Johnnie & Rachel Graber – Loogootee, IN

July 29, 2014 — Routine inspection, USDA 32-A-0376

31 dogs recorded (13 adults · 18 puppies).

• Chewed fiberglass and wood panels

  There were multiple primary enclosures that had chewed fiberglass along the bottom of the mid-panels in the run area; and the wood framing along the bottom of 4 dog doors and the wood legs on the feeders in 2 of the enclosures have been chewed and needs to be repaired or replaced. Chewed wood or fiberglass can affect the strength of the structure causing to be weak and unable to keep an animal in their enclosure or being able to use the feeders properly. The splinters from the chewed wood can also cause possible health issues if ingested or being lodged in the gums or mouth. The licensee must repair or replace and chewed fiberglass or wood structures inside the primary enclosures and run area. To be corrected by: August 27, 2014

• No interior lighting in kennel

  The indoor part of the facility did not have a light source except for a portable hand held flash light bar, or headlamp. There was not enough light in the facility by the few windows to be able to see into the dog boxes or into the cages along the wall that would allow for proper cleaning and observation inside the kennel. There was not enough light to be able to read notes made during the inspection without going near a window. It is important to have a light source available inside a facility that allows for all areas in the kennel including floor surfaces and corners in the primary enclosures and wire surfaces to be observed for cleanliness. It is also important that a light source is adequate enough to observe any health issues with the animals that could be missed if they are kept in enclosures with limited light and visibility. It is possible for a maintenance or health issue to go un-noticed which could cause a potential hazard if left un-resolved. The licensee must provide a light source inside the kennel facility that will shed light into each enclosure to allow for proper health and maintenance checks and adequate cleaning. To be corrected by: August 27, 2014

• Unsealed cement and wood surfaces

  Currently the cement surfaces in the indoor and outdoor portions of the enclosure where the dogs have contact are not sealed adequately. The surfaces had been sealed in 2011, however at this time the sealant has worn off in most areas along the floor, walls and wooden framing in the dog houses. The 3 enclosures outside of the run area are completely made of wood including floors, wall framing and dog houses, and those surfaces need to be sealed. All surfaces in contact with the animal need to be impervious to moisture in order to allow for proper cleaning and sanitization. Surfaces not impervious to moisture can hold bacteria and fungus and excreta that can not be properly removed and expose the regulated animals to possible disease issues. The licensee must keep all surfaces that come in contact with the animal impervious to moisture, which includes sealing any cement or wood surfaces. To be corrected by: August 27, 2014

Read the inspection report (PDF)