Missouri remains the worst state in the country for puppy mills. Why can't we do better?

In January, the Humane Society of Missouri rescued 55 underfed, neglected dogs from a property in Stone County.

When the Humane Society’s Animal Cruelty Task Force arrived, they were met with a horrifying sight: Amid that day’s temperatures in the teens, dozens of emaciated dogs were found without food, water or shelter.

The surviving dogs were so malnourished that it was hard to tell them apart from the 15 that had already succumbed to starvation.

The rescue came just 10 days after the same Animal Cruelty Task Force rescued 97 dogs from shameful conditions at Sho-Me Labradors, an unlicensed commercial breeding business in Phelps County.

“We have rescues that are happening — small rescues, big rescues — all throughout the calendar year,” said Ella Frank, director of the Animal Cruelty Task Force.

Missouri has a puppy mill problem. In fact, it’s the worst state in the country for commercial breeding enterprises.

Puppy mills are breeding facilities with the goal of churning out as many dogs as fast as possible to make a profit, generally at the expense of healthy living conditions for the dogs.

The Humane Society of the United States’ most recent “Horrible Hundred” report found that 31 of a selected 100 problematic puppy sellers in the U.S. were located in Missouri.

2023 was the 11th consecutive year the state has topped the list, which is compiled to highlight cruelty and neglect among commercial dog breeders.

★ House votes down measure requiring more inspections of puppy mills

The Iowa House rejected a proposal Wednesday to require annual inspections of all state-licensed dog breeding facilities by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

“Who doesn’t love puppies? We all love puppies, but sadly, Iowa is closing in on number one in the nation for unscrupulous puppy mills,” Rep. Dave Jacoby, D-Coralville, said.

He offered an amendment to a larger agriculture policy bill, House File 2641, that would require an on-site inspection of every state-licensed dog-breeding facility every 12 months, as well as require on-site inspections if there was reasonable cause.

Currently, the law says the department “may” inspect breeding facilities.

Jacoby wrote to Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds last summer to call for better enforcement after the seizure of more than 120 dogs from a breeding facility in his Johnson County district. Inspectors reported many of the animals were in distress and Jacoby said a dozen of them died.

Republicans opposed the amendment.

“I love puppies, too,” Rep. Mike Sexton, R-Rockwell City, the bill’s floor manager, said. He added, however, that he’s been told IDALS is increasing inspections of breeding facilities.

“IDALS has significantly stepped up their inspection process and helping USDA with their inspections,” he said.

He called on lawmakers to oppose the amendment, saying time was running short in the legislative session to advance the larger bill to the governor’s desk.x

The amendment failed on a 35-62 vote.

★ Consumer fraud complaint alleges puppy-laundering scheme in Iowa

A national animal-welfare organization based in Iowa is asking the state’s attorney general to investigate an alleged puppy-laundering scheme documented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The organization Bailing Out Benji, which uses the federal Freedom of Information Act to collect records pertaining to the sale of dogs through breeders, brokers and retailers, says it has collected USDA records related to the dogs and puppies owned by Steve Kruse, the operator of Stonehenge Kennels in West Point.

The organization says those records show Kruse has been cited for numerous USDA violations and been subjected to a USDA warning and license suspension that would normally prohibit him from routing puppies to states that prohibit pet stores from sourcing animals from breeders with violations.

To get around those restrictions, Bailing Out Benji alleges, Kruse transfers his pregnant female dogs to business associates in Iowa, who sell the puppies to retailers under their own name and then return the adult females to Kruse for additional breeding

“Thousands of puppies are being sold from Steve Kruse’s dogs annually but none of them are tied to him publicly which takes away the consumer’s ability to know the origins of their pet,” Bailing Out Benji’s founder, Mindi Callison, stated in her consumer fraud complaint to the attorney general.

Callison said she believes Kruse’s actions are in direct violation of an Iowa law that makes it a crime for a person to engage in unfair deception in connection with the advertisement or sale of a product if the intent is to have others rely upon that deception.

She said her organization has received six complaints regarding a Kruse associate that sells the puppies born to Kruse’s dogs. Those consumers have reported health issues with their puppies, including worms, giardia and pneumonia, Callison said.

“Because Steve Kruse’s name is being concealed as the true breeder, it is unfair to the consumer who is attempting to research before they buy,” Callison alleges in her complaint. “We are deeply concerned about the mislabeling of his products as they are sold to consumers in stores and online.”

Along with her complaint, Callison sent the attorney general’s office several USDA records that reportedly show the route that dogs and puppies have taken from Kruse, to his associates, and then to retailers.

One such document, a May 2023 “Investigation Report” authored by the USDA, states that Kruse “is in the business of breeding adult dogs and then transferring the pregnant female dogs to Brian Lichrie’s USDA-licensed facility for whelping. Mr. Lichrie used to be Kruse’s employee. Mr. Lichrie is responsible for raising and selling the puppies under his own license (and then transferring) the adult female dogs back to Kruse’s facility for housing and re-breeding.”

Bailing Out Benji has also filed a formal complaint with regulators in Connecticut, which is a state that restricts the sale of puppies from breeders with a history of violations. USDA records show Kruse puppies were routed to Connecticut through Lichrie, Callison said.

Kruse is one of Iowa’s most prolific dog breeders, housing up to 700 dogs at Stonehenge Kennels. Over the years, inspectors have cited Stonehenge for numerous issues, including animals with deep lacerations, oozing wounds and lameness. In December 2015, Kruse received a 21-day USDA suspension after he reportedly threw a bag containing two dead puppies at a USDA inspector.

Change to USDA Puppy Mill Inspection Program: What It Signals and Why It Isn’t Enough

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for licensing commercial animal facilities, such as puppy mills, and for ensuring that licensees comply with standards of care set by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
• For years, the USDA has applied a “Courtesy Visits” rule, under which USDA inspectors are not allowed to document AWA violations during “Courtesy Visits” at a licensee’s facility, no matter the severity of the violation.
• The Courtesy Visits rule has been widely criticized, and the ASPCA is currently challenging the rule in court as unlawful.
• The USDA recently updated its policy to allow for narrow situations in which inspectors can document and report violations during Courtesy Visits, but this small step does not address the fundamental problem of Courtesy Visits.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a troubling history of disregarding its duty to protect animals in commercial breeding facilities, such as facilities that breed and sell puppies at wholesale to pet stores and dog brokers. Time and time again, facilities that violate the minimal standards for humane care and treatment set by the Animal Welfare Act are left by the USDA to freely break the law without being held accountable—meanwhile, animals suffer.

It is not just that the USDA’s inaction has allowed problematic facilities to harm animals; USDA policies have actively enabled bad actors to escape consequences. The USDA’s controversial “Courtesy Visits” rule is a prime example—USDA inspectors are prohibited from documenting any Animal Welfare Act violations observed at commercial breeder facilities during a “Courtesy Visit.”

There is zero evidence that Courtesy Visits benefit animals. In fact, the available evidence confirms that Courtesy Visits harm animals and that serial animal abusers are the greatest beneficiaries of the Courtesy Visits rule [PDF].  More than one out of every three licensees who requested and received a Courtesy Visit went on to violate the Animal Welfare Act after the visit, and dog dealers who received Courtesy Visits had more violations overall than those who did not.

The USDA recently updated the Courtesy Visits rule to allow inspectors to, under narrow circumstances, record and report Animal Welfare Act violations observed during Courtesy Visits. This is an overdue step in the right direction, but it is a small step. We are encouraged that the USDA seems to have recognized that its prior approach—under which no violation observed during a Courtesy Visit could be recorded, no matter how severe—was and is indefensible. To protect animals and comply with the Animal Welfare Act, the USDA must end Courtesy Visits altogether.

★ Puppy Laundering 2.0: Steve Kruse and Stonehenge Kennels

Editor’s Note: All of the information found in the article below was obtained through public records requests from the USDA, the Iowa Department of Agriculture, and other publicly available information.

