Flat Creek Border Collies

Transcription

Flat Creek
Border Collies
A Report on the 35 Border Collies
from Flat Creek in Sprakers, NY
January 2014
January 2014
Lillie Goodrich
Co-founder
Glen Highland Farm
217 Pegg Road, Morris, NY 13808
[email protected]
www.glenhighlandfarm.com
Table of Contents
Glen Highland Farm Background
Page 1
Evaluation of the Flat Creek Dogs
Page 1
Medical Overview of the 35 Dogs
Page 2
Emaciation
Page 3
Untreated Medical Conditions
Page 8
Poor Hygiene, Unsanitary Conditions
Page 20
Fear of Humans
Page 25
Undersized, Underdeveloped Young Dogs
Page 28
The Breeding Program at Flat Creek
Page 29
Glen Highland Farm Conclusions
Page 33
Glen Highland Farm Background
Glen Highland Farm (GHF) is a 501c3 devoted to the rescue and rehoming of Border Collies.
In 13 years, over 2000 dogs have found safe haven through the Farm, located in Morris, NY.
GHF is dedicated to assisting only this breed and is the largest Border Collie rescue organization
in the United States.
In all cases, the mission of GHF is the same: to evaluate the health and temperament of the
Border Collies which come into our care; to address any deficiencies with the provision of
medical treatment, training and behavioral and physical rehabilitation therapies; and to place
them into new homes where their needs will be understood and met on an ongoing basis.
GHF covers the entire northeast region as far south as Virginia, as far north as Canada and west
through all of Pennsylvania. GHF has also rescued Border Collies from other countries such as
Japan, China, Saudi Arabia and Mexico as well as other US states.
GHF takes in dogs from all different backgrounds: dogs relinquished directly from loving,
long-term homes; dogs abandoned in shelters or found running as strays; dogs with working
backgrounds; and even dogs who have been used in breeding programs. It is not unusual for
breeders to relinquish dogs directly to the Farm when they are getting out of the business
altogether or when a change of life circumstances has occurred. GHF has also previously
received dogs from seizures by state organizations – in almost two dozen of these seizure cases,
the dogs were voluntarily surrendered to rescue.
Evaluation of the Flat Creek Dogs
Glen Highland Farm was asked by the Montgomery County SPCA to assist in the confiscation of
35 Flat Creek Border Collies in Sprakers, NY. There are 35 Border Collies in our care, with 25 of
them fully surrendered to Rescue. 10 are in our care, awaiting court proceedings. Four adult dogs
and 17 puppies still remain at Flat Creek.
To appropriately evaluate these dogs, GHF contracted Dr. Jonathan Davis of Valley Veterinary
Associates in Sidney, NY. This practice works with GHF on hundreds of dogs each year. Their
evaluation of 33 dogs will be provided separately. The other two dogs (in foster care) have
been evaluated by another veterinarian – those reports will also be provided separately.
The Border Collies from Flat Creek suffer from a number of serious health challenges, all
revealed through physical exams and diagnostics performed by the vets. Additionally, GHF staff
evaluations provide insight on issues related to the temperament of the dogs. GHF has seen
hundreds of Border Collies in somewhat similar situations, in varying degrees of health. As a
group, these dogs are semi-feral and fearful of human contact.
It is evident that basic, routine care was not provided to the Flat Creek dogs. As
a group, these dogs are showing signs of malnourishment, an abnormal level of
injuries and grooming neglect, all of which can cause pain and discomfort. This
is not a recent problem. It is due to the ongoing conditions at Flat Creek.
A Report on the 35 Border Collies from Flat Creek in Sprakers, NY
Page 1
Medical Overview of the 35 Dogs
Age
n
30 dogs are 1-2 years old*
n
5 dogs are adult, ages 3-6 years old*
* Ages are approximate
Weight: 83% are undersized
n
Out of 35 Border Collies, only 6 fit the breed weight standard of 35-45 pounds.
n
The majority are adult Border Collies weighing an average of 25 pounds.
Body Condition Score: 74% are malnourished
n
Score of 1 Emaciated: 10 dogs out of 35
n
Score of 2 Underweight: 16 dogs out of 35
n
Score of 3 Acceptable: 8 out of 35 dogs
n
Score of 4 Overweight: none
n
Score of 5 Obese: 1 out of 35 dogs
Health Condition: 100% are medically compromised
None of the dogs are healthy enough for routine spay/neuter due to heavy parasitic load and
body condition.
n
100% have extreme worm infestation: 35 out of 35 dogs
n
100% have coat/skin conditions: 35 out of 35 dogs
n
100% have behavior problems: 35 out of 35 dogs
n
66% have dental issues: 23 out of 35 dogs
n
63% have ear problems: 22 out of 35 dogs
n
43% have wounds: 15 out of 35 dogs
On the pages that follow are a closer look at the medical and behavioral
issues of the dogs that are related to conditions at Flat Creek.
