Attorney General's News Release

June 28, 2011

Attorney General Koster takes action against Lawrence County dog breeder

Jefferson City, Mo. – Attorney General Chris Koster said today, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, has obtained a temporary restraining order against Linda Brisco of Monett for violations of the Animal Care Facilities Act and the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act.

The lawsuit marks the first case in which Koster is able to use the force and effect of S.B. 161, sometimes referred to as the Missouri Solution Bill, which was enacted by the General Assembly this April as an amendment to Proposition B.

Koster said Brisco owns Moser Kennel, a commercial breeder facility located in Monett. Missouri Department of Agriculture inspections uncovered numerous violations of the law, including that Brisco:

• failed to provide adequate veterinary care to animals who were in obvious medical distress;
• failed to clean and sanitize the facility, allowing excrement in food receptacles and dirty, muddy drinking water;
• failed to keep sick, aged, or young animals in indoor or sheltered housing facilities;
• failed to equip housing facilities with disposal and drainage systems in order to keep animal waste and water eliminated so the animals stayed dry;
• failed to provide shade for the dogs;
• failed to collect and remove animal waste – in some places feces had accumulated to the point that it was indistinguishable from the flooring; and
• failed to provide housing that protected the animals from injury.

In addition, Brisco routinely used gunshot as a means of euthanasia, also in violation of the law.

Koster said the court issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting Brisco from operating her breeding facility in violation of state law and requiring Brisco to allow Missouri Department of Agriculture employees to inspect her dogs and puppies in preparation for the trial. Koster is seeking a permanent order requiring her to shut down and pay court costs and civil penalties for past violations.

S.B.161 gives Koster expanded enforcement authority for commercial breeders who fail to abide by the tougher standards imposed by Missouri citizens through Proposition B.

“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.”