Breeder: Samuel E & Polly R Borntrager
Business name: Borntragers Kennel
Address: 5210 Hwy Y
City, State, Zip: Clark, MO 65243
USDA License: 43-A-4255
Date of CAPS Investigation: 11/10/19
Time of CAPS Investigation: 08:10
Weather at time of investigation: 50°F and sunny
Approximate number of dogs observed at time of investigation: 26 (not all dogs were observed)
Breeds: Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels
The property had two kennel structures. The primarily kennel building, located near the northeast corner of the structures on the property, had elevated wire cages on the east and west sides. Each row had about 10 cages, and each outdoor cage was about six feet long and two feet wide and tall, with doggie-doors to access the enclosures’ indoor portions. I saw the northern cages, and only some of the southern cages. For those observed, there were two dogs per cage. Yorkshire Terriers were pacing back and forth in cages for almost two minutes at a time before going through doggie-doors and then returning to continue pacing.
East of the structure was a barn with an elevated outdoor cage on the eastern side containing several pigeons. Attached to the barn were two outdoor pens on the ground. One pen with two Cocker Spaniels had doggie-door leading into the barn and a 50-gallon barrel laying on its side with the top cut off on the ground. An adjacent pen had an identical barrel in it, but I was unable to see if there was a doggie-door in it allowing access to the barn. No dogs were visible in this pen.
Evidence contradicting pet store claims:
On 4/22/19, I investigated A to Z Pet Shop in Orange, CT, and saw the Borntragers’ names, address, and USDA number on a USDA inspection report in the store. An employee at the store claimed that breeders have puppies with “children and they run around.” Dogs at Borntrager’s kennel were pacing back and forth in cages incessantly, behavior indicative of not being allowed to exercise or have enrichment, which contradicts the store’s claim.
On 2/10/18, I investigated Petland Orlando South in Orlando, FL. A 2017 certificate of veterinary inspection indicated the store was buying from Borntrager. An employee at the store told me the store’s breeders don’t keep in cages. The evidence obtained at Borntrager’s facility contradicts the store’s claim.
Breeder is connected to the following stores:
- A to Z Pet Shop, CT (store visit 4/22/19)
- Petland Orlando South, FL (CVI 2017)