Page 2
Emaciation
The outward appearance of the Flat Creek dogs is deceiving. Since their fur is dirty and matted,
it appears they are much heavier. A body condition score rating system of 1–5 is used in
veterinary medicine. 26 of the 35 Border Collies scored at the lowest level of 1 (Emaciated)
and 2 (Underweight). This indicates that their nutrition and lack of care placed them in
jeopardy of starvation. Most of these dogs have rib bones or hip bones protruding, without any
body fat or muscle mass (Exhibits 1, 3, 4 & 5).
exhibit 1
Flat Creek Dog: D25
Wetting down a dog shows the protrusion of rib cage
and hip bones.
exhibit 2
While food was provided, these dogs
could not receive proper nutrition
to maintain body mass due to an
extreme parasite load (Exhibit 2). The
parasite load of the Flat Creek dogs is
at an extremely high level compared
to other dogs coming into rescue.
No matter how much they eat,
without medical treatment,
dogs with heavy worm loads
will become anemic and have
the potential for organ failure
and death.
In their reports, Valley Veterinary
Associates quantified the horrific
condition of these dogs by measuring
the exact worm load.
Parasitic infestation is totally
preventable with proper weekly
and monthly care and it is critical
in a multiple dog group situation.
Cleanliness of pen areas requires daily
fecal removal as well as deworming
on a regular schedule. Since puppies
are naturally born with worms, it is
critical to deworm at a very early age
and throughout the life span of any
dog living in these conditions.
Mature roundworms in the feces of a Flat Creek dog.
Page 3
Veterinarians indicate that most of these dogs are not healthy enough
to undergo any surgical procedure, including routine spay or neuters.
exhibit 3
A Flat Creek female
with a waist
measurement of
about 15 inches.
Flat Creek Dog: D20
exhibit 4
A Flat Creek female
with a waist
measurement of
about 16 inches.
Flat Creek Dog: D37
exhibit 5
Approx. 16.5 inch waist
of a female from the
breeder in Flat Creek.
Flat Creek Dog: D10
Page 4
Rescue Perspective
GHF offers an expert perspective having cared for over 2000 Border Collies. We have accepted
many dogs in good condition that came from breeders. We currently have four from a different
NY breeder, one who no longer wanted to stay in the business. All four of those dogs came into
rescue fully-vaccinated, in good health with an acceptable body score (Exhibits 6 & 7). They lived
outside in kennels, but when temperatures dropped, were brought in at night to a heated garage.
All of the dogs came into rescue with waists of 18-19 inch in diameter, a little underweight, but
not severe. None of these four dogs were in a condition as severe as the Flat Creek dogs with 1516 inch diameter waist sizes. (Previous Exhibits 3, 4 & 5).
As a comparison to a dog living outside, a family dog living in an inside setting will hold their
weight in a more normal fashion. See Exhibit 8 of adopted GHF dog at full body weight, 22 inches
at the waist.
exhibit 6
exhibit 7
GHF Rescue Dog
GHF Rescue Dog
Approx. 19 inch waist of a male surrendered to GHF
from a breeder wanting to get out of the business.
exhibit 8
Approx. 20 inch waist of a female surrendered to GHF
from a breeder wanting to get out of the business.
A female dog living as
a family pet in an inside
setting will hold their weight
in a more normal fashion.
GHF Dog: Adopted
Page 5
A Closer Look
D1 is a 1½-year old male Border Collie
(Exhibit 9), lethargic, dull-eyed and nonresponsive upon confiscation. He had
roundworms coming out of his rectum
and was severely dehydrated. His bloodwork is consistent with malnutrition.
Now, one week later, he is still struggling
to recover:
exhibit 9
Report from the foster home:
He is still pretty lethargic and drinks tons
of water. Saying he is starving is an underFlat Creek Dog: D1
statement. He finally pooped yesterday and
he ate it up so fast it was scary. I have never
seen a dog do that. He eats so fast and then frantically looks for more. I am feeding him 4x a day. His
back end has no muscle to it. He tries to do the stairs but has no energy to push his body forward.
exhibit 10
Flat Creek Dog: D32
D32 is a 1-year old male Border Collie (Exhibit 10),
who was coughing upon confiscation and moved to
isolation at the vet. Bloodwork findings are consistent
with malnutrition and the presence of an infection.
Antibiotics are required for fourteen days with close
monitoring.