Brief summary of Bailing Out Benji’s findings: USDA dog breeder Steve Kruse owner of Stonehenge Kennels in West Point, Iowa, has been sending his pregnant females to his former employee Brian Lichirie, who operates another USDA facility (42-B-0317). Lichirie whelps the puppies and sells them to stores and various other outlets while returning the mother dogs to Kruse for future breeding. According to the Iowa Department of Agriculture, dogs are regularly transported between Kruse and another problematic USDA broker Wuanita Swedlund.

★ Breeder agrees to downsize after dogs die due to cold weather

State regulators are requiring a southern Iowa dog breeder to downsize her business in the wake of several of her animals dying due to the cold.

In December 2023, a federal inspector from the U.S. Department of Agriculture visited a dog-breeding kennel, located in the Van Buren County town of Cantril. The business operates on property owned by Steve Kruse, one of Iowa’s larger dog breeders, but it is operating under a license held by Wuanita Swedlund.

The federal inspector reported that in November 2023, a French bulldog named Bethany gave birth to four puppies, three of which were found dead within days. Swedlund allegedly indicated “the puppies must have gotten too cold and passed away,” the inspector reported.

Recent Case in Iowa Shows What Happens When USDA Fails to Do Its Job

In Johnson County, Iowa, Loren Yoder operated a cruel puppy mill for years—greenlit by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA repeatedly documented severe violations on the property, including emaciated dogs, some of whom were nursing their puppies, dirty feeders covered in cobwebs and beetles, and filthy housing conditions swarmed with flies and mice. Yet the USDA took no action to stop him.

Two years ago, Yoder canceled his USDA license. The USDA has no process for licensees who decide to cancel their license; they don’t check to see if there is a plan for the dogs or confirm if the breeders are just operating without a license. Yoder, unsurprisingly, did keep breeding, selling and harming dogs. Last August, he surrendered over 100 dogs after Iowa state inspectors, who kept oversight of his breeding facility, found dogs in heat distress, with dirty and matted coats, untreated wounds and suffering from disease. Nine of the dogs died shortly after they were rescued.

And now, this month, Yoder was arrested by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and charged with 41 counts of animal neglect for the incidents recorded in August.

There is no doubt that dogs would have been saved from suffering and death if USDA would have stopped Yoder earlier. This lack of action on the USDA’s part is not unusual. The agency continues to fail the dogs it is supposed to protect and allows those that violate the law to go unpunished. The “problem” is pushed to state or local agencies, which typically have fewer resources and less availability to step in.

We recently completed an analysis of the USDA’s lack of enforcement [PDF] over the 2023 fiscal year. Despite documenting over 1,000 violations of the Animal Welfare Act at over 400 commercial dog breeding facilities, the USDA took action against only four.

This pattern must be stopped. Please urge your members of Congress to support Goldie’s Act today, critical legislation that would require the USDA to enforce the Animal Welfare Act!

★ Report: USDA penalizes only 1 percent of the puppy mills it cites for violations

A new analysis of the federal government’s enforcement of animal-welfare laws has found that regulators penalize only 1 percent of the breeders who are cited for violations.

The analysis by the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that in 2023, inspectors with the U.S. Department of Agriculture documented Animal Welfare Act violations by more than 400 commercial dog dealers and took enforcement action against four of them.

Two of the four breeders who were penalized in 2023 are from Iowa, a state that often leads the nation in the number of violations cited.

One of those Iowa breeders is Henry Sommers, the 84-year-old owner of Happy Puppy in the town of Cincinnati. Sommers was arrested in February 2023 by the Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office as a result of USDA violations found in 2023. He was charged with two counts of animal neglect resulting in serious injury or death, three counts of animal neglect resulting in injury, and two counts of animal neglect without injury.

A plea deal resulted in five of the seven charges being dismissed in return for a guilty plea on the two felony charges of animal neglect resulting in serious injury or death. Sommers was sentenced to two years of probation and fined $1,710.

The USDA had cited Sommers for failing to provide adequate veterinary care for his dogs in September 2019, September 2021, January 2022, April 2022 and August 2022. Sommers canceled his USDA license in the first quarter of 2023 after he was charged in the criminal case.

The other Iowa breeder who was penalized in 2023 was Steve Kruse of Stonehenge Kennels in West Point. Kruse operates of Iowa’s largest dog breeding facilities. In March 2023, the USDA notified Kruse it was suspending his license for 21 days.

During a subsequent April 2023 inspection, Kruse had 435 dogs on hand and was cited for inadequate veterinary care and inadequate cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping and pest control. The inspector returned on May 9 and again cited Kruse for inadequate veterinary care.

Over the years, Kruse has been cited for numerous violations, including pouring hot sauce into a dog’s wound to prevent the dog from licking it. In December 2015, Kruse received a 21-day USDA license suspension after throwing a bag of dead puppies at a USDA inspector.

In its report, the ASPCA also took issue with the USDA’s long-standing practice of renewing the licenses of breeders at the same time the agency is citing them for failing to meet animal-welfare standards. A breeder’s history of violations, the ASPCA noted, has no impact on a facility’s ability to have its license renewed. All dealers who want to be relicensed, and who pay the associated fees, are relicensed – even if they are repeat violators.

Breaking: Our rescue team saves more than 200 dogs from two Oklahoma puppy mills

Early Monday morning, our Animal Rescue Team arrived at two properties in Milburn, Oklahoma, with officers from the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, who served search warrants as part of an alleged animal cruelty situation. Law enforcement requested our assistance with rescuing potentially hundreds of dogs from two dog breeding operations.

Both breeders have claimed online to be American Kennel Club-affiliated, and one of the breeders currently has puppies listed for sale on the AKC’s Marketplace website. Our team found that dogs and puppies at these two large-scale puppy mills were living without proper veterinary care, some with only spotty access to shelter and clean water, so that they could be bred at high volume and sold online and at a notorious flea market in Canton, Texas, known as Dog Alley, the subject of multiple animal welfare investigations and complaints over the years. This market allows unlicensed, uninspected breeders to sell animals directly to the public in dismal conditions.

As our team members surveyed the properties with law enforcement, they observed dogs of many different breeds living in bare concrete or dirt-bottomed, unsanitary enclosures with no enrichment items, often stepping in their own feces. Veterinarians noted dogs with skin infections, eye issues, nasal discharge and dental disease. One puppy was found in respiratory distress and removed from the property immediately for emergency veterinary care.

Some of the dogs jumped up at the sight of people and leaned their paws on the chain-link sides of their cages. Many were eager for attention and gave responders licks and tail wags as they were removed from their enclosures. Others stared out plaintively, huddling together.

In the coming days, our team will help the dogs get the care and veterinary treatment they need. Responders from RedRover are assisting with the daily care of the animals.

Justice Department and USDA Enter into Memorandum of Understanding on Civil Enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act

Agreement Formalizes Agencies’ Enforcement Relationship

The Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and USDA Office of the General Counsel (OGC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Civil Judicial Enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of ENRD, USDA Principal Deputy General Counsel Mary Beth Schultz and USDA-APHIS Administrator Michael Watson made the announcement.

The agencies have been closely collaborating on civil judicial enforcement of the AWA for almost four years. This collaboration has resulted in a number of important enforcement actions, including securing the surrender of close to 150 animals from a Michigan animal dealer, some of which are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and an injunction protecting dogs and cats against pervasive mistreatment at a breeder facility.

The MOU represents another significant step forward in AWA enforcement, as it outlines new actions the agencies will take to enhance their collaboration. In general, the MOU establishes a framework for notification, consultation and coordination among APHIS, USDA’s General Counsel and ENRD. Building on the agencies’ ongoing relationship, this framework formalizes procedures for regular meetings, coordination on enforcement referrals, information sharing and additional training for employees, among other activities. These procedures will better enable the agencies to prepare for and coordinate on potential civil enforcement actions.

USDA and the Justice Department take seriously their common goal of ensuring that animals protected by the AWA are cared for and treated humanely. This MOU demonstrates the agencies’ joint commitment to fulfilling this mission.

