Attorney General's News Release

August 12, 2011

Attorney General Koster takes action against Schuyler County dog breeder

Jefferson City, Mo. – Attorney General Chris Koster said today, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, he has filed suit against Cynthia Stump for violations of the Animal Care Facilities Act (ACFA).

Koster said Stump owns Stump Farms Puppies, a commercial breeder/dealer facility located in Lancaster. The law requires that such operations have a valid ACFA license and that the license be renewed annually. A Missouri Department of Agriculture inspection revealed that Stump had failed to renew her license and was selling dogs and operating the breeding facility unlawfully.

“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 and commercial pet dealers,” Koster said. “This office will diligently continue to see that those laws are enforced.”

Koster is asking the court to issue a temporary restraining order and permanent injunction prohibiting Stump from further violations of the Animal Care Facilities Act; issue a temporary restraining order prohibiting Stump from continuing to breed or sell animals until further order of the court; assess a civil penalty; and require the defendant to pay court costs.