Christi Harmon - Double C Ranch - Harmon Kennels - Christies Puppies, Harmon Kennels Very Bad Experience - Buyer Beware Lebanon Missouri

MO Governor Jay Nixon is cracking down on puppy mills, etc. New web address to report to:

Operation Bark Alert

http://mda.mo.gov/animals/AFCA/barkalert/

Missouri tries to shed reputation as 'puppy mill'

By CHERYL WITTENAUER 20 hours ago

SENECA, Mo. (AP) When authorities raided J.B.'s Precious Puppies, they discovered more than 200 dogs standing in their own excrement, crammed three and four to a cage. Some were so sickly they were missing clumps of hair. The skeletal remains of puppies and adult dogs were found inside pet-food bags.

The ghastly scene deep in the Ozarks has become far too common in Missouri.

Missouri is the "puppy mill" capital of America, home to more than 4,000 shoddy and inhumane dog-breeding businesses, by one estimate. But now the state is trying to shed its reputation, with the chief of the Agriculture Department pledging to do more to crack down on bad breeders.

"Missouri led the nation in licensing breeders. Let's lead the nation in putting unlicensed breeders out of business," Agriculture Director Jon Hagler said.

Missouri has been No. 1 in puppy mills for decades, with fly-by-night breeders both licensed and unlicensed selling pups churned out by dogs that spend their entire lives in cages. The pets are sold through classified ads, in pet stores and over the Internet.

The problem is so severe that Missouri's reputable breeders complain that the shady ones are making them all look bad.

Animal advocates say puppy mills flourish here for a number of reasons, among them: uneven enforcement of the rules, and remote, rural landscapes that allow poor or illegal practices to escape detection. The hills and hollows of the Ozarks have the state's highest concentration of puppy breeders.

"It's embarrassing," said Julie Leicht, executive director of the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation. "We're the meth capital. And we're the leader in puppy mills. Welcome to Missouri."

The stories are heartbreaking. In February, a raid in Missouri's Pleasant Hope netted 93 Yorkshire terriers, their hair severely matted and covered in feces. Last September, 171 anemic, flea-infested cocker spaniels, some of them blind, were taken from a breeder. Fifteen days later, 67 emaciated, mangy dogs and puppies were rescued.

"Most people think puppies were born in a box next to a fireplace in somebody's living room," Kim Townsend, an activist who monitors the industry. "If they walked into these places, they'd be appalled."

Since taking office in January, the agriculture chief has been working to better enforce a 1992 program for protecting animals cared for by breeders.

He has named a new program coordinator, asked for a re-examination of old cases, ordered a review of internal procedures, and stepped up inspections and the issuing of citations to violators. His new Operation Bark Alert allows people to report unlicensed breeders directly to him by e-mail.

But Hagler said his agency simply does not have the means to conduct inspections every year as required by law. "We cannot regulate 3,200 licensed breeders plus every animal rescue, shelter and dog pound, and go after unlicensed breeders with 11 total inspectors."

The Humane Society of the United States' "Stop Puppy Mills" campaign says Missouri should stop licensing breeders until it has enough inspectors.

State audits in 2001, 2004 and 2008 sharply criticized Missouri's regulation of puppy breeders as ineffective and lax, citing management conflicts of interest, spotty inspections, few sanctions and failure to track repeat offenders.

State authorities can shut down breeders, revoke their licenses, fine them and ask local prosecutors to bring criminal charges of abuse or neglect. But Tim Rickey of the Humane Society of Missouri said the Agriculture Department rarely pursues charges.

Inspection reports show that the state instead encourages violators to reduce the number of dogs to a more manageable level or below the threshold of regulation.

Townsend, who maintains a Web site with inspection reports on Missouri puppy breeders, said many puppy mills are repeat offenders: "You take away their license, and they go out and get more animals."

