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Rescue accused of selling sick dogs
Bland, MO (US)Incident Date: Friday, Mar 21, 2008
County: Gasconade
Disposition: Alleged
Abuser names unreleased
Missouri officials are investigating a puppy rescue operation after complaints that the kennel was selling sick dogs.
The Better Business Bureau said Friday it has received nine complaints from buyers in nine states about the Safe Haven Puppy Rescue kennel in Bland, in Gasconade County.
Buyers have complained about receiving sick dogs or no dog at all, after paying for a dog and its shipping fees, the BBB says in a warning to consumers.
A woman in Arnold said she drove two hours to pick up her Jack Russell-Chihuahua mix puppy. She told the BBB: 'I was shocked by the conditions in which the puppies were living. Many were caged or locked in a barn which was disgustingly dirty with feces lying on the floor.'
The kennel's operator could not be reached for comment Friday.
Dr. Jerry Eber, a veterinarian with the state Agriculture Department, said the BBB's findings 'duplicate what we've seen.'
The kennel gets dogs from pounds and breeders and sells them via the Internet, Eber said. He said an Agriculture Department investigator was on the premises Friday. 'The dogs will get cared for,' he added.
Eber said the state has jurisdiction over sick animals and can seek a court order barring their sale. References |