Final_AWA_MOU_ signed (002).pdf

Updated March 8, 2024

Dog breeder charged with 41 counts of animal neglect

Sheriff: Dogs had untreated injuries, and some were ‘frozen in fear’

A Johnson County dog breeder who surrendered 131 dogs in his care has been charged with 41 counts of animal neglect.

Loren Yoder, 62, owner of the Sunset Valley Farm dog breeding business, is charged with five counts of animal neglect with injury, a serious misdemeanor, plus 36 counts of animal neglect without injury, a simple misdemeanor.

IDALS had been conducting an inspection at the facility and had concluded that “a large number of dogs” were the victims of neglect, according to the sheriff’s office.

Yoder subsequently agreed to surrender his 131 dogs to the care of Iowa City Animal Services. Physical exams conducted by veterinarians led to a determination that many of the dogs had developed conditions caused by a failure to provide adequate care, the sheriff’s office said, and those conditions contributed to “unjustified distress, suffering, and pain to the affected animals.”

State suggests that breeder cited for dog deaths downsize her business

State regulators are recommending that an Iowa breeder downsize her operation in the wake of several of her dogs dying due to the cold.

In December, a federal inspector from the U.S. Department of Agriculture visited a dog-breeding kennel, located in the Van Buren County town of Cantril. The business operates on property owned by Steve Kruse, one of Iowa’s larger dog breeders, but it is operating under a license held by Wuanita Swedlund.

The federal inspector reported that in November, a French bulldog named Bethany gave birth to four puppies, three of which were found dead within days. Swedlund allegedly indicated “the puppies must have gotten too cold and passed away,” the inspector reported.

Three other puppies, born to a rottweiler, were also found dead at the kennel, with Swedlund allegedly telling inspectors “they must have gotten too cold and died.”

In addition, a puppy born to Megan, a sheepdog, had to be euthanized after a dog in a nearby enclosure chewed through the wall into the puppy’s enclosure and tore the flesh from one leg, leaving the bone exposed. A short time later, a sheepdog puppy from the same litter was determined to be missing. “The licensee states they did find a single bone and assumed Megan ate her puppy,” the inspector reported.

Iowa again leads the nation in puppy mill violations

Legislation on breeders stalls in the Iowa House

Iowa again leads the nation in the number of puppy mill violations, but so far this year the Iowa Legislature doesn’t appear ready to address the issue.

During the last quarter of 2023, Iowa breeders and kennels racked up 34 violations, more than any other state in the nation. Wisconsin placed second, with 33 violations, followed by Missouri with 26, Ohio with 19 and Indiana with 18.

Two of the Iowa breeders who were cited for violations are the subject of criminal referrals by the Iowa-based animal-welfare group Bailing Out Benji, the organization that compiles quarterly data on violators throughout the nation.

The organization’s founder, Mindi Callison, said Wednesday that Iowa lawmakers should consider legislation that would fix a major “loophole” in the standards required of Iowa’s dog breeders.

2023 USDA Violations- Quarter 4

This morning we released our Quarterly USDA Violation Report detailing all of the dog and cat breeders and brokers who had violations during October 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. Three of these facilities had violations so severe that our organization filed complaints with local authorities, numerous others have official USDA warnings and many sell directly to pet stores, brokers or through online websites.

You can read our report in full here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/2023-usda-q4/

★ ASPCA questions state oversight of Iowa breeder after eight dogs die

Iowa-based advocates call for a criminal investigation

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is asking state and federal regulators for answers about an Iowa kennel where several dogs died recently due to cold weather.

In December, a federal inspector from the U.S. Department of Agriculture visited a dog-breeding kennel, located in the Van Buren County town of Cantril. The business operates on property owned by Steve Kruse, one of Iowa’s larger dog breeders, but it is operating under a license held by Wuanita Swedlund.

The federal inspector reported that in November, a French bulldog named Bethany gave birth to four puppies, three of which were found dead within days. Swedlund allegedly indicated “the puppies must have gotten too cold and passed away,” the inspector reported.

Three other puppies, born to a rottweiler, were also found dead at the kennel, with Swedlund allegedly telling inspectors “they must have gotten too cold and died,” the inspector reported.

Iowa breeder cited after six puppies die in cold weather

No fines or penalties are imposed against Van Buren County breeder

A southern Iowa dog breeder has been cited for multiple violations including the death of six puppies that were left in the cold.

No fines or penalties have been imposed in the case.

In December, a federal inspector from the U.S. Department of Agriculture visited a dog-breeding kennel in the Van Buren County town of Cantril. The business is located along Highway 2 on property owned by Steve Kruse, one of Iowa’s larger dog breeders, but it is operating under a license held by Wuanita Swedlund.

The inspector reported that on Nov. 24, 2023, a French bulldog named Bethany gave birth to four puppies. About one week later, three of the puppies were found dead, the inspector reported.

“The licensee stated they could feel a strong, cold draft at the front of the enclosure from a space in the front of Barn No. 1, and it was a cold day the day that they found the puppies deceased,” the inspector’s report states. “The licensee told the inspector the puppies must have gotten too cold and passed away.”

2023 Humane Scorecard

The Humane Society Legislative Fund publishes an annual Humane Scorecard of Congress to give you a snapshot of every federal legislator's record on animal protection issues. Take a look to see how your legislators preformed in the first half of the 118th Congress and also check out our 2023 year in review blog post.

It's important your legislators know that you care about their positions on animal protection issues and your efforts to engage them will produce even greater returns for animals in the future.

USDA Green Lights More Than Two Decades of Animal Abuse at Alabama Research Facility

Dogs weak and starving with ribs visibly protruding.

Dogs so overweight they can barely move or stand.

Dogs with untreated wounds, masses, skin lesions and broken teeth.

Dogs to be used in research acquired under false pretenses.

Understaffed facilities and untrained staff performing animal care duties.

This is who the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) licenses and registers. Dogs are suffering right in front of the USDA’s eyes, and this powerful federal agency is doing nothing about it. The USDA is responsible for ensuring humane care at animal research facilities like Blue Ridge Kennel, but there is no humane care to be found.

Blue Ridge Kennel is a research laboratory in Wetumpka, Alabama, that conducts tests on dogs. It is registered and overseen by the USDA. In its own words, “Blue Ridge Kennel offers an array of feeding trials and research services for the pet food industry. We work with you closely to develop individualized testing programs that are specific to your product.” In the past two decades alone, Blue Ridge Kennel has been cited for over 80 chronic and serious violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including repeated instances of severely under- or overweight dogs, dogs with injuries from fights, unnoticed and untreated medical issues, dangerous housing environments, untrained and limited staff, and randomly sourced dogs (defined by the Animal Welfare Act as animals obtained from pounds or shelters, auction sales or from any person who did not breed and raise them on his or her premises).

Better Laws for Animals—Check Out 2023’s Big Wins!

As the last 12 months flew by, ASPCA advocates throughout the country used their voices to protect farm animals, farmers, horses, companion animals and pet owners. As a result, 2023 was packed with major milestones, from the passage of stronger animal-protection laws to the defeat of bad measures that would have jeopardized the safety and well-being of animals.

Dog breeder cited for performing ‘major surgery’ without a veterinarian

An Iowa dog breeder has been cited by federal officials for performing major surgery on puppies without a veterinarian and for falsifying animal-welfare documents.

Ed Van Doorn, the owner of Squaw Creek Kennels in Barnes City, about 75 miles east of Des Moines, was recently given an official warning by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for violations uncovered during a November 2023 inspection.

According to the USDA, Squaw Creek Kennels gives buyers the option of having a puppy neutered before it is shipped, and Van Doorn allegedly acknowledged he performed most of the neutering operations at his kennel without any veterinary supervision.

95 Labrador Retrievers rescued from unlicensed breeder in Phelps County, Missouri

The Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force took the dogs from a notorious breeder that had 83 animals removed in 2019 and 2020

ST. LOUIS —Nearly 100 dogs have been rescued from one of the nation's most notorious unlicensed animal breeders based in Phelps County, Missouri.

