Brian Letsinger – Ava, MO

November 17, 2021 — New site inspection, USDA 43-A-6339

52 dogs recorded (30 adults · 22 puppies).

• Australian Shepherd female very thin (Direct)

  Fancy, (m/c# 991001898048816) a red & white Australian Shepherd female with 7 puppies (approximately 1 week old), is very thin. There was an abdominal tuck and the spine and ribs were easily felt by the inspector. The owner stated that she is fed "all she can eat". There was no consultation with a veterinarian to establish a diagnosis or treatment for this dog. Poor body condition can be the result of parasites, inadequate nutrition, or an underlying medical condition. When nursing puppies, a thin female may not be able to produce the needed quality of milk. Fancy must be evaluated by a veterinarian within 3 days of this inspection, to know with certainty the problem and the correct treatment. Documentation of the evaluation, recommended treatment and delivered treatments must be created and must be available to APHIS officials.

• Coonhound not listed on APHIS 7005

  In the 3 sided shed containing the adult dogs, an enclosure houses 1 Coon Hound that is not included on the APHIS 7005. The dog is not used for breeding but is housed with the kennel dogs. Each dealer shall make, keep, and maintain records or forms which fully and correctly disclose the information required in 2.75(a)(1) concerning each dog purchased or otherwise acquired, owned, held, or otherwise in his or her possession or under his or her control. All dogs housed in the kennel must be listed on the APHIS 7005.

• Two dogs share one undersized shelter

  In the 3 sided shed was an enclosure with 2 Australian Shepherds where there was only 1 shelter that is not large enough for each of the dogs to sit, stand and lie in a normal manner. There is space enough for only 1 of the 2 dogs in the shelter so the other dog will not have shelter from the elements. Shelters are required to protect the animals from the elements. Shelters must have a roof, four sides, and a floor. The owner must provide one or more shelters in each outdoor enclosure that are large enough to contain all the animals at one time and allow them to sit, stand, lie, and turn about freely.

• No parasite sampling schedule

  The Program of Veterinary Care does not address the sampling of dogs for heartworm, coccidia or giardia. Under the sampling for blood parasites is the statement "Clinical signs of disease are tested and treated appropriately". This does not address the sampling of dogs and the prevention of heartworm. A preventative dewormer treatment is listed for intestinal parasites but does not address a schedule to sample for giardia and coccidia.

• Site not approved for regulated activity

  This inspection was a site approval inspection. This site is not ready for approval to conduct activity covered under your current Animal Welfare Act License.

Read the inspection report (PDF)