MONTANA --
These are complaints that were sent to the Montana legislature in an attempt to strengthen the animal cruelty laws. Clearly, their words fell on deaf ears b/c NOTHING CHANGED.
421 N. Davis #11 Missoula, MT 59801
March 17, 2009
To whom it may concern,
Friday, March 6, 2009 I visited LDR Kennels of Chario Montana. I would like to express my concerns regarding the conditions of the puppies and their parents. Several puppies were introduced to us. 1 immediately noticed the puppies were very timid and scared. All of the puppies had a very bad odor, almost unbearable. l got the impression, I was not allowed into the room where the puppies or their parents are kept. We were only allowed in a waiting room where the puppies were brought to us after they were retrieved from the back.
Originally, we went there to specifically look at a puppy that was listed on the LDR website. When we requested to see that puppy the owners spent a great deal of time trying to find him. The puppy was never found and it was explained that he was listed as a male but was actually a female and was not for sale.
After viewing a few of the puppies, they asked us if we would like to meet the parents. The parents‘ condition was even more concerning than the puppies’. Each of the parents that came out was very timid, matted and they also had a very bad odor. It is obvious that these dogs are not treated well.
The owners’ own animals, two dogs that followed them out of their house for our appointment, appeared to be in very good condition and happy animals.
I had a strange and reluctant feeling about purchasing a puppy and supporting this business. I also felt compelled to remove this puppy from the environment. One of the little Yorkie puppies really caught my attention and l decided he would go home with me. Because he was more expensive than the one I originally went there to see, they reduced his price by $100.00 but indicated they would not offer any warranty because of the discount Against my better judgment, I agreed to these terms simply because l was anxious to remove the puppy from this situation.
24 hours later we ended up at the emergency vet clinic. He has visited three different doctors that have worked together to help him. After several hundred dollars in vet bills and prescription anti-biotic medication, my puppy seems to be thriving. He has gained some weight and has a lot more energy.
It is frustrating to support a business that l feel has sub-standard conditions for their puppies, but it feels great to have purchased a puppy to remove him from that environment. l wish that I could afford to purchase more puppies to remove them.
A good friend of mine went against my advice and adopted a puppy from LDR two days ago. The next day she took her puppy to the vet and she is suffering from an upper respiratory infection. it’s so sad to realize how many of these little ones must be suffering. I hope that something can be done to heip them.
Sincerely,
Teresa Thomson
2783 Bel Vue Dr Missoula, MT 59801
(406)-721-6059
March 20, 2009
To whom it may concern,
Friday, March 6, 2009 I visited LDR Kennels of Charlo Montana. I would like to express my concerns regarding the conditions of the puppies and their parents. Several puppies were introduced to us. I immediately noticed the puppies were very timid and scared. All of the puppies had a very bad odor that was almost unbearable. I got the impression, i was not allowed into the room where the puppies or their parents are kept. We were only allowed in a waiting room where the puppies were brought to us after they were retrieved from the back.
My family and I visited with another couple that was also looking for a puppy. We went especiain for a puppy named “Cartman”, which we found on the LDR website. Cartman was billed as a tan and black Mini Schnauzer. I would be the first to point I am no dog expert, by any means of the imagination. When “Cartman” was brought out I found a terrified puppy that I swore was not a Mini Schnauzer. His hair was wiry and his legs where long (8 to 10 inches). The owners then brought out the mom and dad. The parents were dirty, dingy and matted. I don’t think they had ever seen a bath. Both parents were smaller, with curly, white hair. The adult dogs were also very timid. We did not leave with a puppy. I just could not support LDR Kennels. My children even said that they felt uncomfortable when they walked in to the waiting room.
The couple that went with us was there to see a Yorkie puppy called “Skeeter” that was listed on the LDR website. When they requested to see that puppy the owners spent a great deal of time trying to find him. The puppy was never found and it was explained that he was listed as a male, but was actually a female and was not for sale.
Our friends did purchase a Yorkie puppy that has had some health issues, but does seem to be doing fine now.
We felt sorry for the animals of this kennel and would like to see them get help. I personally would be willing to help, if there is a way.
Sincerely,
Creg Dieziger
Patti Prato
From: <athompson623@aim.oom>
To: <pratop@qwestnet>
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2009 9:35 AM
Subject: Regarding LDR Kennels
To whom it may concern, 3-19-09
I recently bought a 12 week old female Chihuahua from LDR Kennels. After having her home for less than 24 hours we had to take her to the vet due to coughing all night. She ended up having an upper respiratory infection, draining of the eyes and a very runny nose. We called LDR kennels and let them know of the problems we had and let them know we were not to impressed and would appreciate if they would help out with the vet bills. They offered to take the puppy back and "Make it better for us. " She then turned to her husband and said,"The puppy was sick," and laughed about it.
I am not impressed about the whole situation and feel it is time somebody does something about this place. When arriving at the kennel and seeing some of the animals up there that they had brought out it made me want to adopt all of the puppies. Felt we couldn't leave without one. Any questions please feel free to e-mail me.
