http://wral.com/lifestyles/pets/story/1536128/ BE SURE TO WATCH THE VIDEO! I don't see a thing wrong with what she has available to these animals now. :?
I've seen animals living in worse conditions in shelters, however, there are a number of issues I can see that the state DOA would easily have problems with. The kittens in the beginning are living in a cat carrier. Not only is this very difficult to clean and disinfect thoroughly, there's no room for those kittens to possibly have a litter box in there, nor can they move about. Compound that with being outside and crowded - is just not a good way to live. Kennels upon kennels are outside. It gets mighty hot here - we're in it now - and those dogs have no real shade. While they have dog houses, what happens in the winter when we have those record cold temps and people are advised to bring their pets in? A dog house just doesn't do the job in extreme weather conditions. Also, these kennels have dirt or gravel bottoms - this means they can not be disinfected. While she says they are all vaccinated, even a vaccinated dog (like a vaccinated cat or human) can on occasion ie: they are in a weakened condition contract a disease from another animal. Many vaccines take a few days to be effective ie: Bordatella - (to prevent kennel cough) it takes approx. 72 hours to do it's thing, which is why if you own a dog you wish to board, your vet will typically have you get it vaccinated 3 days or more PRIOR to going to their facility. IF she brought in a litter of puppies and they broke with parvo virus, being on the dirt/gravel, would mean that for 2 OR MORE years, that ground and any around it where water run off (from rain-snow or even putting water in a bucket and spilling it) could go to other kennels and spread the disease - keep in mind that the parvo vaccine is about 97% effective according to many reports - other dogs could contract it. With concrete bases which have been sealed, a 30:1 water/bleach solution or a quatts disinfectant can effectively kill parvo virus and many other contageons. I could go on, but I'm sure you get my point. All of that said, don't get me wrong, this lady should be commended for her efforts and she is definitely trying to do her best. She is actively adopting out animals and the place looked quite neat, you can't fake that with that many animals. She is busting her hump for those critters. I wish I had the $ to help fund her expansion and compliance efforts & wish her a lot of luck.
I checked out the video again and noticed that some of the kennels don't have dog houses and others had barrels (blue ones) which don't offer adequate shelter.