Those are two cases – more are documented in the reports
of Valley Veterinary Associates and The Village Animal
Clinic along with the scientific data reporting the extreme
parasite load.
Improper Nutrition Leads to Malnourishment
In addition to the rampant parasite infestation in these dogs, the Flat Creek dogs – puppies and
adults – are not being fed the proper quality food.
According to the vet report from Dr. Caroline Ennis (submitted 1/6/14):
The adult dogs and puppies are being fed a dog food that was in a generic white, unbranded bag
labeled “Dog food” with a protein content of 18%. When asked if this is what he feeds to the
puppies, he said yes. I did not see an indication that the food was AAFCO certified.
Adult dogs need a moderate protein level of 24% - 27% for a normal lifestyle in a home setting.
For proper growth and development, puppies need a high protein diet of at least 30%. The food
of both adults and puppies at Flat Creek was only 18% protein. For dogs living outside, a very
careful protein/fat ratio is required due to the adverse temperatures.
Page 6
See expert recommendations below:
According to Dr. Joe Wakshlag, Associate Professor, Clinical Nutrition Section Chief,
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine:
A typical border at 45 lbs. should be getting about 1200-1400 kcals (not herding) to stay at 45 lbs.
So they need about 2-3 cups of a 30% protein and 20% fat food.
Puppies and lactating bitches should receive a 30% protein and 20% fat food. Pups should be fed
according to the high end of feeding guidelines on packaging. Bitches should be fed 50% higher
than typical the last 4 weeks of gestation. 1600-1800 kcals a day. At lactation it’s around 20%
more per day per puppy. A litter of 4 in a dog getting 1200 kcals for maintenance should get about
1800-2000 kcals.
The food being fed at 18% protein was probably around 11-12% fat which is unsuitable for those
life-stages and every breeder knows that.
In the vast experience of feeding over 2000 Border
Collies at Glen Highland Farm, we have never seen a dog
thrive on an 18% protein diet. The only exception would
be seniors with medical conditions who must be on
reduced protein.
exhibit 11
The additional issue is the quality of the protein.
Low-cost dog food is high in fillers that do not provide
a proper protein source.
The fecal volume coming out of the Flat Creek dogs
(Exhibit 11) is easily three times the normal volume of
dogs being fed a quality diet (Exhibit 12). Especially given
the smaller size of these dogs, this indicates the type of
food being given is indeed of poor quality.
Flat Creek Dog
exhibit 12
According to Dr. Joe Wakshlag, Associate
Professor, Clinical Nutrition Section Chief, Cornell
University College of Veterinary Medicine:
The large fecal volume is likely due to poorly
manufactured pet food or ingredients leading to
undigestible protein and starch as well as excessive
fiber all of which leads to large stool volume and even
less protein and carbs that can be effectively digested
and used by the dog. All of this contributed to the poor
body condition of the dogs.
GHF Rescue Dog
Page 7
Untreated Medical Conditions
Many of the Flat Creek dogs have untreated medical conditions which should have been
easily noticeable and treatable when they first arose. Failure to treat these medical conditions
promptly has given some of these conditions time to develop into severe and painful issues
for the dogs.
Yeast Infections in Ears
Seven of the Flat Creek dogs have severe ear infections. When this disease is not treated, a
condition known as ‘cauliflower ears’ or aural hematoma occurs where the ear flaps and inner
tissues swell so large, the opening of the ear canal is actually blocked (Exhibit 13 & 14). Bleeding
occurs inside the tissue from the dog shaking their head due to the infection. This requires
immediate treatment and if left alone, causes pain and discomfort and permanent thickening of
the tissues. Compare to healthy ear shown in Exhibit 15.
exhibit 13
exhibit 14
Flat Creek Dog: D41
Flat Creek Dog: D26
Cauliflower ear, showing a partially obstructed ear
canal due to thickened tissues.
exhibit 15
Cauliflower ear, showing obstructed ear canal due
to thickened tissues.
A healthy dog’s ear showing
an unobstructed ear canal.
GHF Rescue Dog
Page 8
Ear Mites
Highly contagious tiny spider-like parasitic mites were found in the ears of many of the Flat
Creek dogs (Exhibit 16). These mites can infect the external and internal canal and lead
to skin and ear infections if left untreated. Severe ear mite infections can cause serious
problems for the dog, such as severely damaged ear canals and eardrums which can lead to
a permanent loss of hearing.
Routine ear cleaning is required to prevent this condition from occurring or spreading.
exhibit 16
Flat Creek Dog: D41
Ear mites can lead to skin or ear infections if left untreated. Infection usually produces a characteristic dark
discharge, as shown here. The ear canal can become entirely obstructed by this coffee ground-like debris.
