Horrible Hundred

RANDOLPH — A Randolph area kennel has once again been listed in a national Humane Society report.

The kennel made the 2021 Humane Society of the United States' 'Horrible Hundred' list due to repeated problems of animals exposed to cold, poor maintenance and unsanitary conditions.

Nebraska Department of Agriculture inspection reports for In God’s Hands Kennel confirm the items listed in the “Horrible Hundred” Humane Society annual report.

Seven other kennels in Nebraska were also listed in the report to warn consumers about common problems at puppy mills, to urge government agencies to prioritize dog law enforcement, and to encourage policymakers to pass stronger rules to protect animals.

In the case of the Randolph kennel, inspection officials have issued numerous warnings going all the way back to 2014. State inspections are conducted once in a 24-month period but done more frequently if there’s a complaint.

In God’s Hands Kennel was found to be out of compliance for not providing bedding during bitter temperatures and having building temperatures too low. Water was found frozen and not offered for more than 16 hours. The inspector also noted food and water receptacles needed to be cleaned, and an accumulation of waste in pens.

“There’s nothing more miserable for a dog than to be left outside shivering in the freezing cold without human companionship or even drinkable water,” said Kathleen Summers, director of outreach and research in the Humane Society of the United States’ Stop Puppy Mills campaign.

The same issues are repeated on subsequent kennel inspections but in 2015 some additional concerns were raised including excessive rust on pens that prevents cleaning and sanitation. Also, two basset hounds were found in the same pen fighting and the inspector noted drops of blood; and the kennel failed to have a Westie examined by a veterinarian after it was wounded by another dog.

“Citations and warnings seem to have made no lasting difference at this kennel,” Summers said. “There is no excuse for treating man’s best friend so poorly.”

At inspections earlier this year, some of the same unsanitary conditions remained with an addition of two consume complaints.

One customer noted a dog purchased from In God’s Hands Kennel immediately lacked the proper energy normal of a puppy and that it refused to eat or drink. A trip to the veterinarian revealed the newly purchased puppy had problems with its hip and was riddled with parvovirus, a highly contagious virus spread by contact with feces.

The owner of the kennel, JoAnn Steiger, told inspectors she was able to track where the virus came from and was taking precautions from it spreading at her facility. The inspector also noted that puppies at the kenne during this time appeared to be in good health.

Steiger also told inspectors she had started using a new de-wormer and had never had a problem before she switched. Steiger had three of the puppies in the litter tested for the virus and results were negative.

Records indicate Steiger paid $100 of the customer’s veterinary bills.

According to the customer’s paperwork, the kennel guarantees the puppy to be free of all communicable diseases for a period of 10 days from the date of sale but the health guarantee does not cover the animal’s initial exam by a veterinarian and does not cover parasites or stress.

Another customer complaint noted a puppy she purchased from the kennel had a scab that within 24 hours was the size of a tennis ball. The veterinarian linked the scab to a dirty needle used for vaccination. The inspector concluded the complaint went against Anita Long - a breeder not licensed by the state.

The Humane Society report also said the kennel appears to sell puppies online through its website but does not appear to have a USDA license required to ship sight-unseen.

The Cedar County News confirmed the kennel does not have a USDA license with the last check of records in late September.

Summers said if inspectors find no new violations or reported issues at the kennel it would be excluded from upcoming annual reports.

Steiger did not respond to The Randolph Times’ questions to present her side of this story.

According to its website, In God’s Hands Kennel raises Beagles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cavachon, Golden Retrievers and Nortons (Norwich terrier/ Bichon Cross).

“Our puppies are raised on our rural farm in Nebraska which is State licensed and regulated. They are given the best in nutrition, care. To us Most importantly love and affection. They are given a complete shot regimen and we deworm each puppy. Each puppy comes from registered parents. A health record as well as a care and health guarantee will accompany them when they move into your home,” the website says.

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