Press Release

Darby Holladay	(301) 734-3265
Jim Rogers	(202) 690-4755

USDA REVOKES C. C. BAIRD’S DEALER’S LICENSE

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2005—The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that it has settled its administrative enforcement case against Chester C. Baird, aka C.C. Baird, along with his wife, Patsy and their daughters, Jeanette and Patricia Baird, who bred, bought and sold animals as Martin Creek Kennels and Pat’s Pine Tree Farms. The hearing in this case had been scheduled to commence Jan. 24, in Little Rock, Ark.

The consent decision, issued on Jan. 28, revoked both of the Animal Welfare Act licenses held by the Bairds, effective Jan. 21. The AWA regulations bar any person whose license has been revoked from becoming relicensed.

The consent decision also required C.C. and Patsy Baird to pay a $250,000 civil penalty, and assessed an additional $12,700 civil penalty against C.C. Baird personally, for failing to adhere to a previous USDA cease and desist order. All $262,700 of the civil penalties has been paid in full. This represents the largest civil penalty ever assessed and paid in an AWA case.

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service had alleged that the Bairds violated the AWA regulations on numerous occasions, by acquiring dogs from random-source dealers and by failing to provide basic veterinary care to hundreds of dogs and cats; failing to maintain accurate records; and failing to meet minimum standards for housekeeping, husbandry, feeding and shelter.

In addition, the Bairds agreed to liquidated civil penalties of $250,000 each if APHIS finds that the Bairds engaged in regulated activities during a five-year probationary period. The liquidated penalties would be due and payable within 60 day’s notice by APHIS.

The Bairds have also relinquished their remaining dogs and cats to APHIS, for placement with suitable caretakers.

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