April 16, 2012

Department of Agriculture Removes Dogs from Breeder in Lawrence County

Animal care inspectors from the Missouri Department of Agriculture worked to remove dogs from Charles Etenburn's commercial breeding facility, C.E. Kennel, today. Eighteen dogs, including Pekingese, Poodles and American Bulldogs, were removed from the facility in Verona, Mo.

In March, Etenburn entered into a settlement with the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Attorney General's Office, indicating that he would close his commercial breeding facility after not renewing his commercial breeder's license in 2012. On April 13, Etenburn notified Animal Care Program staff that he would surrender his animals to the Department.

The dogs will be placed with licensed shelters and rescues in Missouri, including the Humane Society of Missouri, which transported the animals from the Lawrence County property to St. Louis today.

Etenburn must now refrain from owning or operating any business subject to the Animal Care Facilities Act (ACFA) and the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act (CCPA) for 10 years and pay a $500 fine. Etenburn is also subject to an additional $2,850 fine should he violate the ACFA or CCPA during that time.

The Department's Animal Care Program and animal health staff routinely work with local organizations to rescue animals. Since January 2009, actions taken by the Department have resulted in more than 5,600 dogs being removed from substandard conditions and placed with licensed shelters and rescue organizations.

For more information regarding the Department of Agriculture's animal programs, visit mda.mo.gov.