U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko | U.S. Department of Justice
A federal court has issued a consent decree preventing Mt. Hope Auction Company in Millersburg, Ohio, from conducting business or exhibiting animals without a license. The company previously held a class B dealer license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), but its renewal was denied after failing two relicensing inspections and not scheduling a third inspection. A USDA license is necessary for dealing with Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulated animals.
The decree requires Mt. Hope Auction to refrain from handling AWA-regulated animals without a license and allows USDA access to ensure compliance. If the company obtains a new USDA license within three years, it will undergo a two-year probationary period.
In September, a civil complaint alleged that Mt. Hope Auction endangered animals and violated the AWA during its Mid-Ohio Alternative Animal and Bird Sales, which occur thrice annually and feature thousands of domestic and exotic species. If licensed again, Mt. Hope must adhere to AWA standards, including providing veterinary care, handling animals carefully, ensuring sanitary facilities, and maintaining accurate records.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim stated, “In recent years, Mt. Hope Auction has auctioned off more than 5,000 animals annually,” emphasizing the impact of their violations. He added that their approach "risking injury, illness and harm to the animals at its auctions — will not continue."
Deputy Administrator Sarah Helming of USDA’s Animal Care program remarked on the partnership between USDA and DOJ in enforcing AWA regulations: “USDA is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of animals protected under the Animal Welfare Act.”
U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio criticized Mt. Hope's non-compliance: “Despite numerous opportunities to correct their business practices, Mt. Hope Auction chose not to comply.” She highlighted their disregard for animal welfare laws as dangerous to both animals and the public.
Mt. Hope faced 69 AWA violations in less than two years at the time of complaint filing, including failure to provide veterinary care for sick or injured animals. Violations included emaciated cattle with visible bones and unsanitary conditions leading to inadequate food and water supply.
The investigation revealed unsafe enclosures and improper public interaction with potentially dangerous animals like coyotes and bison without supervision or barriers.
A temporary restraining order was issued on September 13 against Mt. Hope requiring compliance with AWA requirements at its September sale; however, they canceled that event.
The case was investigated by USDA with prosecution led by Senior Trial Attorney Devon Flanagan alongside Trial Attorneys Kamela Caschette and Taylor Mayhall from the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Wildlife and Marine Resources Section.
To report animal welfare violations visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/awa/regulatory-enforcement/complaint.
