Attorney General's News Release

November 2, 2011

Attorney General Koster reaches settlement with Ray County dog breeder

Jefferson City, Mo. – Attorney General Chris Koster said today the Ray County Circuit Court has entered a consent judgment against Jeannine Julian for violations of the Animal Care Facilities Act (ACFA) and the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act (CCPA).

Koster said Julian owns JJ Kennel, a commercial breeding facility located in Richmond. Missouri Department of Agriculture inspections this year uncovered numerous violations of the law, including that Julian:

• repeatedly refused to allow Missouri Department of Agriculture inspections of her breeding facility;
• failed to provide adequate veterinary care to animals who were in obvious medical distress;
• failed to provide housing that protected the animals from injury;
• failed to ensure that interior surfaces were free of excessive rust and that kennel doors were properly maintained;
• failed to maintain adequate lighting, leaving some dogs in complete darkness;
• failed to prevent excessive accumulation of feces and food waste in the primary housing enclosures and to provide uncontaminated, wholesome food to the dogs; and
• failed to have adequate employees to carry out the required level of husbandry practices, resulting in excessive feces throughout the outdoor runs.

Koster said that under the terms of the judgment, Julian is required to correct the violations found by the state Department of Agriculture and comply with the ACFA and the CCPA at all times in the future. In addition, Julian is required to pay court costs and a civil penalty of $3,800, with $2,200 being suspended on the condition that she doesn’t violate the ACFA or CCPA for the next two years. Should Julian fail to comply with the ACFA or the CCPA within two years, the court will assess penalties for each day of each violation of $100 per day up to 30 days; $250 per day for 31 to 60 days; and $500 per day beyond 60 days. Any violation of the terms of the consent agreement would require Julian to surrender her ACFA license and transfer any animals in her facility to the state Department of Agriculture.

Koster, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, has made cracking down on illegal dog breeders and sellers a priority in his office. Operating a regulated facility in Missouri without a license will no longer be tolerated.

“We want Missouri to be known as a state that raises animals in a humane environment and offers dogs from well-operated kennels to buyers across the country,” Koster said.

“The message is clear – Missouri pet breeders take animal welfare seriously and those who don’t will soon find themselves out of business,” said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. “I am proud of the Animal Care team’s efforts and the continued cooperation of the Attorney General in addressing substandard breeders.”