[Dailydrool] WARNING TO DOG OWNERS

[Beverly Szaton]

I have been contacted by a friend who is a Basset breeder/handler/exhibitor
and Judge and asked to sound the warning and let people know that in some
areas (California, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania--perhaps Maryland in
particular) the counties and the Animal Control people have banded together
and begun to harrass and "Inspect" Rescues and even Multiple dog owners
with the apparent goal of not only driving them out of business but seizing
the dogs as well.

This is happening to perfectly reputable, licensed, AA rated kennels,
rescues and breeders and owners. Even if you live outside the city limits,
they will go after you. All it takes is one complaint about ANYTHING. It
can be the odor, the noise, or appearance of your buildings, or the way you
trim your bushes.In other words, any old excuse will do.

This is not my niche at all, I do not know why exactly this is happening
altho I have my theories and others have theirs.
I have only been requested to let you know.

You, who have kennels or multiple dogs or run rescues (I would imagine the
rescue people are painfully aware of this already) need to know your local
dog ordinances backwards and forwards and be able to recite them word for
word under stress.
You need to be sure every dog on your property is licensed and has rabies
vaccinations and that YOU CAN PROVE IT at the drop of a an Inspector's
whim. I would suggest keeping duplicate books if you don't already-- one
with the original paperwork and one with a copy. Under no circumstances do
you allow the ORIGINALS to be removed.
Make sure your kennels and property are spotless.
Follow ordinances to the very best of your ability.
Do not argue with the inspectors, but know a lawyer. (Of course, I think
everyone ought to know a lawyer they can call in a pinch. I am not talking
about suing the neighbors for playing loud music, but for real emergencies.)

If you find yourself in this position immediately notify your breed club
(if you have one) or your parent rescue and every other kennel owner you
know. Be assertive not aggressive.

I guess your best bet is to KNOW THE LAW. Even that relating to search and
seizure on private property.

I don't know why they are doing this. As I said I have my own ideas.
Nevertheless, be forewarned, IT IS HAPPENING. Talk to Daphneyland.
Some of the kennels being targeted are big, well-known places that have
even appeared on Animal Planet and not in a bad light.

BE WARNED. That's all this is. A warning I was asked to pass along to
fellow Basset people. You have my permission to crosspost if needed.

MomPerson to Nigel, Llewis, Conley and Cooper
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.dailydrool.org/pipermail/dailydrool-dailydrool.org/attachments/20111104/d73f7446/attachment.htm>