Jewel Bond, owner of J.B.'s Precious Puppies, failed to meet state standards in 2007 after temporarily losing her federal license. She agreed to get out of the business and let the state sell her dogs at auction, from which she received the proceeds, minus a $1,000 fine. But a year later, Bond was back in business. Townsend said Bond repurchased some of her dogs at auction.

After the raid in February, Bond, 66, was charged with two counts of animal abuse, each punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Bond's telephone has been disconnected, and she did not answer the door on a recent visit to her Seneca kennel, situated behind a tall fence and no-trespassing signs.

"All she cared about was strictly the money. You can't convince me she or anybody cared about the welfare of these animals," said Sheriff Ken Copeland, who orchestrated the raid.

Marilyn Shepherd, a breeder in rural Ava in the Ozarks, has been the subject of three federal licensing complaints but still maintains a state license. She would not allow her dog pens to be toured or photographed, saying pictures of caged dogs would set off protests by "whiney-a*s animal rights activists."

Rickey, of the Humane Society of Missouri, said he is encouraged by what the new agriculture director is doing.

"Their focus seems to have changed," Rickey said. "They are working harder to shut unlicensed facilities down. They are seeking prosecutions. This is all new and unproven."

Current Bill Summary

SB 186 - This act creates the Healthy Pet Act.

Pet dealers are required to have their dogs and cats examined by a licensed veterinarian no greater than 30 days prior to sale. The act requires that pet dealers provide a written statement to the purchaser of any dog or cat containing certain facts about the animal's birth, breeding, physical traits, and medical history. The written statement shall also include a statement signed by both the pet dealer and the purchaser that the animal has no known disease, illness, or adverse health condition or the statement shall alternatively disclose any known disease, illness or adverse health condition.

The act requires pet dealers to maintain certain records for up to 12 months following the date of sale of any dog or cat.

Pet dealers are prohibited from selling any dog or cat with any obvious clinical sign of an infectious, contagious, parasitic, or communicable disease or with any condition for which hospitalization or nonelective surgery is required.

Individuals who unknowingly purchase a sick dog or cat are entitled to a remedy from the pet dealer when: within 20 days of the purchase, a licensed veterinarian states in writing that the animal suffers from or has died from a condition that existed on or before the date of purchase; or within 2 years of the purchase, a licensed veterinarian states in writing that the animal possesses or has died from a congenital or hereditary condition for which hospitalization or nonelective surgery was required. Available remedies to the purchaser of such a sick dog or cat are provided in the act.

In order to receive a remedy, a purchaser of a sick dog or cat must, within 10 days of receiving the veterinarian's diagnosis, notify the pet dealer and provide a written statement from the veterinarian to the pet dealer. The act lists certain information that must be included in the veterinarian's statement.

Remedies are not required to be provided by a pet dealer to a purchaser of a sick dog or cat if: the illness or death of the pet resulted from maltreatment by the purchaser or from an event that occurred after the pet's purchase from the dealer; the purchaser did not administer veterinarian-recommended treatment for the illness (except when the cost of treatment plus the exam fee exceeds the pet's purchase price); the pet's illness or condition was disclosed at time of purchase; or if the purchaser does not return all registration documents to the pet dealer if the pet is returned for refund or exchange.

If a pet dealer disputes a purchaser's request for a remedy under this act, the pet dealer can have the animal examined by a licensed veterinarian of his or her choosing.

The act requires pet dealers to post a statement about consumers rights under this act and specifies requirements for the size and wording of the notification. Pet dealers and purchasers of dogs and cats are also required to sign a statement at the time of purchase that the purchaser was provided notification of his or her rights under this act. The act requires certain additional notification provided to purchasers of pets sold as being registered or able to be registered.

The act does not limit any authority under other laws.

Pet dealers who advertise any animal as being registered or able to be registered with an animal registering organization shall provide the purchaser of any such animal the appropriate registration documents within 120 days of the date of purchase.

The act is identical to SB 914 (2008).

