals in the event of an emergency or disaster. Correct by 20June2023.

The veterinary necropsy report for the dog found deceased at the end of a 5-day consigned transport indicated that the “patient was emaciated and covered with dirt and urine.” Not maintaining adequate cleanliness during transportation can result in soiling of the dog. The regulations state that if the dog is in transit for more than 24 hours, the enclosure must be cleaned and any litter replaced, to prevent the soiling of the dog by body waste. Correct by 20June2023.

Opie, a four-year-old neutered male corgi dog in good physical condition per the consignor and transporter was accepted for consigned transport at approximately 6:50 PM ET on 30December2022 in Townsend, Delaware. The dog was transported in a crate in the transporter’s minivan. The dog was delivered to the receiver in Jesup, Iowa on 05January2023. The consignor and receiver had been told by the transporter that the transport would take approximately 2 days. The distance between the two locations is approximately 1040 miles, yet the transport took 5 days. The consignor and the receiver became concerned about the length of time the transporter was taking, as covered in the Field Service Report generated by the Captain of the Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) Animal Welfare Division, dated 06April2023. The dog was found cold, stiff, and clearly deceased when the transporter and receiver opened the crate together in the transporter’s van at the receiver’s site in the midmorning of 05January2023. The transporter was unaware that the dog had died while in his possession. This information was verified by the transporter and the Iowa receiver. During a two-hour phone conversation between the transporter, the Animal Care Transportation Specialist, and the Inspector on 07June2023 at 1 pm ET, the transporter was asked to provide information about when he conducted the required every four-hour observations of the dog. The transporter stated that he had no records of when he observed the dog in the back of his minivan and that he was unaware of this observation time requirement. He stated that he did not remember how often he looked at the dog in his minivan and made several conflicting statements. At different times he said five hours, eight hours, and that he was uncertain of how often he checked on him. He stated that the dog was being transported in his minivan without the back seats. Toward the end of the 5-day transport, he stated that he did not check the dog after departing the last truck stop where he had stopped to sleep. He did not check the dog before going into the facility receiving the dog and spent about an hour inside the facility. He stated that it was probably six to eight hours from the last time he checked the dog to when the dog was found dead in its kennel at the receiver’s site. The necropsy’s determination that the animal had been dead at least 12 hours serves as a strong indication that the transporter was not observing the animal as required by the AWA. By not conducting the required every four hours or more often observations, the transporter did not observe the dog going into distress. The lack of these observations led to the starvation and dehydration death of the dog prior to delivery to the receiver. The regulations state that the operator of the conveyance or a person accompanying the operator observes the dog as often as circumstances allow, but not less than once every 4 hours, to make sure they have sufficient air for normal breathing, that the ambient temperature is within the limits provided in 3.16(e), and that all applicable standards of this subpart are being complied with. The regulated person must ensure that the operator or person accompanying the operator determines whether the dog is in obvious physical distress and obtains any veterinary care needed for the dog at the closest available veterinary facility. Correct by 20June2023.