Thank you
Annette Thompson
Members of the Montana Legislature
Re: HB 548, Bill Draft Number LC 1693
Short Title: Require inspection ‘for dog breeding facilities
We are writing to request your consideration, and support of HB 548, Bill Draft Number LCl. 693, for which Dave McAlpin. is the primary sponsor.
We live next to a very large dog breeding facility. They have between 300 to 500 breeding female dogs. We have been told that they would like to increase the number to around 700.
They moved to Montana in 2003 from Kansas. When we heard. they had purchased property next to ours, and that they would have a large puppy breeding facility of approximately 500 dogs we were very concerned. I called the County Attorney and asked him if we had any rights concerning this. I was told by him that “l guess it just depends on who has the most money for a lawsuit." So, basically we had no laws to protect us from, a large breeding facility, such as this from coming in next to us. .
Our experience living next to this facility has been anything but pleasant. The septic system for the dog operation is far too small for that many dogs. The first summer they were here, they had a septic service some to pump the septic system. They told the septic service to spread the sewer on their field, which joins our property. This was done, right in. front of our house. This was in the middle of July. You can imagine how that smelled for about two weeks. I thought pig manure smelled bad, but it can’t hold a candle to dog manure. We could hardly stand to be outside it was so terrible. The next summer they had the septic service come out to pump the sewer once again. This time, I called the county sanitation department. They got the first load dumped out in the field, but we got it stopped before they got the second load dumped. They were told that there is a dumping sight for that, and that it didn’t cost anymore for them to take it to the dump sight. They were told that it was illegal to dump it on the field, and to have it taken to the dump sight from that time forward.
In the early spring of 2007, the sewer system was overflowing into the barrow pit of the county road. it was level full. The smell was so bad, we could hardly stand it. The neighbors and school bus driver could hardly stand to drive past the dog farm (puppy mill), the smell was so bad. We all got together and called the county sanitation department to complain. We telephoned and asked that something be done. The next day an excavator arrived. A trench was dug to send the overflowing sewer out into a pond in their field. We were told by the county sanitation department that this was just a temporary fix. It is now two years later and the temporary fix still stands. I don’t think the county ever came out and even inspected it alter that.
They have not taken any measure to correct the problem. The sewer from this location, draining into that pond, ends up going through the neighbors property, and eventually ends up draining into Post Creek. We are concerned that this could contaminate peoples well water, and stock water. We smell the dog sewer very strong everyday when they rinse the manure out of the dog cages.
The wind blows from the northwest 99 per cent of the the time. It blows the smell right to our place.
This dog operation has devalued the property value of every neighbor around it. Nobody would want to buy property next to 500 barking dogs and a very over-capacitated sewer system that runs into an open pond, due to a severe overflowing problem.
The dogs are in cages, probably about 30 inches square, with wire floors. The dogs are never let out to exercise, but are kept in the cages. We feel this is an animal cruelty issue, a health issue, and a ground water issue.
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Animals spend their lives in these
chicken coop type cages |
Montana Cause for Paws is a group of animal advocates who have organized with the goal of ensuring the humane treatment of animals - specifically those animals who are victims of the commercial breeding industry. (See enclosed letter). We are in hopes of getting your support for this bill, HB 548. Montana needs some laws to prevent our state from becoming a dumping ground for these types of operations.
Your kind support for this bill will be greatly appreciated.
Delmar Carey
57254 Old Freight Road St. Ignatius, MT. 59865
Members of the Montana Legislature,
I am writing to request your careful consideration of HB 439, A bill to regulate commercial dog breeding facilities in Montana. The primary sponsor is Margaret McDonald.
I am in favor of mandatory state licensing, inspection, and regulation of commercial dog breeding facilities. My name is Donna Cook. I have owned and operated a dog boarding, grooming and training facility in St. Ignatius, Lake County, MT since 2000. I have worked in various capacities in the pet industry and in Montana Law Enforcement, Animal Control for 19 years.
Some time in the summer of 2003 I visited a commercial dog breeding facility that had recently moved to a property near my home. I was given a tour of that facility, LDR Kennels, and was told by the proprietor, Nadine Latzky, that there were 280 breeding dogs on site.
I saw two small buildings with wire cages on two levels lining both sides of a center passageway. There were automatic feeders and waterers. The cages were about 30” square and there was a passage door to a covered outdoor cage of the same size. They were made of wire and had washdown trays under them that caught the excrement. I was told that it flowed into a septic system.
There was a third building where dogs with puppies were housed and I did not see inside that building. I counted over 15 different small dog breeds and some Border Collies on chains in another area. There were between 2 and 5 dogs in each cage. It was very hot inside the buildings and the odor was very strong. The dogs appeared anxious and
I saw dogs with injuries to eyes and one nursing dog with an injury to it’s back. My overall impression of the facility was that it was overcrowded, poorly ventilated and that it was automated to the extent that none of the dogs could receive any more than minimal human contact for maintenance care. The only source of exercise available to the dogs was frenetic circling from the indoor cages to the outdoor ones, approximately 60” of wire-floored space.
Mrs. Latzky told me that she intended to have 500 breeding dogs Within the first year of arriving in Montana.
