DARLINGTON — A recently released U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report shows that a Lafayette County dog breeder left five of his dogs’ coats to become matted in violation of federal law, according to a press release from an animal welfare group.

“This marked the seventh violation at this operation since just June,” said a news release from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). “Breeder has been cited for lacking identification for and records of dogs, keeping dogs confined near chewed wood, and not even having a responsible adult on-site when a federal veterinarian stopped by to check on the animals.”

The breeder was identified by the USDA documents as Daniel Graber of Mineral Point. Attempts to locate a breeder’s phone number with that name in the Mineral Point area were unsuccessful Dec. 17. The most recent inspection of the breeder was in November, according to the USDA document.

Matted fur harms dogs because it does not allow for air circulation to the skin, causing hot spots, bacterial and fungal infections. Fleas, ticks, maggots, and other parasites may be lurking in the coat, causing further skin infections. Matted fur also pulls and binds, causing pain to the pet.

PETA released noted that such breeders are big links in the supply chain for often abused animals.

“Small and big box chain pet stores alike buy vulnerable living beings from animal factories like this,” said the PETA release. “This neglect is exactly why PETA urges the public never to buy from breeders or pet stores.”

PETA encourages individuals and families to adopt a pet, dog, or cat from a local animal shelter to prevent animal cruelty in the industry.

— Gary Mays