Page 9
Broken Teeth Leading to Infection
Numerous Flat Creek dogs have this condition with multiple broken teeth down to the gum
level, showing infection (Exhibits 17, 18, 19 & 20). Once a tooth cracks or breaks, bacteria can
enter the tooth and into the jaw and the infection spreads into other body organs. Prolonged
exposure to bacteria can cause damage to the heart and organs and even lead to death.
The Flat Creek dogs with broken teeth require extractions and antibiotics as soon as possible.
exhibit 17
Canine is broken into
the gumline exposing
the root.
Flat Creek Dog: D10
exhibit 18
Infected tooth that
extends into the
gumline.
Flat Creek Dog: D30
Page 10
exhibit 19
exhibit 20
Flat Creek Dog: D39
Flat Creek Dog: D39
Severe tartar
Cracked molar
Severe Dental Disease
Numerous Flat Creek dogs have severe tartar indicating dental disease is present (Exhibits 21
through 24). Left untreated, periodontal disease leads to severe oral pain, loss of teeth and other
complications in the body, including an impact on organs and the heart.
exhibit 21
exhibit 22
Flat Creek Dog: D39
Flat Creek Dog: D26
exhibit 23
exhibit 24
Flat Creek Dog: D16
Flat Creek Dog: D20
Page 11
Urinary Tract Infections
Blood in the urine was noted in several young Flat Creek dogs with indications of infection.
These dogs are being monitored carefully. Antibiotic treatment is now underway. Causes of this
infection can be bladder stones, bacteria or organ-related disease. This type of infection worsens
without veterinary care and must be treated immediately.
Tick-borne Diseases
Two Flat Creek dogs have tick-borne diseases – Lyme and Ehrlichia. Both tested positive on
diagnostic tests. Since the infected dogs were living on the same property as the other dogs, it is
highly likely that they have all been exposed to ticks carrying the Lyme and Ehrlichia virus. As it
can take weeks or months for these diseases to manifest themselves, it is highly likely more of
the dogs will develop these diseases in the near future. Both of these potentially deadly diseases
could have been prevented with application of a monthly tick preventative.
Ehrlichia canis is an infection of white
blood cells that can eventually affect
bone marrow function, including
production of blood cells. Lyme disease
can potentially lead to glomerular
disease, a type of kidney damage if
untreated.
exhibit 25
One of the dogs, D8 (Exhibit 25), 6-years old,
could have greater damage since the disease was
allowed to progress over a longer period of time.
The other dog is a young adult.
Flat Creek Dog: D8
Page 12
Mastitis
One recent nursing mother exhibited enlarged, extended nipples due to a bacterial infection of
her mammary glands (Exhibits 26 & 27). Veterinary examination revealed an advanced infection
of pus-filled teats. Mastitis, if not treated, can lead to gangrene mastitis. This condition
can be caused from poor hygiene or systemic infection originating elsewhere in the body or
from a trauma from a puppy nursing. Treatment needs to be given immediately before the
infection spreads into the bloodstream. Laying on feces-covered ice and snow at Flat Creek also
contributes to the advanced condition of infection.
exhibit 26
Flat Creek Dog: D10
exhibit 27
Flat Creek Dog: D10
Page 13
Body Wounds
As a group most of the Flat Creek dogs have body wounds (Exhibits 28 through 33) on muzzles,
legs, feet and ears. Many dogs also have scarring and scabs on their bodies.
Many wounds are fully exposed, raw, red or bleeding. No evidence of
previous medical treatment was seen. Bacteria in these untreated wounds
promotes disease processes in the bloodstream.
exhibit 28
Flat Creek Dog: D21
exhibit 29
Flat Creek Dog: D8
Page 14
exhibit 30
exhibit 31
Flat Creek Dog: D18
Flat Creek Dog: D27
exhibit 32
exhibit 33
Flat Creek Dog: D25
Flat Creek Dog: D25
Page 15
Missing Nose Pieces and Missing Ear Pieces
Numerous dogs have permanently damaged noses and ears (Exhibits 34 through 39). Possible
causes could be injuries sustained from dog fighting, frostbite, the electric wire fencing or
infectious disease. All of these wounds are preventable.
exhibit 34
exhibit 35
Flat Creek Dog: D15
Flat Creek Dog: D15
exhibit 36
exhibit 37
Flat Creek Dog: D22
Flat Creek Dog: D31
Page 16
exhibit 38
Flat Creek Dog: D39
exhibit 39
Flat Creek Dog: D39
Page 17
Raw, Peeling Foot Pads
As a group, the Flat Creek dogs have very scarred, hardened rough paw pads. A number of
dogs have reddened and peeling pads, some more severe than others. Normal hair growth
has disappeared. In a peeled pad, the outermost tough covering is peeled away, leaving a red,
tender inner part exposed. This is extremely painful to the point where most dogs cannot bear
any weight on the affected foot. The peeling skin can occur from frostbite and running over
rough, icy surfaces.
