Attorney General's News Release
April 16, 2012
Attorney General Koster obtains restraining order against Howell County dog breeder
Jefferson City, Mo. – Attorney General Chris Koster, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, has filed a lawsuit and obtained a temporary restraining order against Dana Durnell of Willow Springs for violations of the Animal Care Facilities Act and the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act.
Koster said Durnell owns Rockin’ D Corgis, a commercial breeding facility located in Willow Springs. Missouri Department of Agriculture inspections uncovered numerous violations of the law, including that Durnell:
- operated without an ACFA license;
- failed to provide her dogs with continuous access to potable water;
- failed to remove excessive excreta from her dog pens;
- failed to provide a wind and rain break on five of the outdoor housing structures;
- failed to keep correct and complete records of dogs on hand.
On Friday, April 13, the Howell County Circuit Court ordered a temporary restraining order, and Durnell agreed to cease breeding and selling dogs until further court decisions. In the lawsuit, Koster also asks the court to assess a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation of the Animal Care Facilities Act; and require Durnell to pay court costs.
“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, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, has made cracking down on illegal dog breeders and sellers a priority in his office.
“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.”