According to the Humane Society of Missouri, the organization's Animal Cruelty Task Force saved 95 Labrador Retrievers from Sho-Me Labradors early on Tuesday morning.

2023: A winning year for dogs, cats and other companion animals

Many people experience their first connections with animals through relationships with dogs, cats or horses. Just as these bonds are powerful and pervasive, so must our advocacy be since companion animals face myriad injustices and difficulties in the U.S. and around the world. We’ve already detailed the incredible progress made against the dog and cat meat trades in 2023, but there is much more to say on other fronts. Here are just some of the ways we created a more humane world for companion animals in the past year:  

Stopping puppy and kitten mills

Each year, more people learn about the mistreatment suffered by dogs and cats at massive commercial breeding facilities, where dog and cat mothers and fathers are treated as little more than money-making machines. And each year, more people choose not to support this trade. We are heartened by how much happened in 2023 to bring this cruel industry to heel.

USDA, animal shelters aim to educate breeders in Iowa

WELLMAN, Iowa (KCRG) - Amber Talbot has seen first hand the impact puppy mills can have on animals, and communities in Iowa.

“Especially in our area we have a large number of breeding facilities,” said Talbot. “Many folks may be familiar with the incident that just happened this summer near Riverside in Johnson County, 131 dogs were removed. We as a local welfare organization want to do everything we can to make sure that those situations are preventable.”

At least 70 dogs rescued from Ohio puppy mill

LOVELAND, Ohio (WKRC) - A local charity is stepping up to rescue more than 70 dogs they said were being kept in deplorable conditions at an Ohio puppy mill.

"They called him and told him that they were coming to inspect," said Aaron Jones.

Tuesday, volunteers made the three-hour trek to pick up the dogs.

Local 12 was on hand when they arrived at the Loveland shelter. Some had matted fur and others were caked in feces.

Volunteers said they found the dogs living in unsheltered cages outdoors.

"They can only move so much when there's 20 of them inside of a 10-foot by 20-foot pen. When you've got 20 of them in there, they're all rubbing up against each other, rubbing up against the chain link," said Jones.

While the conditions were horrifying to rescuers, they apparently didn't concern the dogs' owner.

"He was more concerned about not making money off them anymore than he was concerned about the dogs," said Lisa Hammond.

USDA issues citations and warnings to Iowa puppy mills

Some Iowa breeders cited for deaths and untreated injuries

Iowa’s puppy mills compiled one of the nation’s worst records of compliance with animal welfare regulations in the third quarter of 2023, newly disclosed records show.

For the months of July through September, the five states that compiled the highest number of animal-welfare violations committed by dog breeders and kennels were:

Virginia: 52 violations

Wisconsin: 51 violations

Ohio: 36 violations

Iowa: 28 violations

Arkansas: 17 violations

The data, culled from U.S. Department of Agriculture reports, was collected, analyzed and reported by the national animal-welfare organization Bailing Out Benji, which is based in Iowa. Just seven Iowa breeders were responsible for all of the violations cited in Iowa during the third quarter of the year.

★ Two Years After the Rescue of 500 Puppy Mill Dogs, Has Anything Changed?

Two years ago, the ASPCA assisted the Animal Rescue League of Iowa with the rescue of more than 500 dogs living in terrible conditions at a federally licensed puppy mill.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) licensed a commercial breeding facility in Iowa operated by Daniel Gingerich despite documenting over 200 violations of the Animal Welfare Act. USDA inspectors documented dead dogs on the property, dogs with untreated injuries and illnesses, dogs with painful fur-matting, and dogs in cages that were too small. The USDA took no action to stop Gingerich for months, even as the number of violations continued to grow. They didn’t issue fines or utilize other enforcement options, choosing instead to use ineffective programs [PDF] to try to get Gingerich to comply. The USDA did not inform local law enforcement or confiscate the suffering dogs. Eventually, the U.S. Department of Justice used its authority to negotiate the surrender of more than 500 dogs.

Goldie’s Act would require the USDA to uphold the law and protect animals in federally licensed facilities. We named this law in honor of a Golden Retriever who suffered and died at Gingerich’s facility under the USDA’s watch. On this two-year anniversary of the rescue of more than 500 puppy mill dogs, use this form to urge your member of Congress to support Goldie’s Act!

Frightening Tricks from the Puppy Mill Industry

Leaves are falling, there’s a chill in the air, and scary movies are playing on TV. It’s spooky season… but trouble lurks year-round for dogs in commercial breeding facilities. These facilities masquerade as something they’re not, deceiving well-intentioned families who just wanted to bring home a furry little friend. Be sure you don’t fall for these frightening puppy mill tricks:

It Happened Again: DOJ Forced to Take Action Against Another Commercial Breeder

Update October 9, 2023: The Virginia Attorney General's Office seized 110 cats and kittens from the Mikirtichev facility with the assistance of Chesterfield County Animal Services and the Humane Society of the United States.

For the second time in just over a year, the U.S. Department of Justice has been forced to step in because the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continued to allow cruel breeders at a Virginia facility to break the law repeatedly.

Since 2017, Elena and Andrey Mikirtichev have been USDA-licensed commercial dog and cat breeders in North Chesterfield, Virginia—breeding hundreds of animals and selling them for thousands of dollars. Throughout this time, USDA inspectors continually documented horrific examples of animal cruelty at this breeding facility. Abuse included failure to provide veterinary care, denying animals access to adequate food and water, and housing animals in unclean and unsafe enclosures.

Thank you, Congressional Animal Protection Caucus co-chairs Earl Blumenauer, Vern Buchanan, Mike Quigley, Brian Fitzpatrick, Sharice Davids, Nicole Malliotakis & 60 other members of Congress for raising concern about the USDA's failures to enforce the Animal Welfare Act!

Read the letter

Seven states have already passed laws to stop the sale of puppies in pet stores! And last night, Louisville, KY became the 477th locality to do the same.

Find out how you can take action in your area humanesociety.org/advocateguide

Ban on Louisville pet stores selling cats and dogs from breeders is a 'huge win,' expert says

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville retail pet stores soon won't be able to continue selling dogs or cats unless they get them from somewhere else. Metro Council approved an ordinance Thursday night that bans such stores from selling dogs and cats, targeting those that operate as puppy or kitten mills.

Nearly 100 dogs are removed from deplorable conditions in Ogden

An already-crowded Animal Rescue League of Iowa is even shorter on space now after teams were dispatched to Boone County where nearly a hundred dogs had to be removed from what’s described as a puppy mill.

The ARL’s KC Routos says conditions at the property in Ogden were exceptionally poor and the smell was overpowering even before the buildings were entered. “There was excrement from the animals in their spaces and there were quite a few pregnant moms with their puppies as well,” Routos says. “Some of the dogs had matting and were incredibly thin as well, and some of the puppies were just days old, still nursing on their mothers.”

The ARL has been fighting capacity all summer long as there have been dogs coming in practically daily, so handling this large of a case is putting the Des Moines facility in a bind.

It Happened Again: DOJ Forced to Take Action Against Another Commercial Breeder

For the second time in just over a year, the U.S. Department of Justice has been forced to step in because the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continued to allow cruel breeders at a Virginia facility to break the law repeatedly.

Since 2017, Elena and Andrey Mikirtichev have been USDA-licensed commercial dog and cat breeders in North Chesterfield, Virginia—breeding hundreds of animals and selling them for thousands of dollars. Throughout this time, USDA inspectors continually documented horrific examples of animal cruelty at this breeding facility. Abuse included failure to provide veterinary care, denying animals access to adequate food and water, and housing animals in unclean and unsafe enclosures.