Debbie, you mentioned there is a new Missouri law that will put unscrupulous dog breeders out of business. Will you please elaborate on this? Thanks

I have been a breeder of OES for about 8 years now.
I have never got any puppies mixed up nor sold any that was sick
We stand behind our puppies and I offered to take back the OES puppy that this women said was the wrong one. She did not want to do this and desided to keep the puppy.

Anyone can call my vet and see that we are honest people. They see all of our puppies and can verfiy what kind of business that we run

As far as being out of business anytime soon. That will not happen sorry.
I am not going anywhere and have nothing to hide.

I've had enough of this breeder. She can't keep her story straight and her english gives me nightmares. I can't read any more or her posts.

This woman sent me pictures of 5 blue eyed female puppies. I said absolutely not to 3 of them immediately. I picked between two sisters and got one of the the other three. She sent me several emails with growing pictures of my puppy and they were all the same puppy that I had the deposit on. I received a different puppy. It's simple. She either sent me the wrong puppy or the service that she "doesn't use" sent me the wrong puppy. She will never admit to anything.

I never received any pictures of the parents. That must have been some other person with a complaint.

The puppy I received is well now, I'm keeping her and will not respond to any further posts from this "breeder". I wouldn't expect her to be in "business" much longer anyway - a new law passed this week.

If you buy a puppy from this "breeder", use an escrow service. I'm sure she won't mind - she is, afterall, "very honest and has great puppies". I'm sure she would want to make sure all of her "customers" were happy so that she gets fewer complaints.

I sold puppies two years ago and informed my one online buyer they could use the service. My buyer did not use the service and there were no problems - my other puppies were sold locally. I was not selling mass litters - just one litter and I knew the puppies so there were no mix ups. If anyone that bought one of my babies had been unhappy, I would have returned the money and retrieved the puppy immediately. I love my animals and since I don't consider puppies to be a business, I am very particular about where they go.

Puppyfind allows Christi to delete complaints even with 17 pages of proof and pictures. They keep telling me, they are still investigating but I'm pretty sure as long as Christi is paying for ads, that avenue is fruitless. They do not investigate the "good reviews". Puppyfinder does, however, encourage buyers to use an escrow service.

I have never had a problem with a breeder in the past. I would never purchase a puppy online again without that escrow service though as all breeders are not created equally. When a breeder refers to themself as a big business - that should get your attention.

Debbie

I truley feel sorry for you!!!

You think that you know so much about me and my life when you know so little.

Paula has tried SEVERAL times to contact you.. No answer at your home or your work. You think that she hasnt got a lawyer...think again. With her husband being one than it wont cost much but a plane ticket to get to PA.

Speaking of next day pets... They called me today and told me about all the things that you have been writing on there about me and Paula. They also called her today as well. Didnt do you any good ..sorry. They belive my side and I proof of everything to back me up including my vet.

As far as your Attonery General in PA. I do not have to answer anything to them. I do not live in Pa...You bought the puppy here in MO. I have told him that and our lawyer will be writing them a letter as well.


Why dont you email everyone of my reveiws on there and see if they are all false.
Sorry but they are not. I do and always have sold great puppies.


You really think that you are hurting my business but you really are helping me.
So I just wanted to tell you THANK YOU!!!
Anyone that has seen this has called me and I have gave them phone #s and my vets #. After they call them they have came back and bought a puppy. Matter of fact my business has picked up alot since last year.

I truly hope that one day you will get a life and find better things to do with your time.

Thanks Again Debbie

To Debbie in Richmond...please contact nextdaypets with your complaint. It only takes an email. If you need my support, please let me know.

Christi, Tm - I know who Paula is. She is your mother. She is the person whose signature is on the certificate from the vet. She is the person who writes such raving reviews about you on puppyfind. Why would you and Paula WENT IN TOGETHER TO HIRE A LAWYER while her husband is a lawyer?

