Winn Dixie Kennel – Goshen, IN

Whisper, a tri-color female king charles cavalier, approximately 5.5 years old with microchip #900111881603289, had an ear issue. The skin of the inner right ear was slightly reddened with a moderate amount of dark waxy debris. The right ear had a yeast like odor. No head shaking or scratching was observed. The applicant has not identified the issue. Failure to conduct thorough daily observations can lead to delayed identification of animal issues and unnecessary animal pain or discomfort. Daily observations of all animal animals to assess their health and well-being must be conducted. Daily observations may be accomplished by someone other than the attending veterinarian provided that a mechanism of direct and frequent communication is required so that timely and accurate information on problems of animal health, behavior, and well-being is conveyed to the attending veterinarian.

The facility conducts monthly bathing and health checks on the animals to ensure healthy eyes, ears, and skin. The facility is not documenting these routine baths and health checks. Failure to properly document and maintain medical records prevents USDA inspectors from ensuring an adequate program of veterinary care and inhibits their ability to evaluate animal welfare. Dealers must keep copies of medical records for dogs and make the records available for APHIS inspection. These records must include the identity of the animal, including identifying marks, tattoos, or tags on the animal and the animal’s breed, sex, and age, and document routine husbandry, such as vaccinations, preventative medical procedures, or treatment, performed on all animals.

During inspection it was noted that there were one door flap between the inside and outside portion of an enclosures where the frame was pulling away from the wall leaving exposed screws in the gap created. There were also three other door flaps that had cracked around the bottom hinge. One of the doors no longer closed normally. Exposed screws and cracked doors can cause injury to animals and become harder to sanitize. Housing facilities must be kept in good repair, and they must protect the animals from injury, contain the animals securely, and restrict other animals from entering. Correction Date: June, 4th 2024