Federal Court Agrees to Block USDA Licensed Dog and Cat Breeder from Operating

ASPCA calls for passage of Goldie’s Act as federal court intervenes once again to protect animals at another Virginia facility, one year after the Envigo case exposed USDA’s failures

NEW YORK, NY – A Federal Court in Virginia has issued a temporary restraining order against a USDA-licensed dog and cat breeding facility in North Chesterfield, Va., after agreeing with the Department of Justice that the animals held by the commercial breeder were in serious danger. In response to the court’s decision, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) issued the following statement:

“The Chesterfield case is the latest example of the USDA’s repeated failure to enforce the Animal Welfare Act, even when the conditions are extremely poor and animals are dying,” said Robert Hensley, Senior Counsel, ASPCA Legal Advocacy and Investigations. “Despite recording hundreds of violations for licensed dog dealers last year, the USDA has continuously failed to take any meaningful action against these problematic dealers, and we urge Congress to pass Goldie’s Act to fix the USDA’s broken system and ensure that animals in federally licensed facilities get the protections they deserve.”

Nine dogs dead since removal from Johnson County puppy farm

Rescue effort has required ‘all hands on deck’ at Iowa City shelter

Groomer Cameron Couch bends under a rescued doodle while grooming her at a donated building in Iowa City on Tuesday. The dog is among 131 that were removed from a puppy farm near Riverside in rural Johnson County last week. The volunteer groomers have typically only been able to groom two to four dogs because of how matted some of the animals’ hair is. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

IOWA CITY — When Michelle Boss, a hairstylist in Iowa City, read on social media about the 131 dogs that were removed from a puppy farm in rural Johnson County last week, she wanted to help.

“I was so appalled,” Boss said.

She donated money to Iowa City Animal Services, which took the dogs in, and she encouraged friends and family to do the same. But that wasn’t enough.

On Saturday, Boss volunteered to help groom the dogs. She spent three hours trimming badly matted and tangled hair on two large dogs. Boss was back Tuesday to continue the volunteer grooming work, and she wasn’t alone.

Seizure of 131 dogs from puppy mill prompts legislator to call for action

One of the 131 dogs seized from Sunset Valley Farm in Riverside is seen here shortly after being relocated to the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. (Photo courtesy of Iowa City Public Safety)

Last week’s seizure of 131 dogs at a rural Iowa breeding operation has prompted one state lawmaker to call for changes in the way the state oversees puppy mills, dog breeders and brokers.

Rep. Dave Jacoby, D-Coralville, wrote to Gov. Kim Reynolds this week asking for her cooperation in holding unscrupulous breeders accountable.

In his letter, Jacoby wrote, “It’s time for us to work together to fix this problem. I look forward to a strong and immediate bipartisan effort to end this wrong. It is as simple as inspection and enforcement. We need to stop unscrupulous puppy mill owners by strengthening the laws that govern commercial breeders, increase inspections, and penalize those who violate the law.”

Jacoby’s letter to the governor comes one week after the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship inspected Sunset Valley Farm, a commercial dog-breeding operation in the town of Riverside.

One of the 131 dogs seized from Sunset Valley Farm in Riverside is seen here with her puppies shortly after they were relocated to the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. (Photo courtesy of Iowa City Public Safety)An IDALS inspector reported finding 131 dogs on the property, many of which were found to be in distress. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office removed the dogs from the property, although one of the dogs subsequently died, reportedly from heatstroke. The dogs are now in the custody of the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center.

IC animal shelter treating half of 131 dogs surrendered to police in investigation

The dogs were being housed in an unsafe breeding kennel in Iowa City.

The Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center and other locations received 131 dogs Thursday following an investigation of a breeding kennel in Iowa City with unsafe living conditions.

Before coming to the center, the dogs were housed in a breeding kennel in Iowa City. Chris Whitmore, director of the center, said the breeding kennel surrendered all dogs and puppies, and the center is now working on triaging and vetting them. The incident is still under investigation by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.

After Years of USDA Inaction, Exotic Animal Dealer Finally Out of Business

The operator of Even Keel Exotics agreed to surrender his USDA license and over 100 animals after the Department of Justice sued him in Federal Court.

Zachery Keeler was an exotic animal dealer who sold thousands of hedgehogs, foxes, sugar gliders, prairie dogs, skunks and wild cats every year and hosted animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours of his Michigan facility, Even Keel Exotics.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had licensed the facility for over a decade and documented serious animal care and public safety issues for nearly as long. Yet, the USDA never took meaningful action to stop Keeler even when beginning last year he refused to let the agency onto his property for required inspections.

More than two dozen Wisconsin dog breeders have been cited by feds this year

Wisconsin ranks No. 4 for the number of dog breeders in the state cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for violations of health and safety rules so far this year, according to reports compiled by Bailing Out Benji, an Iowa-based animal welfare organization.

The reports cover the first six months of 2023. With 28 breeders cited for USDA violations, Wisconsin trails Ohio with 54, Iowa with 44 and Missouri with 36. The Wisconsin citations range from issues such as outdoor dog runs that have not been cleaned to one incident in which unclosed stove vents caused the temperature inside of a dog shelter to rise to 146 degrees, killing 26 puppies.

Louisville Metro Councilman introduces ordinance to prohibit sale of dogs, cats at pet stores

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - The Louisville Metro Council is considering an ordinance that would ban the retail sale of cats and dogs in pet stores and outdoor spaces like flea markets and parking lots.

It would give pet stores one year to phase out the sale of pets before it is enacted and would not impact the adoption process at local shelters.

District 20 Councilman Stuart Benson introduced the ordinance.

"This ordinance was created as a result of my work with non-profits and animal advocates as well as constituents who have contacted my office regarding a variety of problems they have had with puppy mills as well as businesses that utilize them,” Benson said in a statement. “This ordinance is focused on improving the living conditions for animals sold within Metro pet stores and encouraging the adoption of rescued and otherwise abandoned dogs and cats. I appreciate the support this ordinance has already received and hope to have this ordinance passed by the Metro Council’s Safety Committee in the coming weeks"

Iowa dog breeders cited for lack of veterinary care and other violations

Seventeen Iowa breeders cited in the second quarter of 2023

Seventeen Iowa dog breeders were cited for regulatory violations in the second quarter of 2023, with Iowa again ranking as one of the states with the highest number of violators.

Between April 1, 2023, and June 30, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture cited 17 Iowa breeders for violations of the federal regulations, according to data compiled and analyzed by the Iowa animal-welfare organization Bailing Out Benji.

2023 USDA Violations- Quarter 2

Bailing Out Benji is a national nonprofit organization that exists to provide transparency into the puppy mill industry.

Nothing Can Prepare You

Submitted by Kimberly B. and Denise L, Littleton, CO

My sister and I have been in animal rescue for almost 10 years. We have adopted four dogs and two cats and have worked around several rescue animals; however, Skylee, our seven-year-old Golden Retriever, is our first adopted puppy mill survivor. Nothing can prepare you for what you witness as a result of these poor animals being in that kind of environment.

Skylee has been with us just over eight months, and she is doing well. When she initially came to live with us, she had minimal social skills with people or other dogs. She came to us through a Golden Retriever rescue in Colorado, but before that, she was adopted twice and returned.

Gov. Kotek signs lifesaving animal protection measures into law in Oregon

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed bills to stop the sale of puppy mill puppies and kittens in pet stores (HB 2915) and to end the sale of animal-tested cosmetics (HB 3213). Kotek also recently signed a package of housing bills that included funding for domestic violence and homeless shelters to better accommodate people with pets.

“Oregonians believe in a better world for animals. These measures mitigate suffering in puppy mills and animal testing laboratories, and help people keep their pets through challenging circumstances,” said Kelly Peterson, Oregon state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “We are eternally grateful to Rep. David Gomberg, Rep. Courtney Neron, and Sen. Deb Patterson for championing these bills and share in this celebration with our dedicated coalition partners and advocates throughout the state.”

HB 2915 stops any additional pet stores in the state from selling puppies or kittens and phases out these sales in existing stores. This bill will drive the local pet market in Oregon toward more humane sources like shelters, rescues and responsible breeders. Oregon is the seventh state to take a stand against the puppy-mill-to-pet-store pipeline, joining Washington, California, Illinois, New York, Maryland and Maine.

