Attorney General asks for injunction against Muddy Creek Kennels in Barton County, alleges violations

Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a petition for temporary and permanent injunction in Barton County Circuit Court today against Muddy Creek Kennels, claiming the business, which is owned by Craig Burns of rural Jasper, is operating a commercial kennel without a valid license and exceeded the number of intact female dogs permitted as a registered hobby and show breeder.

Bailey is asking for injunctions preventing Muddy Creek Kennels from violating those regulations.

In the petition, the attorney general explained what led to the action:

In early February 2024, the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Care Facilities Act Program received a complaint concerning Craig Burns and Muddy Creek Kennel. The complainant contracted with Craig Burns and Muddy Creek Kennel to board and train two (2) dogs for ninety days. 

The complainant went to check on complainant’s two dogs after 30 days of boarding at the Kennel and found both dogs in a state of neglect. 

 The complainant’s dog, “Remy,” a 4.5 month old liver and tick colored German Shorthaired Pointer, lost approximately 10 pounds while boarded, and had open wounds on her feet, pressure wounds on her tailbone, and swollen paws. 

The complainant’s dog, “Kane,” a two year old liver colored German Shorthaired Pointer, lost weight, and had bite marks and scabs on his head, ears, and legs. The complainant advised that both dogs required emergency veterinary care and post-emergent care to properly recover.

On February 29, 2024, animal welfare officials with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Animal Care Facilities Act Program, conducted an inspection of the Kennel pursuant to the complaint received by MDA. 

During the inspection, Burns confirmed that he had contracted to board two dogs for training for 90 days at the Kennel, of which 30 days were completed when the owners opted to cancel his services and remove the dogs from his premises. 

Burns also stated that he was currently harboring two dogs from a different owner which were contracted for boarding and training at the Kennel for which he has harbored for approximately 90 days. 

Based on the fact that Burns harbors and continues to board dogs at the Kennel for the purpose of training, Burns and the Kennel are classified as a “commercial kennel” as that term is defined in the ACFA regulations.