Dog Breeder Fined $19,000

by Dr. Chris

April 3, 2011 An Iowa dog breeder is being sued by the federal government for refusing to pay almost $19,000 in fines. According to news reports, the Kingsley, Iowa resident received the fines for mistreatment of animals.

According to the Iowa Press Citizen, the USDA is suing Gary Felts who owns the Black Diamond Kennel located in Kingsley, Iowa.

Over the past 6 years, just some of the violations noted by USDA inspectors include:

1. excessive trash around dog kennels
2. dogs with coats mated with dirt and feces
3. enclosures that were rusty with sharp edges
4. dirty kennels
5. water bowls with algae in them
6. Failure to keep adequate records
7. Failure to provide veterinary care
8. Failure to protect dogs from the elements

Also according to reports he twice refused to allow USDA inspectors access to his business for inspection.

Finally one judge had enough and in June 2010 suspended Felt's license and fined him almost $19,000.

Since that time he has not paid any of the fine so the USDA is taking him to court.

The USDA report says that Gary Felts has housed up to 350 dogs at one time on his property.

Kingsley, Iowa is located in Plymouth County, located on the western border of the state. It is a small town with population of 1,245.

One claim to fame for the town is that the late President Herbert Hoover lived in Kingsley for a brief period of time.

Source: Press Citizen

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