“With this bill, the entire West Coast is now closed off to pet stores that view puppies as mere products, bringing us closer to the day when cruel puppy mills have nowhere left to sell,” says Peterson.

Extreme Heat Putting Puppy Mill Dogs in Dangerv

“Blistering Heat” “Soaring Heat Index” “Scorching Heat Wave”

It has been a record-breaking hot summer, especially in the Midwest, and many pet parents are taking special precautions to care for their dogs during extreme heat, such as keeping pets inside in the air conditioning, limiting outdoor time and making sure fresh water is always available.

But dogs in puppy mills can't escape the extreme temperatures.

Puppy mills are spread out all over the U.S., though they are most concentrated in Midwestern states—the same states that have dominated the headlines for dangerous temperatures.

US Congress has new chance to better protect animals with game-changing bill

In 2022, the HSUS was approached by the U.S. Department of Justice to remove nearly 4,000 beagles after alleged violations of the Animal Welfare Act at a breeding facility in Virginia. The Better CARE for Animals Act would strengthen the capabilities of the DOJ to take action in animal welfare matters. Meredith Lee/The HSUSx

This sensibility is at the heart of the Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) for Animals Act. Introduced by Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and John Kennedy, R-La., and Reps. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Penn., and Mike Quigley, D-Ill., the bill would usher in a new era of enhanced interagency cooperation to fight cruelty and uphold the proper treatment of animals.

The bill is designed to strengthen the capabilities of the U.S. Department of Justice, which has played an important enforcement role in animal fighting cases over the years, and more recently in cases involving animal exhibitors and dealers. With greater authority the agency could do more.

Iowa puppy mill operator sentenced to probation for animal neglect

An Appanoose County man accused of animal neglect in the operation of a puppy mill has been sentenced to two years of probation.

Henry Sommers, the 84-year-old owner of Happy Puppy on 141st Avenue in the town of Cincinnati, was arrested in February by the Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office. Sommers was charged with seven separate offenses: two counts of animal neglect resulting in serious injury or death, three counts of animal neglect resulting in injury, and two counts of animal neglect without injury.

The Appanoose County Attorney’s Office then negotiated a plea agreement that resulted in five of the seven charges being dismissed in return for a guilty plea on the two felony charges of animal neglect resulting in serious injury or death.

Sommers was recently sentenced to two years in prison, with that sentence suspended by the court. He was ordered to serve two years of probation and pay $1,710 in fines.

Featured Story:

★ Howl to the Hill: Event Brings Advocates Together in Support of Goldie’s Act

On July 20, 2023, actor Bellamy Young, animal advocates, puppy mill survivors and members of Congress joined us for “Howl to the Hill,” a rally on Capitol Hill. The event supported Goldie’s Act (H.R. 1788), legislation that would ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does its job to protect dogs in federally licensed puppy mills.

Currently, 250,000 dogs are languishing in USDA-licensed puppy mills. The USDA is turning a blind eye and failing to enforce the Animal Welfare Act, allowing dogs to suffer in cruel facilities.

Goldie’s Act is named after a Golden Retriever who lived in an abhorrent Iowa puppy mill operated by Daniel Gingerich. The USDA witnessed her decline for months yet failed to intervene. She died in that puppy mill. She didn’t even have a name until we learned about her fate.

★ "Scandal" Actor Bellamy Young Joins Members of Congress and the ASPCA on Capitol Hill to Rally Support for Goldie’s Act to Protect Dogs in Puppy Mills

“Howl to the Hill” event shines a light on the USDA’s shameful pattern of inaction, with advocates calling on Congress to pass Goldie’s Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) hosted “Howl to the Hill” on Capitol Hill to rally support for Goldie’s Act (H.R. 1788), which would ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does its job to protect dogs in federally licensed puppy mills. Named in honor of a Golden Retriever who suffered and died at a USDA-licensed puppy mill in Iowa, Goldie’s Act would require the USDA to conduct more frequent and meaningful inspections, provide lifesaving intervention for suffering animals, impose penalties for violations, and communicate with local law enforcement to address cruelty and neglect.

★ Join Goldie’s Act Week of Action to Prevent Puppy Mill Cruelty!

Jump in and take action now!

Big news: there is an opportunity to pass groundbreaking federal legislation to protect dogs in puppy mills—and YOU can play a critical role in making that happen!

Goldie’s Act (H.R. 1788) is a federal bill named in honor of Goldie, a Golden Retriever who suffered without adequate fresh food, water or veterinary care in an Iowa puppy mill that was licensed and overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). She lived and died in a dirty cage, never having experienced human kindness. Though her death could have been prevented, the USDA—the agency required to enforce the federal law that protects animals in puppy mills—turned a blind eye, even after witnessing her suffering.

Sadly, Goldie’s story is not unique. Dogs in American puppy mills continue to live and die in horrific conditions under the USDA’s watch.

Join us July 17-21, 2023, and call on Congress to pass Goldie’s Act, a bill that would require the USDA to uphold its duty to protect the thousands of dogs and puppies still living in cruel puppy mills. Help pass Goldie’s Act by taking one quick and easy action each day this week—we can make the greatest impact by working together.

★ Puppy Mill Horror: 8 Shocking Times the USDA Failed Dogs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) licenses businesses that breed and sell animals wholesale, and the agency is responsible for ensuring that these businesses provide humane care.

But that’s not what happens. The USDA isn’t doing its job.

The agency has a history of letting cruelty go unreported and unpunished. Here are eight examples of the USDA failing dogs; this information came from the agency’s own inspection reports. This is not an exhaustive list—there are countless examples of the USDA’s failure to do its job.

Warning: The following information and pictures are disturbing.

★ You’re Invited: Howl to the Hill!

Calling all dog-lovers and animal advocates! Join us this month in Washington, D.C., for an outdoor rally in support of Goldie’s Act, a federal bill that would require the USDA to do its job and protect dogs in puppy mills.

RSVP NOW

On Thursday, July 20, you and your pup are invited to show your solidarity with Goldie, a beautiful Golden Retriever who tragically suffered and died at a USDA-licensed puppy mill. The USDA watched for months as her condition continued to decline—and did nothing to save her. Goldie’s Act was named in her honor.

This event has a new date and time!

DATE: Thursday July 20, 2023
TIME: 9:30 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. ET
LOCATION: The U.S. Capitol, on the grass between Independence Ave. SE and First St. SE [MAP]

Watch: Dozens of dogs rescued from hot U-Haul truck

Body cam video shows over 30 dogs rescued from U-Haul truck

Harrowing body cam footage shows the moment officers rescued over 30 dogs from a U-Haul truck that was sitting in the Oklahoma City heat during one of the hottest months on record.

On June 5, Oklahoma City police were dispatched to a Walmart after some employees noticed a U-Haul truck that was parked in the middle of the parking lot, according to FOX 25.

American Kennel Club opposed 450+ bills designed to help dogs

Since 2008, the American Kennel Club has opposed more than 450 bills advancing various protections for dogs, including measures to regulate the treatment of dogs at massive breeding operations. The HSUS

New research conducted by our Stop Puppy Mills campaign reveals that the American Kennel Club, a purebred dog registry organization that used to call itself “the dog’s champion,” has opposed more than 450 bills that aimed to help pups since 2008. What’s more, its opposition has escalated, at the same time that dozens of AKC-linked breeders have appeared in our annual Horrible Hundred reports on problem puppy mills, and others have been charged with or convicted of animal cruelty.

Alert: Dangerous Bill Could Wipe Out Animal-Protection Laws Across the Country

Following a huge loss before the Supreme Court, groups representing industrial animal agriculture have urged federal lawmakers to introduce the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act. Though the title of the bill sounds innocent, this legislation infringes on states’ rights, ignores the will of voters and threatens to erase state animal-protection laws ranging from bans on cruel farming practices to protections for dogs in puppy mills. A clear overreach of federal power, the EATS Act could eliminate existing laws and stop states from passing new laws, creating a disastrous race to the bottom for animal welfare.

