43-B-0304
Danny Bailey & Brent Cotton

Inspection reports provided by AC officials for this facility paint a very confusing picture that prompts speculation on my part as I have been to the premises in the capacity of Senior Investigator for USDA. Mr. Carroll Bailey, the former owner, was very confrontational and antagonistic. He asked to see my badge and made a photocopy of it and then insisted that I call Mr. Espy who was the Secretary of Agriculture at the time. Since the ownership of the property has changed and a new license number assigned I will only address those few inspection reports. A prelicense inspection was conducted on March 14, 1997 for Danny Bailey and Brent Cotton d.b.a. Puppy Ridge, Inc. A "B" license was subsequently issued by AC enabling the licensee to acquire puppies from "A" dealers for distribution to pet stores. Puppies are either hauled overland or shipped by air. Transport enclosures would be required for these shipments as well as a means of conveyance. According to the inspection report, however, no primary enclosures or primary conveyance were seen. These would be essential to the business and could adversely affect the health and well being of animals housed and transported if they did not comply with federal regulations. Why then were they not seen? The facility was inspected again on July 21, 1997 and again those items were not seen, "NS". The March 14 and July 21, 1997 inspection reports indicate that the requirements for outdoor housing facilities are "NA" or not applicable. The last inspection report dated September 29, 1998 notes however, that "…4 outside dog houses fronts have been chewed…" These outdoor enclosures did not just appear out of thin air I am certain. The inspector also cites conditions that could cause injury to the dogs but grants six weeks to implement corrective measures.