The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued an emergency order of suspension against Cheryl J. Schuler Day Care Home, a licensed child care center operated by Cheryl J. Schuler, located at 8820 Waverly in De Soto.

State law allows KDHE Secretary Rod Bremby to issue such an order when, in his opinion, the order is necessary to protect children in the home from any potential threat to health or safety.

Schuler was issued a day care license in 2001.

A joint complaint survey conducted with the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services on Nov. 17, revealed extremely poor conditions in the home.

Among the reasons for the suspension, which are stated in the order, include:

The home is not reasonably clean or uncluttered and has a strong pet odor due to the licensee housing of 12 dogs, two cats and one bird. The home is not constructed, arranged and maintained to provide adequately for children because the 12 dogs are in kennels which take up large amounts of space in all areas of the home, including the child care areas.

Two caged dogs are in a kennel without a top and at eye level with children.

Five full-time children, between the ages of 1 and 5, and two school-aged children in care have an approximate 11 foot by 6 foot area in which to play and nap.

There are hazards within the home such as a pellet gun, chemicals and home care items with warning labels that are accessible to children.

The order is subject to appeal to the KDHE secretary.