Attorney Generals News Release

June 13, 1995

Animal shelter ordered to upgrade facilities

Jefferson City, Mo. — A Ray County judge has ordered a Lawson animal shelter to upgrade its facilities in response to a lawsuit filed against the shelter by Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon. This case is the first enforcement of the Animal Care Facility Act since it became law in 1992.

Rescue Abandoned Defenseless Animal Refuge, known as R.A.D.A.R., is the not-for-profit organization that operates the shelter, which contains approximately 60 abandoned dogs. A few of the dogs are in pens, but most are tied to stationary objects in an open yard.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture's Division of Animal Health inspected the group's facilities Dec. 30, 1994. Inspectors discovered the organization failed to provide the adequate shelter, sanitary conditions or proper construction of facilities set out in the Animal Care Facility Act. R.A.D.A.R. also failed a February inspection and refused to allow investigators into the facilities in April.

“Evidence indicates these animals are not receiving their minimum health and welfare needs,” Nixon said. “The law was created to protect animals and it should be obeyed.”

Ray County Circuit Judge Werner A. Moentmann ordered R.A.D.A.R. to make the necessary improvements by July 5, 1995.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818