Board: Vet who helped route dogs to Iowa performed kitchen-island surgeries

A veterinarian who facilitated the sale of hundreds of puppies to Iowa brokers and retailers has had her license suspended on an emergency basis after allegedly performing surgical procedures on her kitchen island.

The Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board has summarily suspended the license of Dr. Darcy W. Overturf of Hillpoint, Wis., citing an urgent need to protect the public welfare. The board alleges Overturf admitted performing surgeries and other medical procedures on the kitchen island inside her home.

Investigators for the board also alleges Overturf improperly signed the various certificates of veterinary inspection that are needed for the transfer of dogs from and between breeders. Those documents, commonly called CVIs, are used to document the fact that the animals were physically examined by a veterinarian and can be sold to dealers in other states. Overturf is alleged to have admitted that she allowed the sellers for whom she worked to fill out significant portions of some of her CVIs.

ASPCA Assists in Rescue of Nearly 90 Dogs from Breeding Operation in Wisconsin

At the request of the Pepin County Sheriff’s Office, we are assisting with the rescue of nearly 90 dogs and puppies from a breeding operation in Wisconsin. When investigators arrived on the scene, they found dogs of varying breeds and sizes, including puppies and pregnant dogs living in unsanitary conditions. Two horses and five donkeys were also found on scene. Some of the animals had dirty hair coats and appeared to be suffering from untreated medical issues requiring immediate veterinary treatment.

USDA Unbothered by Continued Denials for Access to Exotic Animal Facility, Leaving Animals and the Public in Danger

Under the federal Animal Welfare Act, animal breeders and dealers licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are required to make their premises available for unannounced inspections, the purpose of which is to ensure animals are receiving at least the minimum standard of care required by law.

Although these are supposed to be surprise inspections, the USDA allows businesses to identify optimal hours for inspections. Despite this accommodation, upon an inspector’s arrival, licensees are often unavailable or tell the inspector it is not a good time. The USDA marks this as an “attempted inspection” and leaves without viewing the animals.

The USDA claims their inspection process ensures that licensed animal breeders and dealers follow the law. How can that be true if the USDA allows licensees to willfully and repeatedly refuse federal inspection of their premises?

5 Wisconsin puppy breeders or dealers make ‘Horrible Hundred’ new list

The list contains 100 puppy mills that are considered the worst of the worst.

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - The Humane Society for the United States releases an annual “Horrible Hundred” list, documenting problem puppy breeders and dealers across the U.S. Five entries from Wisconsin made the grim list, putting the state in unfortunate company.

“A puppy mill is a commercial dog breeding kennel where the dogs are treated like agriculture commodities rather than pets; they’re treated like breeding machines. And so you’re going to have just rows and rows of cages of dogs that are just being bred every heat cycle until their bodies wear out,” said the Humane Society’s John Goodwin.

Goodwin is the senior director for the organization’s Stop Puppy Mills campaign. He says the places and breeders on the list are there due to horrible sanitation conditions, overcrowding, and untreated medical issues/injuries. Five places or breeders are listed in Wisconsin out of the hundred on the list. The data is compiled by tracking state and federal citations and violations.

6 Kansas puppy mills included in humane society's 'Horrible Hundred' report

Inspectors found more than 125 ill or injured dogs at Steve Kruse’s Stonehenge Kennel between 2015 and 2023. (USDA/ 2022)

The Humane Society of the United States has released its annual report highlighting 100 problem puppy mills.

Kansas tied for the fifth-most, with six puppy mills in the 2023 "Horrible Hundred" report. There were seven in the 2022 report and the 2021 report.

The HSUS said in a release that Kansas puppy mills appeared in its report for keeping dogs in dirty, small cages with piles of feces.

"At one facility, the breeder [Mary Moore] admitted to tossing dead puppies into a field," the release said. "The same facility also had 264 dogs and none of the adult dogs had had regularly scheduled veterinary examinations since 2021."

HSUS says undercover investigation reveals Wichita Petland stores are buying from puppy mills in 'horrible conditions'

HSUS's annual report documenting 100 of the country's known puppy mills (PDF) has been released for 2023.

Uncovering national puppy mills

The Humane Society of the United States is reporting on problem puppy mills, including some dealers (re-sellers) and transporters. The Horrible Hundred report is a list of known, problematic puppy breeding and/or puppy brokering facilities.

It is not a list of all puppy mills, nor is it a list of the worst puppy mills in the country, but rather a list of dog breeders to avoid.

Animal Rescue League of Iowa helps remove 34 dogs from Missouri breeding operation

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Animal Rescue teams from Iowa and Missouri say they removed 34 dogs from a northern Missouri breeding operation this week.

In a press release on Thursday, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa said it worked with Wayside Waifs in Kansas City.

The operation voluntarily surrendered American Eskimo, Golden Retriever, and Labrador Retriever dogs of all ages.

The dogs will need vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, and some will even need eye and dental surgeries before they will be ready for adoption, the ARL said.

“These dogs are arriving at a time when animal shelters across the country are seeing a record high number of dogs in their care and the ARL and Wayside Waifs are no exception,” said Tom Colvin, ARL CEO.

Report: Iowa ranks near the top in this 'Horrible Hundred' list

DES MOINES, Iowa —A new report shows Iowa has the second-highest number of puppy mills in the country.

The Humane Society just published its annual "Horrible Hundred" list. Thirteen Iowa dog breeders appear on this year's list. Ohio also has 13.

Revealed: 100 reprehensible US puppy mills in Horrible Hundred report

In a photo taken by a state inspector, a dog stands looking away from the camera, her tail pointing down. At first glance, this image may seem like a sweet photo because of the boxer’s soft brown eyes and emotional expression. But farther up in the frame, the dog’s body tells a different story. Her ribs jut out; her hip bones and spinal column are starkly visible. And just beside her emaciated body is a pile of five tiny puppies sleeping next to an empty bowl.

Protect dogs from cruel puppy mills!

A Missouri Department of Agriculture inspector documented this boxer, whose name is Lindy Lou, at a breeding facility that is still licensed, not only by the state, but by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The owner, Ellen Roberts (Rocky Top K-9s), is listed in our Horrible Hundred report for the eighth time. Lindy Lou was not confiscated; the inspectors required the owner to have her treated by a veterinarian within two days of the inspection. Despite inspectors finding many ailing dogs in her kennel over the span of a decade, it appears Roberts has faced no serious repercussions, and her “business” is still operating.

Pennsylvania has 8 puppy breeders, dealers in annual Humane Society 'Horrible Hundred' report

Of the eight Pennsylvania kennels listed in the report, six are from central Pennsylvania, including four from Lancaster County, the Humane Society said.

LANCASTER, Pa. — Pennsylvania ranks among the worst states cited in the Humane Society's annual "Horrible Hundred" report, which lists 100 problem puppy breeders and dealers across the U.S.

National report shows Iowa has second most puppy mills in the country

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) - A recent study lists Iowa second only to Missouri for the number of puppy mills in the country. The research done by the Humane Society U.S. is called ‘The Horrible Hundred’ because it shows the horrors that typically come with puppy mills and animal breeders.

The Humane Society says 240 puppy mills on its list have been shut down nationwide over the past few years. This year, the study put 13 Iowa dog breeders on the list. That’s the same number as Ohio.

Iowa’s high ranking is discerning for many humane societies and animal shelters across the state.

“Our animal welfare laws are pretty sub par. We’ve got a lot of work to do. I know the HSUS Iowa is working really hard to make changes to our laws and ordinances here, but unfortunately they’re just really far behind where we should be,” said Iowa City Animal Services Officer, Devon Strief.

Iowa tied for second most problematic dog breeders in annual Horrible Hundred report

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Iowa is among the states with the most problematic dog breeders, according to an annual report.

The Humane Society released its “Horrible Hundred” report, which lists problematic puppy breeders and dealers across the country to raise awareness and encourage buyers to choose adoption or buying only from carefully-screened breeders.