Here are the facts. You advertised FULL AKC Registration puppy with pedigree. I received neither. My puppy was sick. He was at the vets within hours of picking him up at the airport. When I contacted you about the papers you lied over and over again. From the beginning all I wanted was my papers. Your husband and you both have threatened me. I filed only one ripoffreport. I've responded to the others using my name. I've not made up any pretend reviews or reviewers. I have filed complaints with both government and private organizations and businesses. I have never lied or misstated the facts either on this site or in any of my complaints. You have ignored the requests for information from both Attorney General Officesnot a good idea. I have sent the original advertisement and all paperwork and vet bills with all complaints I have filed. People who contact me through the ripoffreports are also supplied with my entire backup. I look forward to meeting you, your mother and your attorney.

You apparently have never heard the saying -- Never Lie. Never tell one lie. If you tell one lie, you will have to eventually tell fifteen more to cover up the first lie.

To Debbie in Richmond...please contact nextdaypets with your complaint. It only takes an email. If you need my support, please let me know.

Christi, Tm - I know who Paula is. She is your mother. She is the person whose signature is on the certificate from the vet. She is the person who writes such raving reviews about you on puppyfind. Why would you and Paula WENT IN TOGETHER TO HIRE A LAWYER while her husband is a lawyer?

Here are the facts. You advertised FULL AKC Registration puppy with pedigree. I received neither. My puppy was sick. He was at the vets within hours of picking him up at the airport. When I contacted you about the papers you lied over and over again. From the beginning all I wanted was my papers. Your husband and you both have threatened me. I filed only one ripoffreport. I've responded to the others using my name. I've not made up any pretend reviews or reviewers. I have filed complaints with both government and private organizations and businesses. I have never lied or misstated the facts either on this site or in any of my complaints. You have ignored the requests for information from both Attorney General Officesnot a good idea. I have sent the original advertisement and all paperwork and vet bills with all complaints I have filed. People who contact me through the ripoffreports are also supplied with my entire backup. I look forward to meeting you, your mother and your attorney.

You apparently have never heard the saying -- Never Lie. Never tell one lie. If you tell one lie, you will have to eventually tell fifteen more to cover up the first lie.

To Debbie in Richmond...please contact nextdaypets with your complaint. It only takes an email. If you need my support, please let me know.

Christi, Tm - I know who Paula is. She is your mother. She is the person whose signature is on the certificate from the vet. She is the person who writes such raving reviews about you on puppyfind. Why would you and Paula WENT IN TOGETHER TO HIRE A LAWYER while her husband is a lawyer?

Here are the facts. You advertised FULL AKC Registration puppy with pedigree. I received neither. My puppy was sick. He was at the vets within hours of picking him up at the airport. When I contacted you about the papers you lied over and over again. From the beginning all I wanted was my papers. Your husband and you both have threatened me. I filed only one ripoffreport. I've responded to the others using my name. I've not made up any pretend reviews or reviewers. I have filed complaints with both government and private organizations and businesses. I have never lied or misstated the facts either on this site or in any of my complaints. You have ignored the requests for information from both Attorney General Officesnot a good idea. I have sent the original advertisement and all paperwork and vet bills with all complaints I have filed. People who contact me through the ripoffreports are also supplied with my entire backup. I look forward to meeting you, your mother and your attorney.

You apparently have never heard the saying -- Never Lie. Never tell one lie. If you tell one lie, you will have to eventually tell fifteen more to cover up the first lie.

To Debbie in Richmond...please contact nextdaypets with your complaint. It only takes an email. If you need my support, please let me know.

Christi, Tm - I know who Paula is. She is your mother. She is the person whose signature is on the certificate from the vet. She is the person who writes such raving reviews about you on puppyfind. Why would you and Paula WENT IN TOGETHER TO HIRE A LAWYER while her husband is a lawyer?

