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Stockton woman ignored animal care violations, State says

Stockton woman ignored animal care violations, State says

Yahoo08-04-2025
STOCKTON, Mo. – Ozarks First Investigates is uncovering additional information about the woman at the center of an animal cruelty investigation and rescue operation in Cedar County, where multiple dead animals, including skeletal remains of dogs, were found.
On April 3, the Humane Society of Missouri rescued 42 dogs and nine cats in dire condition from Sarah Walborn's Stockton-based business, Wynter Knights Kennel and Grooming.
Ozarks First Investigates dug through court documents revealing the State of Missouri took legal action against Walborn the month prior, in March 2025. Filings allege that since becoming a licensed breeder in February 2024, Walborn violated multiple provisions of the Missouri Animal Care Facilities Act and the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act.
Records show violations include, but are not limited to:
(1) Failed to provide adequate veterinarian care for several animals under her care
(2) Failed to provide adequate shade for animals
(3) Failed to provide adequate, clean, dry bedding material
(4) Failed to remove excreta or food waste from enclosures daily
(5) Failed to properly identify animals being held at the Facility, purchased, boarded, sheltered, or otherwise acquired, sold, released, given away or otherwise disposed of, or removed from the Facility for any reason
(6) Failed to maintain required medical records on all animals brought
(7) Failed to conduct daily observations of all animals to assess their health and well-being
(8) Failed to provide adequate shelter structure for outdoor facilities housing animals
USPS updates service standards, impacting mail delivery times
The state claims that despite numerous inspections and citations from the Missouri Department of Agriculture, including four visits from June 2024 to February 2025, Walborn did not address the violations and continued to operate under substandard conditions.
The April 3 discovery prompted action from the Animal Cruelty Task Force, which was supported by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Attorney General's Office. Corgis, Alaskan Malamutes, and Doodle mixes were among the breeds rescued.
'The severe neglect these poor animals suffered is abhorrent and inexcusable,' said Kathy Warnick, President of the Humane Society of Missouri. 'We will do everything in our power to ensure the rescued dogs and cats are rehabilitated and given a second chance at a happier life.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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