Frost-bitten skin appears red, gray or whitish and peels off as we are seeing in some of the dogs
(Exhibits 40 & 41). Immediate medical treatment is required. Compare to the healthy foot
in Exhibit 42, of a non-Flat Creek dog.
exhibit 40
exhibit 41
Flat Creek Dog: D25
Flat Creek Dog: D25
exhibit 42
A view of a healthy paw
pads showing the fur in
between pads for protection
from the elements. Note there
is no scarring or peeling on
the pads.
GHF Rescue Dog
Page 18
Eye Injury
One Flat Creek dog, D8, has significant vision issues in both eyes (Exhibit 43), at this time
diagnosed as corneal abrasions or demarcation; however he must have an ophthalmology
exam in order to further diagnose his vision problem. This condition could also be Progressive
Retinal Atrophy, a genetic condition resulting in fixed pupil dilation or he could have Pannus,
a progressive inflammatory disease of the cornea. Diagnosis and treatment from a specialist is
critical in his case since D8 could become fully blind if not diagnosed and treated.
With proper diagnosis and treatment, these problems could have been prevented and possibly
still can be corrected with medication or surgery. Annual re-examinations are required.
exhibit 43
Flat Creek Dog: D8
Page 19
Poor Hygiene, Unsanitary Conditions
All of the Flat Creek dogs have poor coat condition: dull, matted, brittle, dry skin, dandruff,
urine-stained and feces-coated hair (Exhibits 44 through 52). There has been no evidence of
brushing, bathing or any general grooming care with the dogs. The older the dog, the worse the
matting and some hair was filled with feces and urine-stained. Compare to a healthy-coated dog
in Exhibit 53.
exhibit 44
exhibit 45
Flat Creek Dog: D8
Flat Creek Dog: D8
exhibit 46
exhibit 47
Flat Creek Dog: D29
Flat Creek Dog: D15
Page 20
exhibit 48
exhibit 49
Flat Creek Dog: D11
exhibit 51
Flat Creek Dog: D10
exhibit 50
Flat Creek Dog: D11
Flat Creek Dog: D30
Page 21
exhibit 52
exhibit 53
Flat Creek Dog: D10
GHF Rescue Dog
This Flat Creek dog has a dull,
brittle coat.
This non-Flat Creek dog has a
healthy coat.
When Glen Highland Farm arrived at the Flat Creek property, the team of five Caretakers
discovered that all the dogs were living in small penned areas filled with excrement.
The only place any dog could eliminate was the area they ran in, walked
in, ate in, and lived in. The dog pens were covered in fecal matter – a health
situation that easily spreads parasites to other dogs.
The remaining Flat Creek dogs (4 adults
and 17 puppies) are still living in an
environment where they cannot avoid
contact with feces and urine (Exhibit 54).
They are walking in it continually re-infecting
themselves. Without proper clean-up, this is a
vicious cycle of re-infestation and disease.
Any human stepping into the pens will
contaminate other areas where they walk
since there is no proper kennel cleanliness
evident on the property. Hookworms,
whipworms and roundworms can be
transmitted to humans as well as dogs.
exhibit 54
Flat Creek Dogs
We observed that the confiscated dogs now residing at Glen Highland Farm instantly eat the
feces of any dog. This pattern of behavior is consistent with malnourishment and lack of vital
nutrients.
Daily cleaning and fecal clean-up is required to insure a proper standard of hygiene for dogs
and humans. Well-scheduled and maintained parasite treatment is necessary to prevent this
unsanitary and contagious setting.
Page 22
Border Collies Are Now Companion Animals
Border Collies originate from the climates of Scotland and England where the average winter
boasts highs in the 40s and lows in the 30s (Exhibit 55). Here in upstate NY, our average highs are
in the 30s and with lows down into the teens (Exhibit 56).
Border Collies were not bred to live outside in sub-zero temperatures. It is a customary practice
for the dogs to be inside a barn or inside a home when not working. On the whole, farmers do
not leave their working dogs exposed to severe outdoor elements. They are considered prized
possessions – a much needed tool to be protected and valued.
However, the need for working farm dogs has lessened in the past 70 years with less farms. The
majority of the dogs are NO longer even working outside at all. Border Collies are being raised as
companion animals who reside as a family member INSIDE. They live as pets.