Here are the facts. You advertised FULL AKC Registration puppy with pedigree. I received neither. My puppy was sick. He was at the vets within hours of picking him up at the airport. When I contacted you about the papers you lied over and over again. From the beginning all I wanted was my papers. Your husband and you both have threatened me. I filed only one ripoffreport. I've responded to the others using my name. I've not made up any pretend reviews or reviewers. I have filed complaints with both government and private organizations and businesses. I have never lied or misstated the facts either on this site or in any of my complaints. You have ignored the requests for information from both Attorney General Officesnot a good idea. I have sent the original advertisement and all paperwork and vet bills with all complaints I have filed. People who contact me through the ripoffreports are also supplied with my entire backup. I look forward to meeting you, your mother and your attorney.

You apparently have never heard the saying -- Never Lie. Never tell one lie. If you tell one lie, you will have to eventually tell fifteen more to cover up the first lie.

To you Debbie

You might as well stop all of this crap and wasting your time.
You are just mad because you are not hurting me and my business at all.

Everyone that has seen this has boughten from me.
THey have called my vet and got 100% feedback from them

I dont sell sick puppies and anyone can look at my puppies and or adults and tell just by looking at them

Me and Paula has went in together and you will be seeing us in PA.
We have hired a lawyer and you will be sorry

You can not post things on here about people that you dont know
You have no idea who Paula is and I love it because her husband is a lawyer
So I guess that you have messed with the wrong person this time LOL

By the way feel free to contact anyone who leaves me real good reveiws
None of them are fake


Sorry but sometimes the truth hurts dont it?

And I also called Nextday pets. Being that I have been in business with them for years now and you are the only one that has complained. They will be on my side and have no proof of you calling or emailing them

Have a wonderful year
See you soon

I know so many other individuals who have tried to leave a negative feedback about Christie Harmon on Puppyfind and she deletes them. Her and her mother also make up the majority of the positive feedbacks that are posted on Puppyfind. If you contact Puppyfind by email and send them proof of your feedback, they will put it back on and block it from her removing it. Also, if you bought your puppy from either Puppyfind or NextDayPets notify them of your bad experience. Hopefully if they get enough complaints, they will not allow her to advertise on their sites. This would put a big dent in her puppymill practices.

Please, email Puppyfind and/or NextDayPets and file a complaint with them. Both sites have contact information. I know Puppyfind will put your review back on and NextDayPets will contact you and will investigate. NextDayPets is now investigating Christie because I contacted them with a copy of the original ad posted on NextDayPets and also the proof that I did not get a Full AKC registration or the Pedigree as advertised. NextDayPets seems to want to do the right thing.

I am still continuing my complaints with the Attorney Generals and all the other agencies. If you or anyone else who has had a bad experience with Christie Harmon would like to join me in the civil law suit my attorney is filing. We can admend the suit to a class action suit.

This is not the truth to this story and you know this Debbie.

This women could not decide between 4 puppies that I had for sale. She asked if I would take pictures of all 4 of them plus the mom and dad and send over to her which I did.

She then emailed and said which one that she wanted. The pictures was when the puppies where around 3 weeks old. Puppies will change looks in a 5-6 week period. Your complant was that the puppy had more white on the back paw than in the pictures.

I offered you a new puppy since you was not happy with the one that you got. I never once said that you had to pay to ship back the puppy nor pay to ship the new one to you . You must have though that on your own.

For you to keep trying to say that I am a puppy mill is beyond me.
Just because someone has more than 1 breed does not make them a bad breeder/person.

And for you to sit there and say that I didnt give shots is a lie
Why dont you call the vet for your self
417-532-7200
They can tell you that I buy all my shots and meds and give them to the puppies
And Yes your puppy did have a Kennel Cough shot at the age of 4 weeks old.

Also I do belive that your excat words was how much that you liked her and that she was alot bigger and stocker than what your male OES puppy was at the age of 8 weeks.

A person has the right to lower prices on things.
I did not lower my price on OES puppies until the week before Christmas when I only had a few left.
I wanted them to find a good home for the Holidays.

I would think that if you truely own your own business than you would know what the terms Slander means.

I have forwarded this to my lawyer and I will more than likely be seeing you in court.