| DESCRIPTION/NOTES |
DBPR received a tip notifying them of a problem with the W.R. Etheredge Kennel at the Pensacola track; tip said the dogs in Ard's overflow kennel appeared thin and underweight and that Dr. Andy Hillman, DVM, was called in to look over the greyhounds and subsequently euthanized approximately 20 dogs as a result of their condition; two investigators went to the track the following day and inspected the kennel; upon entering, both investigators noted a strong urine smell in the kennel and described as, "so strong and overwhelming that it burned the eyes"; they also noted that most of the greyhounds appeared lethargic and that 4 in particular were very thin; interviews uncovered that Ard had been unable to properly care for the greyhounds for quite some time due to financial trouble and illness in the family; after further consultation with another vet regarding the condition of the greyhounds, Pensacola management cancelled Ard's contract and agreed to take care of the greyhounds financially; Ard was asked to voluntarily relinquish her license without prejudice; as of 2/9/10, all of the greyhounds in the kennel had been placed with other kennels or adopted out; DBPR made contact with local Animal Control almost 4 weeks after they first inspected the kennel and were told that there was nothing they could do since they had been contacted after the fact; Animal Control advised DBPR to contact them immediately should this happen again so they can send an officer to the track to meet with State Officials; case closed |