JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -Today, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, in coordination with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, announced lawsuits against two animal care operators who repeatedly disregarded Missouri's animal welfare laws. These actions aim to stop ongoing animal mistreatment, compel full compliance with inspection and licensing requirements, and protect the welfare of animals in Missouri.

"Missourians care deeply about their pets and expect animals to be treated with care, compassion, and dignity. Missouri's animal welfare laws establish important protections for animals and clear responsibilities for those entrusted with their care," said General Hanaway. "When these standards are ignored and Missouri's animals are subjected to unacceptable conditions, our office has a responsibility to act to enforce the law and ensure that Missouri's animals are protected."

In Howell County, Ellen Roberts, doing business as Rocky Top K9 in West Plains, committed multiple violations documented during inspections in December 2025 and April 2026. Inspectors found overcrowded enclosures and dogs escaping or climbing into adjacent enclosures due to structural defects. They also observed widespread pest activity, including insects, rodent feces, and a live mouse.

Roberts repeatedly refused mandatory inspections, failed to make the facility available, and did not respond to notices requesting a mutually agreed-upon inspection time. The Attorney General's Office is seeking a permanent injunction prohibiting further violations, civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, unrestricted inspection access, and corrective action to address all documented deficiencies.

In Jasper County, Deana Brown, doing business as The Dog House on Apple Road, LLC in Carthage, continued operating a boarding kennel without a valid license after it expired on January 31, 2025, and again on January 31, 2026. On two separate occasions, inspectors documented more than two dozen dogs being boarded at the facility despite the expired license, and observed advertising for boarding services on her property and along Highway 59.

Brown refused the required annual inspection, told the inspector to leave immediately, and said she would not permit further inspections. The Attorney General's Office is seeking civil penalties, authority to conduct inspections, and a permanent injunction preventing Brown from accepting payment for boarding services unless properly licensed. The Jasper County Circuit Court has already entered a default judgment against Brown after she failed to appear, finding violations of Missouri's licensing and inspection requirements and granting permanent injunctive relief.

The Attorney General's Office and the Missouri Department of Agriculture will continue enforcing Missouri's animal welfare statutes to ensure full compliance with inspection, licensing, and care requirements. Missourians with concerns about animal care facilities may submit a complaint at ago.mo.gov.