Reports about Flat Creek indicated 75 Border Collies were in residence,
comprised of 58 adults and 17 puppies all living outside in sub-zero
temperatures without enough shelters for the number of dogs. These dogs
lived in a situation they were not bred to endure (Exhibits 57 through 60).
Even in the best working Farm situations, they would not be outside 24/7.
But, even more importantly, the lack of health care as well as appropriate nutrition, makes
this setting deadly. The veterinary findings support the fact that these dogs are suffering from
improper care on all levels and then forced to endure a lifestyle that not even their working
counterparts in Scotland would undergo.
exhibit 55
S
Average
ct
Fahrenheit
Jan
Low
Temperatures In:
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
8
36
Pitlochry
40
30
45
34
57
48
46
40
0
40
Aberdeen
43
32
50
37
64
52
54
43
9
43
Glasgow
43
34
52
37
66
52
54
43
3
47
Thurso
43
33
46
37
59
50
52
43
gh
Average Monthly Temperatures, UK/Scotland
April
July
Oct
exhibit 56
Average
Average Monthly Temperatures, New York State, US
Fahrenheit
Jan
April
July
Temperatures In:
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Sprakers, NY
28
10
55
33
80
58
Albany, NY
31
15
58
37
82
Buffalo, NY
31
19
55
37
New York, NY
36
23
58
42
Average
Oct
Average Mont
Fahrenheit
Jan
Low
Temperatures In:
High
L
58
36
Pitlochry
40
3
62
60
40
Aberdeen
43
3
80
62
59
43
Glasgow
43
3
83
68
63
47
Thurso
43
3
Page 23
Photos show the sparse
and inadequate shelter
available to the Flat
Creek dogs. Even
puppies are living
outdoors. Photos were
taken at the time of
a record-shattering
cold spell in the region
with overnight lows
in single digits and
wind chills down to -35
degrees.
exhibit 57
exhibit 58
exhibit 59
exhibit 60
Page 24
Fear of Humans
exhibit 61
GHF takes an average of 200 dogs into rescue annually.
It is normal for dogs coming into rescue to go through
an adjustment period during which they may be fearful.
Normally socialized dogs of similar age to the Flat Creek dogs
typically adjust within 24 hours, and begin soliciting attention
and affection, playing with toys, and exploring their new
surroundings easily and happily.
The Flat Creek dogs are not able to confidently
adjust to human contact. Some of these fearful
behaviors are influenced by poor genetics and
nutritional deprivation. From our experience
dealing with dogs from similar situations, we
find that the Flat Creek dogs are suffering from
severe and prolonged neglect, with little or no
socialization with humans.
Flat Creek Dogs: D40 & D17
exhibit 62
This was evident in the seizure process when GHF assisted the
SPCA in handling these dogs. We asked the Flat Creek breeder,
Herbert Weich, if he could catch the dogs and he said no. He
told us that two mature dogs, D41 and D35 would not come to
him at all. Weich’s neighbor, who was assisting in the process,
asked Weich to get his ‘hook’ pole – the stick with a large
metal hook on the end that catches the large metal rings
Flat Creek Dog: D39
attached to the collars of the dogs (Exhibit 63 & 64).
The neighbor explained to GHF founder Lillie Goodrich that he needed someone to shine
the flashlight into the dog’s eyes to blind it, so he could hook the ring on the collar and then
pull the dog out of the shelter. This particular dog then bit the neighbor as he yanked her
out with the ‘hook’ pole.
exhibit 63
exhibit 64
Flat Creek Dog: D41
Collars removed from the confiscated Flat Creek
dogs show the large metal catch rings.
D41 shown with the ringed collar.
Page 25
As a group, the Flat Creek dogs exhibit semi-feral
behaviors (Exhibits 61 & 62, 65 through 69) which
include:
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
rigid with fear
complete mistrust of humans
unresponsive to voice and activity
minimal response to attention and stimuli
fleeing interactions with a person
hiding in a catatonic state
heightened sensitivities to inside sounds
survival panic with any movement
exhibit 65
Flat Creek Dog: D18
These Flat Creek dogs missed appropriate socialization and it may take
years for them to relate normally to humans.
exhibit 66
exhibit 67
Flat Creek Dog: D39
Flat Creek Dog: D41
exhibit 68
exhibit 69
Flat Creek Dog: D15
Flat Creek Dog: D19
Page 26
Foster Homes Confirm Semi-Feral Behaviors
A number of surrendered dogs are now in experienced foster care settings
and showing semi-feral reactions due to the lack of human contact.
