Breeder: Petite S Zook
Address: 1623 Gentry Rd
City, State, Zip: Seymour, MO 65746
USDA License: 43-A-6169
Date of CAPS Investigation: 11/5/19
Time of CAPS Investigation: 10:25
Weather at time of investigation: 52°F and sunny
Approximate number of dogs observed at time of investigation: 40
Breeds: Shih Tzu, Pug, Shetland Sheepdog, American Eskimo, Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, Chihuahua
I observed two kennel areas, both of which were for adult breeding dogs. One of these kennel areas was located on the southwest side of the property and consisted of a row of approximately fourteen indoor/outdoor concrete runs facing south. The runs were approximately 15’ long x 4’ wide. They had chain link walls and doggie-doors to access their indoor portions. I observed two to three dogs of various breeds in each run. I observed numerous metal beams at the bottoms of chain link walls that were in various stages of corrosion, with some rusted badly enough they were visibly thinner than other beams (3.1 – Housing facilities, general. (c) Surfaces (1) General requirements. Surfaces of housing facilities – including houses, must be removed or replaced when worn or soiled. Interior surface and any surfaces that come in contact with dogs must (i) Be free of excessive rust that prevents the required cleaning and sanitization).
I observed concrete floorings covered with manure stains (3.1 – Housing facilities, general. (c) Surfaces (3) Cleaning. Hard surface with which the dogs come in contact must be spot-cleaned daily and sanitized in accordance with 3.11(b) to prevent accumulation of excreta and reduce disease hazards). I observed a heavy buildup of manure and fur on the outside edges of the floorings, where the concrete met the grass (3.1 – Housing facilities, general. (c) Surfaces (f) Drainage and waste disposal. Housing facility operators must provide for regular and frequent collection, removal, and disposal of animal food wastes in a manner that minimizes contamination and disease risks).
The other kennel area that I observed was situated east of the long row of concrete runs described above, and just south of a horse barn located across the driveway from the Zook residence. The kennel consisted of four indoor/outdoor concrete runs facing east. Each run was approximately 6’ long x 3’ wide, with doggie-doors for accessing the indoor portions. The runs had chain link and galvanized mesh walls. I observed two Chihuahuas in one run, and a single Pug in another. I observed light brown matter on the doggie-doors, which was either rust or dirt (3.1 – Housing facilities, general. (c) Surfaces (1) General requirements. Surfaces of housing facilities – including houses, must be removed or replaced when worn or soiled).
Evidence contradicting pet store claims:
During CAPS investigation of Breeders Club America in Middletown, New Jersey on 8/6/19, the investigator noted a cage card for a puppy with Zook’s name, address and USDA number on it. A store employee told the investigator that the store’s breeders have “big huge open space” to run around. This statement is contradicted by the evidence I obtained during my investigation of Zook’s facility, where the dogs are kept in concrete runs, with no visible play area on the property nor space the dogs could access outside of their indoor/outdoor runs.
Breeder is connected to the following stores:
- Breeders Club of America, NJ (store visit 8/6/19)
