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Date
Robert M. Gibbens
Director, Western Region
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services
2150 Centre Avenue, Building B
Mail Stop #3W11
Ft. Collins, CO 80526
RE: Revocation of License
Director Gibbens:
I am writing to urge you to revoke the license of USDA-licensed Class B Dealer, C.C. Baird, forcing him to cease operations.
As you know, C. C. Baird and Martin Creek Kennels, located in Williford, Arkansas, was raided last year by agents from the United States Department of Agriculture-Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG), U.S. Postal Inspectors, Officers from Arkansas State Police and Sharp County Sheriff’s Office. During the search, approximately 125 dogs were seized by federal agents. However, Martin Creek Kennels still currently hold hundreds of dogs and many cats, that Baird and his wife, Patsy, plan to sell to research labs across the U.S. for experimentation.
Last Chance for Animals’ investigation into Martin Creek Kennels revealed frequent violations of the Animal Welfare Act and other federal criminal statutes, including: moldy food; wires sticking into and out of occupied dog pens; wounded and sick animals not treated for their conditions (or treated inadequately); abuse, including dogs being dragged by their necks with chain collars and rope leashes; and dogs going without water, up to and exceeding 23 hours at a time, and without fresh food for over 24 hours at a time. Approximately four dogs die at the kennel every week from inadequate veterinary care and starvation. In addition, heartworm-positive dogs are frequently killed for their heartworms which are collected and sold to laboratories.
Although the USDA and APHIS have filed hundreds of violations against C.C. Baird and Martin Creek Kennels, C.C. Baird is still allowed to operate while these civil charges are pending. Furthermore, no arrests have been made in the case and there have been no indictments.
I am writing to urge you to revoke the license of USDA-licensed Class B Dealer, C.C. Baird, forcing him to cease operations.
Every day that goes by means certain death for the dogs in Baird’s custody. I urge you as Director of APHIS, please stop C.C. Baird before any more animals are needlessly slaughtered.
Thank you for your time and compassion regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
Name
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