Pet store neglect - charged under AWA
Sandy Hook, CT (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Sep 15, 1999
County: Fairfield
Disposition: USDA Citation
Person of Interest: Susan C Defrancesco
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
In September 1999. the U.S. Department of Agriculture charged licensed animal exhibitors Susan DeFrancesco and East Coast Exotics Inc., doing business in Sandy Hook, Conn., with violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
"We believe DeFrancesco and East Coast Exotics committed a number of AWA violations," said W. Ron DeHaven, deputy administrator for animal care with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a part of USDA's marketing and regulatory programs mission area. "More important, we feel these allegations compromised the well-being of the animals housed at this facility."
APHIS inspectors found that DeFrancesco and East Coast Exotics failed to:
-Maintain complete records showing the acquisition, disposition, and identification of animals;
-Maintain programs of disease control and prevention, euthanasia and adequate veterinary care under the supervision and assistance of a doctor of veterinary medicine, and provide veterinary care to animals in need of care;
-Make provisions for the removal and disposal of animal wastes so as to minimize vermin infestation, odors, and disease hazards;
-Adequately ventilate indoor housing facilities to provide for the health and comfort of the animals at all times;
-Maintain structurally sound housing facilities and keep them in good repair so as to protect the animals from injury, to contain the animals, and to restrict the entrance of other animals;
-Keep primary enclosures clean as required;
-Properly store supplies of food and bedding so as to adequately protect them against deterioration, molding, or contamination by vermin;
-Keep water receptacles clean and sanitary;
-Keep premises clean, in good repair, and free of accumulations of trash;
-Provide cats in outdoor housing facilities with a wind and rain break to protect them from the elements;
-Clean and sanitize food receptacles;
-Individually identify animals;
-Sufficiently cool indoor housing facilities to protect the animals from heat and to provide for their health and comfort;
-Provide sufficient shade to animals exposed to direct sunlight;
-Provide fencing for outdoor housing facilities for rabbits in order to minimize the entrance of predators; and
-Employ a sufficient number of people to carry out the required level of husbandry practices and care.
Case UpdatesJune 9, 2000--A U.S. Department of Agriculture administrative law judge has found licensed animal dealer Susan DeFrancesco and East Coast Exotics, Inc., in Wilton, Conn., guilty of violating the Animal Welfare Act.
"DeFrancesco's facility wasn't even close to being in compliance with the law," said W. Ron DeHaven, deputy administrator for animal care with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a part of USDA's marketing and regulatory programs mission area. "East Coast Exotics is no place for animals, and it will not be allowed to operate until there is full compliance with the AWA."
DeFrancesco and East Coast Exotics have been jointly fined $20,000, and their license to operate has been suspended for no less than 70 days. After that, the license will remain suspended until they can show full compliance with the AWA.
In addition to the fine and license suspension, DeFrancesco and East Coast Exotics were ordered to cease and desist failing to:
--Provide for the regular and frequent collection, removal, and disposal of animal and food wastes, bedding, debris, garbage, water, other fluids and wastes, and dead animals in a manner that minimizes contamination and disease risk;
--Store supplies of food and bedding so as to adequately protect them against infestation or contamination by vermin;
--Construct and maintain indoor and sheltered housing facilities for animals so that they are adequately ventilated;
--Keep food and water receptacles clean and sanitized;
--Provide adequate cooling for animals in indoor and sheltered housing facilities when necessary to provide for their health and comfort;
--Provide for the removal and disposal of animal wastes so as to minimize vermin infestation, odors, and disease hazards;
--Provide animals with adequate shelter from the elements, including the sun;
--Maintain primary enclosures for animals in a clean and sanitary condition;
--Establish and maintain an effective program for the control of pests;
--Keep the premises clean and in good repair and free of accumulations of trash, junk, waste, and discarded matter, and to control weeds, grasses and bushes;
--Identify animals in accordance with the regulations;
--Provide proper veterinary care; and
--Maintain records as required by the regulations. | Source: APHIS-USDA
Update posted on Nov 14, 2005 - 10:33PM |
References« CT State Animal Cruelty Map
« More cases in Fairfield County, CT
|
