Dog breeding business could be public health hazard

CLARKS HILL, Ind. (WLFI) - Tippecanoe County health officials and sheriff's deputies were denied access Thursday to a dog breeding business the Health Department calls a public health hazard.

"The term I would use would be 'squalor.' It's filthy," said Attorney Randy Vonderheide.

That's how Sanders Border Collies is described by Vonderheide with the Tippecanoe County Health Department. Health officials visited the dog breeding business in Clarks Hill Sept. 26. Vonderheide said the department found that the business was unsanitary and presented several risks to people who enter the barn.

"The past conditions on the property were deplorable. As I understand, the animals that Mr. Sanders maintained are in good health," said Vonderheide.

Due to the filthy conditions, owner Randy Sanders was given notice on Oct. 1 that he had until Wednesday to fix the conditions. Vonderheide said health officials tried to visit the the business Thursday but were denied access.

"They were not permitted to inspect the property. We occasionally have that happen. Most people cooperate but Mr. Sanders asserted his right to prevent us from further inspection," said Vonderheide.

Sanders' attorney, James Ayers, said Sanders Border Collies is being treated like a public site as opposed to a private farm. He said Sanders' business isn't a commercial dog kennel and doesn't need to meet commercial dog kennel standards.

"It is a farm and it is a hobby and we believe there is no realistic or alleged hazards to humans," said Ayers.

Ayers said he and Sanders requested a hearing with the Tippecanoe County Board of Commissioners.

In February of this year, Sanders was taken to court for animal cruelty charges but was acquitted by a judge.

"The allegations were shown to be incorrect. Looks like this is just round two. They'll be shown to be incorrect this time as well," said Ayers.

Vonderheide said the next step for the Health Department will be considering going to court to obtain an order for further inspection.

Sanders denied News 18 an interview and wouldn't allow cameras on his property.

The certified letter from the Health Department on Oct.1 spelled out four health hazards:

1.) No adequate on-site sewage disposal system to collect waste from cleaning the cleaning the runs by washing them down which can produce a highly polluting effluent.
2.) No waste disposal container provided for soiled bedding to be placed in until pickup or proper disposal. Now stored in piles on ground surface which causes contamination.
3.) Structure is not bird, rodent, or vermin proofed and has open entry for such. Harboring Histoplasmosis and Hantavirus.
4.) Large pile of animal feed sacks on the floor causing fire hazard.