This is not normal canine behavior nor is it a normal rescue dog behavior. These dogs have been
detrimentally impacted by the conditions at Flat Creek. While these dogs may have appeared
normal, running around Flat Creek, they have no experience of a trusting relationship with a
human being. Like other inappropriate breeding situations that Glen Highland Farm has been
witness to, the rehabilitation of these Flat Creek dogs will be long-term, involving many years of
commitment.
Foster home report on D36, female (Exhibit 70):
exhibit 70
She runs away if looked at directly. When walked on a
leash, she stays directly behind me (out of eyesight), and
if I should slightly turn one way or the other, she scoots
to the opposite side to continue to stay in my blindspot.
Almost any decibel above a whisper sends her running to
the end of her leash. She will not eat if I’m watching her,
but as soon as I turn away, she inhales her food.
Foster home report on D29, male (Exhibit 71):
D29 is emaciated. I am feeding him 4 times a day, but he
has some very sad and disturbing eating phobias. He is
completely unsocialized, and when he arrived, he would
not eat unless he was alone. After days of working with
him by progressively desensitizing him to my hand, he
will still not eat or drink if anyone else is in the room.
He is friendly with my other dogs, but he similarly will
not eat or drink if they are anywhere near. I believe
that he is responding this way because he is from an
environment where food and water were very scarce; he
must have been very low in the pack order.
He will not allow me to touch him, and he cowers in
the back of his crate when approached. He is especially
fearful of the leash. As an intact male, he is too weak
to lift his leg to urinate, he is very unsteady, and his
personality is dull. He is gaining strength daily, but there
is no evidence that a caring or even indifferent human
has ever handled him.
Foster home report on D27, male (Exhibit 72):
He panics everytime I put a leash on him and he will
walk but then lie in the grass. I have to tug him to get
him moving again then on leash his entire body shakes
with fear from being outside.
Flat Creek Dog: D36
exhibit 71
Flat Creek Dog: D29
exhibit 72
Flat Creek Dog: D27
Page 27
Undersized, Underdeveloped
Young Dogs
All of the dogs between 1- and 2-years old are extremely undersized compared to the
average breed standard of a 35-40 pound Border Collie. They have much thinner and shorter
hair growth. Vet reports confirm these dogs are not only undersized and underweight, they are
underdeveloped in their muscle structure with very poor muscle tone. In the females, even
the vulvas are undeveloped due to malnutrition. All of the Flat Creek dogs are carrying a high
parasitic worm load – one of the most common consequences of roundworms is growth
reduction. See the size differences in these young 1- to 2-year old females, in Exhibits 73
through 76.
exhibit 73
exhibit 74
exhibit 75
exhibit 76
Flat Creek Dog: D12
Flat Creek Dog: D28
Page 28
The Breeding Program at Flat Creek
Border Collies have historically been bred to
herd sheep, working on farms (Exhibits 77 &
78). There is a voluntary registration with the
American Border Collie Association (ABCA) for
breeders who maintain a breed standard: The
ABCA exists to register, maintain and verify
the pedigrees of Border Collies; to promote and
foster in North America the breeding, training
and distribution of reliable working Border
Collies; and to promote stockdog trials and
exhibitions.
Flat Creek Border Collies advertises on their
website that their dogs as part of this
program (Exhibit 79):
exhibit 77
GHF Rescue Dog: Adopted
exhibit 78
Our dogs are ABCA registered and our lines
originate from England, Scotland, Wales and
the US.
When Glen Highland Farm asked the ABCA
about the accuracy of the claim on Flat Creek’s
website, the ABCA indicated that it is not true.
exhibit 79
From Debbie Bailey, representative of the
American Border Collie Association:
These people are making a false claim that
they are affiliated with ABCA. They are not
members of ABCA.
Any breeder recognized for solid breeding
standards wants the acknowledgment of the
ABCA. It provides a measurable standard
aligned with the history of the breed itself.
Page 29
Healthy well-bred Border Collies are dynamic, highly intelligent dogs who need a task to
accomplish. Whether it’s herding sheep or running an agility course, these dogs are like the
‘Ferarris’ of the dog world. Their origin lies over 200 years ago in the border counties of
Scotland and England, handling livestock. This breed is prized for its uncanny intelligence,
extraordinary instinct and a jaw-dropping capacity to work in partnership with humans
(Exhibits 80 through 85).
exhibit 80
exhibit 81
exhibit 82
exhibit 83
exhibit 84
exhibit 85
Page 30
The breeding program at Flat Creek Border Collies is far below par. For
breeding stock they are using malnourished, worm-infested, undersized,
AND heavily inbred dogs.
Breeders of border collies must understand that there
are special health concerns associated with breeding
dogs of certain color patterns, such as merles – dogs
with mottled splashes of color (Exhibits 86 through
91). When a border collie is born of two merle parents,
it has a 25% chance of having two copies of the merle
gene. This is problematic because these “double merles”
– identifiable by being mostly white and having small
merle patches – have a high probability of serious
medical problems. Most of them are completely deaf;
many have bad eyes with reduced vision.
exhibit 86
Flat Creek Dog: D9
exhibit 87
The United States Border Collie Club’s position:
“In Border Collies, where the gene is [uncommon] –
even rare – there is no excuse for accidentally breeding
a double merle; and there is never a good reason to do
it intentionally.”
In seeing the proliferation of merle dogs from Flat
Creek, we are highly concerned that these dogs may
be breeding indiscriminately, with no human oversight
or plan.
Flat Creek Dog: D15
exhibit 88
Out of a total of 40 adult dogs at Flat Creek
(confiscated & remaining), 57.5% are merle
and white.
If the merle dogs are allowed to mate with each
other, on average, 25% of their pups will be born with
an extremely high chance of congenital deafness,
blindness or both.
The Flat Creek dogs also have an unusually large
proportion of dogs with “butterfly noses” (Exhibits 86
through 88) where they are missing some or all of the
dark pigmentation which normally protects dogs from
sunburn and skin cancers. It is especially dangerous to
keep these dogs, which lack natural protection against
developing skin cancer, exclusively outdoors.
Flat Creek Dog: D22
exhibit 89
Flat Creek Dog: D27
Page 31
exhibit 90
exhibit 91
Flat Creek Dog: D41
Flat Creek Dog: D31
Deafness is evident in the Flat Creek dogs:
exhibit 92
Case 1: An all white Flat Creek male (Exhibit 92)
obtained prior to the seizure is deaf. This dog is now
in rescue awaiting adoption.
Case 2: A deaf merle puppy (Exhibit 93) of a Flat Creek
dog is now in rescue at Glen Highland Farm. The deaf
puppy’s father (Exhibit 94) was a stud dog obtained
from Flat Creek’s kennel by another NY breeder. The
genetic flaw of deafness is not desirable in breeding.
Both father and puppy were surrendered to GHF.
exhibit 93
exhibit 94
GHF Rescue Dog
Rescue Dog: Awaiting Adoption
A deaf dog, originally from Flat Creek (not
part of the seizure), now in rescue.
A stud dog (originally
acquired from Flat
Creek) sired a deaf
merle puppy. This dog
and the deaf puppy
were surrendered to
GHF.
Deaf offspring of Flat Creek stud dog.
The lack of oversight in proper breeding in combination with the lack of
veterinary care is catastrophic to the dogs whose life span is likely to include
pain, discomfort and early death.
Page 32
Glen Highland Farm Conclusions
Glen Highland Farm strongly advises AGAINST the return of the 10 dogs
whose legal status has not yet been determined.
We also strongly advise the removal of all the remaining adult dogs and
puppies from Flat Creek, and that they be permanently surrendered to the
care of the Montgomery County SPCA or Glen Highland Farm.
n Every dog still on the Flat Creek property is being exposed to the exact same
poor conditions which have led to 100% of the dogs we have examined having
moderate to severe health and behavioral problems.
n The 10 dogs with the ‘to be determined’ legal status require immediate
veterinary assistance to alleviate the painful and possibly permanently
debilitating or deadly medical problems which they are now experiencing.
The remaining dogs at Flat Creek will also require critical veterinary care.
n The Flat Creek property is so heavily contaminated with parasites that the
dogs currently on site, even if treated, would almost immediately fall prey once
again to the same health issues.
n None of the dogs are of sufficient soundness, either in temperament or
physical condition, to be used in a breeding program.
n Without intensive behavioral therapy, these semi-feral dogs will never be
sufficiently socialized for contact with humans to accept the basic preventative
treatment, such as wormers, ear cleanings, dental checks and tick preventatives.
n RIGHT NOW, the remaining puppies on the property are in a critical
time period in their behavioral development – if they do not get sufficient
socialization with people RIGHT NOW, it will take years of behavioral work to
undo the damage.
n With 100% of the surrendered Flat Creek dogs showing behavioral problems
due to insufficient socialization with people, GHF has NO confidence that
appropriate socialization is occurring with the puppies.
n The provision of improved shelters is not going to keep these dogs from
suffering, because the deficiencies in the dogs’ care go beyond the lack of
adequate shelter.
Page 33
Lillie Goodrich
Co-founder
Glen Highland Farm
217 Pegg Road, Morris, NY 13808
[email protected]
www.glenhighlandfarm.com
Page 34

Flat Creek Border Collies

Transcription

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