For Fast Launch:
August 2, 2023
Contact:
Nicole Perreira 202-483-7382
Bolivar, Mo. – Armed with damning U.S. Division of Agriculture (USDA) reviews documenting the situation of filthy, matted canine surrounded by feces at an area pet mill operated by Teresa Rauch, PETA despatched a letter immediately to Polk County Prosecuting Lawyer Keaton Ashlock asking him to analyze and file relevant fees towards these answerable for this neglect.
In line with a just-released report, on June 16 a USDA veterinarian discovered two canine with “dried fecal matter” of their fur, which, the agent famous, may trigger matting, irritated pores and skin, and problem defecating. And on March 23, the identical veterinarian had discovered one other canine with “excessively” matted fur, three canine caged amid their very own waste, 15 canine who have been “moist and soiled,” and 4 canine who have been confined beside puddled water.
“Puppies in pet shops come from depressing mills like this one, the place the canine are handled like low-cost gear and left to languish in squalor,” says PETA Vice President of Proof Evaluation Daniel Paden. “PETA urges Polk County authorities to prosecute these answerable for this neglect and calls on everybody to keep away from the shops that preserve operations like this one in enterprise. At all times undertake—by no means purchase animals.”
PETA is pursuing fees below state legislation as a result of the USDA doesn’t render aid or assist to animals throughout its inspections and these violations carry no federal felony or civil penalties.
PETA—whose motto reads, partially, that “animals will not be ours to abuse in any manner”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For extra data on PETA’s investigative newsgathering and reporting, please go to PETA.org, take heed to The PETA Podcast, or comply with the group on Twitter, Fb, or Instagram.
PETA’s letter to Ashlock follows.
The Honorable Keaton Ashlock
Polk County Prosecuting Lawyer
Expensive Mr. Ashlock:
I hope this letter finds you properly. I’m writing to request that your workplace (and the correct law-enforcement company, as you deem applicable) examine and, as appropriate, file felony fees towards these answerable for neglecting canine at a breeding facility operated by Teresa Rauch at 4026 S. 110th Rd. close to Bolivar. PETA hopes investigators will go to the ability with a veterinarian who has experience in canine well being and welfare in order that they will establish any animals in want of care and opine on the situations of and for the roughly 150 animals there.
A U.S. Division of Agriculture (USDA) veterinarian documented neglect on the facility within the hooked up reviews. On June 16, the veterinarian discovered that two Pomeranians had “dried fecal matter” trapped of their hair, which they wrote “can lead to matting, pores and skin irritation, and might even hinder” defecation.
On March 23, the veterinarian discovered {that a} third canine had “excessively matted hair alongside her again, on her tail, and down her again legs” and famous that this “may be painful.” The identical day, the veterinarian discovered 15 canine who have been “moist and soiled,” three canine caged with “an extreme quantity of fecal materials,” and 4 canine confined close to standing water.
These findings might violate Missouri’s prohibition towards animal neglect, RSMo § 578.009, which requires that people present animals of their custody with “sufficient care.” RSMo § 578.005 defines that time period to incorporate “shelter and well being care as vital to keep up good well being.” The USDA renders no assist or aid in any way to animals on website, and these reviews carry no felony or civil penalties and don’t preempt felony legal responsibility below state legislation for acts of animal neglect. In the event you’d wish to be taught extra concerning the USDA’s findings, please see the contact data for its workplace in Riverdale, Maryland, right here.
Thanks on your time and consideration and for the tough work that you just do day-after-day. Please tell us if we are able to help you.
Sincerely,
Daniel Paden
Vice President of Proof Evaluation
Cruelty Investigations Division
PETA
