Attorney General's News Release

September 15, 2009

Attorney General Koster participates in raid on unlicensed dog-breeder in Phelps County

--more than 100 dogs rescued--

Phelps Co. - Attorney General Chris Koster today participated in a raid to rescue more than 100 dogs living in filthy conditions in an illegal pet-breeding operation.

Koster joined Department of Agriculture Director Jon Hagler and his department's animal care team to help remove the dogs from Doolittle Kennels, an unlicensed dog-breeding kennel owned by Tim King. He said the Phelps County Sheriff's Department and the Humane Society of Missouri helped with the rescue.

Koster began going after puppy mill owners when he served as Cass County Prosecutor. He said shutting down these operations was a priority then and continues to be a priority as Attorney General. In June, Koster and Agriculture Director Hagler launched Prosecution Bark Alert to take legal action against breeders who were not licensed.

"So often, we see cruel and inhumane treatment of the animals in abusive pet breeding operations," Koster said. "We have an obligation to protect the wellbeing of animals, and Missouri has recognized that obligation by passing laws outlining acceptable standards for pet breeders. This office will diligently continue to see that those laws are enforced."

Koster urged the log on to BarkAlert.mo.gov to report unlicensed breeders.