Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, acting in coordination with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, filed lawsuits against two animal care operators in Howell and Jasper counties, targeting chronic welfare violations, unlicensed boarding operations, and repeated refusals of mandatory state inspections.
Attorney General Sues Two Dog Boarding Facilities
- Attorney General Catherine Hanaway initiated legal proceedings against Rocky Top K9 in Howell County and The Dog House on Apple Road, LLC in Jasper County for severe animal welfare violations.
- State inspectors documented overcrowded enclosures, structural defects allowing animal escapes, and hazardous pest infestations including a live mouse and rodent feces.
- Operators repeatedly refused mandatory state inspections and continued boarding operations despite expired commercial licenses.
Rocky Top K9 Inspections Reveal Severe Deficiencies in Howell County
In Howell County, Ellen Roberts, doing business as Rocky Top K9 in West Plains, accumulated multiple documented violations during state inspections conducted in December 2025 and April 2026. Inspectors found overcrowded enclosures alongside structural defects that allowed dogs to escape or climb directly into adjacent pens. State officials observed widespread pest activity, documenting insects, rodent feces, and a live mouse on the premises.
Compounding the physical deficiencies, Roberts repeatedly refused mandatory inspections. She failed to make the facility available to state regulators and did not respond to official notices requesting a mutually agreed-upon inspection time. In response, the Attorney General’s Office is seeking a permanent injunction to prohibit further violations, civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, unrestricted inspection access, and mandatory corrective action to address all documented structural and sanitation deficiencies.
Default Judgment Entered Against Jasper County Boarding Facility
Deana Brown, operating as The Dog House on Apple Road, LLC located in Carthage, Jasper County, kept running an unlicensed commercial boarding kennel after her authorization lapsed on January 31, 2025, and once more following another expiration on January 31, 2026. On two separate occasions, state inspectors documented more than two dozen dogs boarded at the facility despite the lapse in licensing. Regulators also observed active advertising for boarding services posted on the property and along Highway 59.
When state officials attempted oversight, Brown refused the required annual inspection, instructed the inspector to leave immediately, and stated she would not permit future inspections. Following Brown’s failure to make a court appearance, the Jasper County Circuit Court has already entered a default judgment against her. The court found clear violations of Missouri’s licensing and inspection requirements and granted permanent injunctive relief. The Attorney General’s Office is pursuing additional civil penalties and strict judicial authority to conduct inspections alongside an injunction preventing Brown from accepting payment for boarding services without proper state licensure.
| Operator Name | Facility Name | Location | Documented Violations | State Legal Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ellen Roberts | Rocky Top K9 | West Plains, Howell County | Overcrowded enclosures, structural defects, pest infestations, refusal of inspections | Permanent injunction, civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, corrective action |
| Deana Brown | The Dog House on Apple Road, LLC | Carthage, Jasper County | Unlicensed boarding operations, expired credentials, refusal of annual inspections | Default judgment entered, permanent injunctive relief, civil penalties |
The Missouri Attorney General’s Office and the Missouri Department of Agriculture confirmed that enforcement of the state’s animal welfare statutes will remain active to ensure full compliance across all commercial facilities. Missouri residents who harbor concerns regarding local animal care operations may submit formal complaints directly through the state portal at ago.mo.gov.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
