USDA animal dealer charged under AWA - Tebbets, MO

Thursday, Oct 31, 1996

County: Callaway

Disposition: USDA Citation

Person of Interest: Laura Carpenter

The U.S. Department of Agriculture charged licensed animal dealer Laura Carpenter, doing business in Tebbets, Mo., with violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

"It is the role of our inspectors to examine individuals and organizations that are licensed by the USDA for any violations of the AWA," said W. Ron DeHaven, acting deputy administrator for animal care with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a part of USDA's marketing and regulatory programs mission area. "In every case, the safety of the animals is foremost in our mind."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture fined Tebbets, Mo., animal exhibitor Laura Carpenter $7,500 and suspended her license for 30 days for violating the Animal Welfare Act. "Carpender tried to operate her business outside of the law," said W. Ron DeHaven, acting deputy administrator for animal care with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a part of USDA's marketing and regulatory programs mission area. "She endangered her animals by failing to maintain proper programs of disease control and veterinary care. At times, she even had animals in need of care and did not provide it. This is the type of violator we will continue to watch closely."

APHIS inspectors found that Carpenter failed to:

-- Maintain programs of disease control and prevention, euthanasia, and adequate veterinary care under the supervision and assistance of a veterinarian;

-- Provide veterinary care to animals in need of care;

-- Construct and keep in good repair sound housing for dogs; and

-- Remove excreta and food waste from primary enclosures daily to prevent soiling of the dogs and to reduce disease hazards, insects, pests, and odors.

References

« MO State Animal Cruelty Map
« More cases in Callaway County, MO

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