Missouri – Missouri officials are taking legal action against two animal care businesses accused of repeatedly violating state animal welfare requirements, including one facility where inspectors found overcrowded dog enclosures, pest problems and unsafe conditions.
The cases involve operations in Howell and Jasper counties. Both have raised concerns about whether animals are receiving proper care and whether businesses responsible for them are following Missouri’s inspection and licensing rules.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced the lawsuits in coordination with the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The legal actions seek to address documented violations, secure access for state inspectors and prevent further noncompliance with animal welfare laws.
The two cases involve different violations, but both include allegations that operators refused inspections required by the state.
“Missourians care deeply about their pets and expect animals to be treated with care, compassion, and dignity. Missouri’s animal welfare laws establish important protections for animals and clear responsibilities for those entrusted with their care,” said General Hanaway.
“When these standards are ignored and Missouri’s animals are subjected to unacceptable conditions, our office has a responsibility to act to enforce the law and ensure that Missouri’s animals are protected.”
One lawsuit targets Ellen Roberts, who operates Rocky Top K9 in West Plains, Howell County. State inspectors documented multiple problems during visits conducted in December 2025 and April 2026.
Their findings included overcrowded areas where dogs were housed and structural problems that allowed animals to escape their enclosures or climb into neighboring ones.
Inspectors also reported extensive pest activity. Evidence included insects, rodent droppings and a live mouse at the facility.
Beyond the conditions documented during inspections, Roberts allegedly created additional obstacles for state oversight.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, she repeatedly declined mandatory inspections, failed to make the property available and did not respond to notices requesting arrangements for an inspection at an agreed-upon time.
State attorneys are now asking the court to issue a permanent injunction against further violations. They also seek civil penalties of up to $1,000 for each violation, unrestricted inspection access and corrective measures addressing the problems inspectors identified.
The second case involves Deana Brown, operator of The Dog House on Apple Road, LLC, a boarding kennel in Carthage, Jasper County.
Unlike the Howell County case, the allegations against Brown primarily concern licensing and inspection requirements.
Authorities say Brown continued providing boarding services without a valid license, citing expiration dates of January 31, 2025, and January 31, 2026.
During two separate inspections, officials documented more than 24 dogs being boarded at the kennel despite the licensing violations. Inspectors also observed advertisements promoting boarding services on the business property and along Highway 59.
Brown allegedly refused her required annual inspection, instructed the inspector to leave immediately and stated that further inspections would not be permitted.
The Attorney General’s Office pursued civil penalties, inspection access and a permanent order preventing Brown from accepting payment for boarding services without proper licensing.
The Jasper County Circuit Court has already entered a default judgment after Brown failed to appear. The court found violations involving licensing and inspections and granted permanent injunctive relief.
Missouri officials say enforcement efforts will continue at animal care facilities across the state, with attention to licensing, inspections and standards of care.
Residents who suspect violations at an animal care business can submit complaints through the Missouri Attorney General’s Office at ago.mo.gov.