I provide pet care services to dog owners in Flathead, Lake, Missoula, Ravalli, and Sanders Counties. I may have in my care up to 30 dogs at peak times. Caring for this many dogs takes an average of 10 hours per day with the help of my husband. lTj'ogs require several periods of We daily. They need individual housing suited to their size and should be fed portioned rations and monitored to determine how much or little they are eating. Puppies raised to be sold as pets need structured human interaction, training, exercise, and affection. Over the past 10 years I have groomed and boarded pets purchased from the LDR Kennel dog breeders. Some of my clients have reported having to seek veterinary care for these dogs Within the first weeks after purchase for intestinal problems, skin problems, eye problems and joint deformities.
Recent legal interventions in cases of hoarding, transport of animals into Montana under cruel conditions and rescue of dogs suffering neglect and abuse have cost our counties and our State and each of us, dearly. Efforts to address the problems associated with LDR Kennel, the largest commercial kennel in Lake County, have included the County Sheriff, County Health Dept. and the Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council. The cost of instituting regulation of commercial dog breeding in Montana could not exceed the cost of another large litigation. Dogs numbering in the hundreds now languish in crowded conditions at the LDR Kennel and other facilities throughout the state. Their minimal needs are provided by individuals or couples whose failing health alone could precipitate another crisis of care and expense to resolve.
For 16 years I have taught basic obedience classes, trained dogs and educated clients as to responsible pet ownership, pet care and training. Selection of a puppy suitable for family companionship requires knowledge of health, soundness of temperment, socialization and careful handling. This should begin at the breeding facility and, ideally, the breeder is a continuing resource for information and support after the purchase of a pet. My customers have not reported having this support from the LDR Kennel or from Mr. or Mrs. Latzky. Many of the dogs from the commercial facility are resold, given away or taken to the Mission Valley Animal Shelter.
Stewardship of the land and our natural resources is our states rallying call. Please vote to enact a law that will govern the practices of commercial breeding of companion dogs.
Respectfully,
Donna B. Cook
Diamond Dog Enterprises
Owner/Operator
74570 US HWY 93 St. Ignatius, MT 59865
406-745-3401
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Complaint Submitted: Sun, October 09, 2011
Subject: LDR Kennel or Larry and Nadene Latzke Larry and Nadene Latzke Brussels Griffon, Miniature schnauzer, chihuahua, havanese, japanese chin, [lhasa apso], maltese, papillon, pomeranian, pug, [shih tzu], yorkie puppies for sale St Ignatius, Montana
These people are disgusting. They advertise a cute white puppy, which is not cute or little anymore, at 5 months old this puppy (miniature schnauzer) has nails that are curled UNDER his feet, the back legs are longer than the front (resembling a kangaroo), living in feces in the "kennel". The dogs were very thin, his hair was falling out (schnauzers don't shed much), gums were GREY not pink. His mother had a new litter of pups recently, within a few days of the visit. The excuse for the nails, was so they didn't scratch the puppies eyes out, the purposely didn't trim them supposedly for this reason.
This breeder has MANY different breeds, which should have been the first tip off, none of which are showing, or competing in any events, they aren't even AKC registered. The ears were brown from not being cleaned, and had an odor, they were filled with hair and hadn't even been cleaned, nor had the dog or any of his kennel mates been bathed or brushed. This dog at 5 months just stood at the side of the kennel, shaking. He was picked up at he shivered and shook, and then there was feces all over our clothing, from their feet. Do not buy from these people, this is false advertising. The woman said it cost money to update pictures on ads, which on puppyfind (where they advertise) it does NOT cost any money to update pictures. They find it easier to mislead the public by showing a cute puppy and not the thin, filthy, scared animal that was presented.
ALSO:
I found a document from iowawatch.org, which listed Larry Latzke and Nadine Latzke (aka Nadene Latzke) as USDA licensed DOG DEALERS in the state of Iowa. Why is that???
FINAL ACTION CODE: WARNING (7060)
PROGRAM: AC
SUBPROGRAM: DOG DEALER
CASE NUMBER: MT08023
SUBJECT: LARRY LATZKE
HQREV DATE: 02/25/2009
FINAL ACTION DATE: 03/05/2009
FISCAL YEAR: 2009
FINAL ACTION CODE: WARNING (7060)
PROGRAM: AC
SUBPROGRAM: DOG DEALER
CASE NUMBER: MT08023
SUBJECT: NADENE LATZKE
HQREV DATE: 02/25/2009
FINAL ACTION DATE: 03/05/2009
FISCAL YEAR: 2009
AND...
At a 2008 AUCTION in OKLAHOMA, Nadene Latzke had 45 dogs listed for sale:
Nadene Latzke (406) 644-3587
1F Cardigan Corgi, 2M 2F Affenpinscher, 1M 1F Brussels Griffon, 4M 6F Jap. Chin, 3M 7F Yorkshire Terrier, 5M 5F Chihuahua, 1M 1F Papillon, 1M 1F Havanese, 2M 2F Min. Schnauzer
Earlier:
