animal control officer problem - Page 3

 No, it is NOT a "catch-22" to take appropriate care of your animals. If what you say is truthful, then by doing what others here have suggested in keeping a log, getting letters signed by your vet etc., should go a long way in stopping any true harassment. The problem is, just as PsychT writes. We hear about neglect cases all the time, but generally it is too late to do anything about it. Is it possible for someone to be overzealous in the conduct of their duties? Sure, but again, having your "ducks in a row" will go a long way toward minimizing problems. That means your dogs should be very well cared for. A female who has just had pups  and is feeding a family should be ravenous. If not, something is wrong. She needs extra attention, and she likely needs to be checked for parasites, as will the pups. 

I don't know what USDA rules you look at because all regulations on animal welfare I am familiar with, including most STATE regulations say water must be available at all times. It might be wise for you to be certain you know what regulations you are subject to, and make sure you know what they really say. USDA regs will not apply to you.

Good luck. But take care of the dogs.

Mo state law state number 578.009  "A person is gulity of animal negelct whne he has control or ownership or both of an animal and fails to provide adequate care or adequate control which results in substantial harm to the animal.  I do a have a lawyer which I am consulting with Thursday.  I work in the health field and to prove neglect im my field you have to prove duty to act that you did not take action and that  caused proximal harm to the patient. Iknow apples to oranges but if no harm was done as attested by and to my vet I still feel she is harrassing me and others in town.  With that said i have poloroid pictures to take to my attorney and the vets written statement.  My hope is he will talk to the city attorney and have all charged dropped and for her to quit harrassing me. 

FIRST:
 My dogs stand in the rain if in the one kennel not covered..They never go into the igloo..NOt my fault..MY dogs play in the rain and have a million places to go out of rain if two are loose while it rains..

NOT MY FAULT>>>>>TAKE a pic of your kennel...MAke sure you have pine shavings in it and all poop removed daily...Water bowl tied to pen wall. and a jug of chlorox  in view up on a shelf on back porch...TAKE pictures of this.     SECOND:From your description you female is a lttle underweight. When you whelp a litter you are well aware of feeding multiples.

I suggest you get your dog beefed up with some raw meats added,  feed more often and make sure the pups are clean and in clean condition.....You do not need to answer door or let this   AC officer in now..She has made her complaint and until  a warrant is issued....do not let her or them in...ANY officer that cusses or act in the way you describe, go immediate to supervisor and make a written complain..not verbal....written....City manager also would get a visit from me...THE Police chief may not be of any help,,,after all , he reaps the credits for money brought in. You have rights to appear before judge before she comes prancing into your home again...SHE is overboard.  
..I have knowledge of a ticket written for  $1,500.00 for a stray dog in a ladies yard, because the neighbors said the dog lived there and had no rabies tag....the dog had been there for 24 hours and went down street to a  female in heats yard, unleashed both dogs, and neighbor called  AC and that one complaint invited a ticket...The husband answered the AC knock on door and he made the fatal mistake ....AC officer said is this your dog?.... " NO  MAAM"   . DID you feed this dog?..."well yes maam, it  just came up yesterday and I fed it scraps last night.".."Well , sir,,it is your dog."
WIFE works all day and had to take off work and go talk to the judge...Judge was ugly and reduced it to 300.00.// for a dog she didn't own.

SO ,   sorry you had this,  but , you need to probably do just a little to stop this   AC from warting you....BUt take pics and make sure you feed , clean and do as you should....No way a dog standing in the rain when a house is right there is neglect or abuse...      I have concrete covered , lite, fan cooled kennels  but two of my females hate the boxes, and in 29 * cold freezing weather....they sleep outside the box on cold concrete floor...So I do bring them in , my  heated nursery,,,in fact I bring all gsd inside barn....NO heat but kenneled inside with heat lamps  and they have to stay enclosed..no choice...
Not necessary for  me to do that...Gsd love cold weather and they love rain...as long as they can get into a dry igloo or house...when they are stubborn  I definately bring inside some buiilding with better warmth...
GOOD LUCK      I would feed your female more...Not ever should a female look skinny after birth...I disagree on that one.. females should   look like well rounded and firmly packed dogs  after birth....never ever have I had one look skinny and I believe in   seeing at least two ribs...but not when females have  a litter.....more is required of that female for a bunch of kids draining her....Raw liver would beef her up....    Just do a few things a little different and rely on your   VET for written letters and keep the pics  with the letters....be ready if this AC  gets  mad..  Go to her top supervisors...be professional in your vis