Iowa and Ohio are tied with 13 dealers making the list. That comes in second only to Missouri, which has the most, with 31. Missouri has had the most problematic dealers for 11 years in a row.

USDA Message Sounds Good, but Will Its Practices Follow Suit?

In late April 2023, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the USDA agency responsible for oversight of animal businesses and farm animal health, released its five-year strategic plan [PDF] for 2023-2027. The ASPCA submitted comments on its draft proposal, urging the agency to keep animal welfare front and center in its animal programs and to steer its failed Animal Welfare Act enforcement program back on track.

Declawing, pet shop sales ban adopted in Easton. It’s now 2nd Lehigh Valley city to do so.

Easton City Council gave final approval to a new ordinance that bans the sell of dogs, cats and rabbits by pet shops within the city.

And because every squeak matters, a last-minute amendment to the law will ban the selling of guinea pigs also, the council said.

Guinea pigs are considered one of the country’s most popular pets, according to reports.

“This decision puts the city on the cutting edge of a national movement and sends a direct message to puppy mills across the country,” Easton resident and volunteer with the Lehigh Valley Humane Society Stephanie Gallagher said.

Rep. Josh Harder Joins Effort to Protect Dogs From Abusive Breeders

The Humane Society estimates 10,000 puppy mills are currently operating in the U.S.

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-9) co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to stop breeders from mistreating dogs and puppies by bolstering federal standards for commercial dog breeders. This legislation comes after dozens of puppy mills across the country have been shut down because of horrific neglect and inhumane treatment, including the heartbreaking story of an Iowa puppy mill where 199 dogs were killed in a single day. Right here in the Central Valley last year, 150 dogs were rescued from a puppy mill in Modesto.

★ Sen. Blumenthal proposes 2 bills against animal abuse

Sen. Richard Blumenthal proposed laws against animal abuse at the Dog Star Rescue in Bloomfield Monday.

If approved, the Better Care for Animals Act will strengthen the U.S Department of Justice's enforcements under the Animal Welfare Act.

A second law, the Goldie's Act, will ensure that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will enforce laws intended to protect dogs in puppy mills.

Puppy mill update: Iowa still leads the nation in both violators and citations

Iowa continues to lead the nation in the number of regulatory violations committed by puppy mills.

During the first quarter of 2023, federal inspectors cited the nation’s licensed dog breeders for 303 violations. Of those, 107 were committed by Iowa breeders.

The 107 violations were committed by 26 different Iowa breeders, which means Iowa also leads the nation in the number of puppy mills that were cited by regulators during the first three months of 2023. The No. 2 state, Missouri, had 31% fewer puppy mills cited for violations than did Iowa.

★ 199 Dogs Were Killed at Iowa Puppy Mill in ONE Day

Update May 1, 2023: Despite Kruse’s history of Animal Welfare Act violations and that he appears to have unlawfully auctioned off a dog during his suspension under another breeder’s name, there is no record of the USDA inspecting Kruse's dogs after issuing a 21-day suspension. The suspension has now lifted, and Steve Kruse continues to be licensed under the USDA to broker dogs without any restriction.

Update April 10, 2023: The USDA temporarily suspended Steve Kruse’s license for 21 days at the end of March 2023. Despite the suspension and a recent inspection documenting numerous dogs suffering from painful, untreated health conditions, there are no reports showing that any dogs have been removed from Kruse’s care.

While the suspension is a victory, the dogs at Kruse’s facility still remain in danger with Kruse’s history of abhorrent violations of the law. Goldie’s Act continues to be vital in the fight against puppy mills. Sign our form today to tell Congress to support Goldie’s Act!

February 24, 2023: Public records released last week by the USDA show 199 dogs were transferred to a puppy mill operated by Steve Kruse, and soon after, they were all euthanized by his veterinarian in a single day.

Steve Kruse is no stranger to the puppy mill industry. Over the past 30 years, he has built a massive business breeding and brokering dogs. Despite a long and troubled history of animal care violations U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to unquestioningly issue Kruse licenses to keep and sell dogs.

Animal-welfare group calls for criminal charges against Lee County puppy mill

Animal welfare advocates are asking Lee County officials to consider filing criminal charges against one of Iowa’s largest dog breeders.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture suspended the breeder’s license of Steve Kruse, whose Stonehenge Kennels is located at 2345 Highway 16 in West Point.

In its notice to Kruse, the USDA said the 21-day suspension was based on the agency’s conclusion he had willfully violated Animal Welfare Act regulations and was failing to meet the minimum standards for licensing.

USDA suspends license of major Iowa dog breeder with a history of violations

Owner once threw a bag of dead puppies at an inspector

Steve Kruse, whose Stonehenge Kennels is located at 2345 Highway 16 in West Point, was notified March 30 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture was suspending his license for 21 days. In its notice to Kruse, the USDA said it was taking the action because the agency had reason to believe he had willfully violated Animal Welfare Act regulations and was failing to “meet the minimum standards for animals.”

New progress in fight against puppy mills shows caring about companion animals is a nonpartisan issue

A dog at a massive breeding operation in Missouri, where federal inspectors found thin nursing mother dogs and a limping dog with an open sore, and state inspectors found ramshackle cages, bloody diarrhea and several instances where dogs weren’t given the minimum required space, among other issues. Missouri Department of Agriculture

In a country where political tempers often run hot, agreement can seem incredibly rare. But, regardless of party affiliation, a consensus is emerging that our companion animals should be treated with basic decency—and this is not how kitten and puppy mills treat dogs and cats.

★ 199 Dogs Were Killed at Iowa Puppy Mill in ONE Day

Update May 1, 2023: Despite Kruse’s history of Animal Welfare Act violations and that he appears to have unlawfully auctioned off a dog during his suspension under another breeder’s name, there is no record of the USDA inspecting Kruse's dogs after issuing a 21-day suspension. The suspension has now lifted, and Steve Kruse continues to be licensed under the USDA to broker dogs without any restriction.

Update April 10, 2023: The USDA temporarily suspended Steve Kruse’s license for 21 days at the end of March 2023. Despite the suspension and a recent inspection documenting numerous dogs suffering from painful, untreated health conditions, there are no reports showing that any dogs have been removed from Kruse’s care.

While the suspension is a victory, the dogs at Kruse’s facility still remain in danger with Kruse’s history of abhorrent violations of the law. Goldie’s Act continues to be vital in the fight against puppy mills. Sign our form today to tell Congress to support Goldie’s Act!

February 24, 2023: Public records released last week by the USDA show 199 dogs were transferred to a puppy mill operated by Steve Kruse, and soon after, they were all euthanized by his veterinarian in a single day.

Steve Kruse is no stranger to the puppy mill industry. Over the past 30 years, he has built a massive business breeding and brokering dogs. Despite a long and troubled history of animal care violations, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to unquestioningly issue Kruse licenses to keep and sell dogs.

★ USDA Scandal Fallout: ASPCA Sends Letter to USDA & Congress; Senior USDA Official Resigns

On March 16, 2023, the ASPCA sent an open letter to Secretary Tom Vilsack of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and members of Congress to take immediate action to protect dogs from government-sanctioned cruelty following an appalling USDA cover-up of the Envigo case.

★ D.C. Dispatch: Lawmakers bark at puppy mills, Biden energy policies

Iowa’s congressional delegation was doggedly pursuing legislation this week ranging from anti-animal cruelty proposals and restrictions on veterinary drugs to bills promoting fossil fuel production and ethanol.

Nunn joins support of dog protection bills

Rep. Zach Nunn joined with a bipartisan group of House members to support Goldie’s Act and the Puppy Protection Act, bills that aim to protect dogs from puppy mills and cruel living conditions.

Iowa dog breeders had the worst record in the nation for violations in 2022.

★ Puppy Mill Bill, Named After Iowa Dog, Could Become Federal Law

Protections for Iowa dogs could become federal law, if two bills reintroduced by Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa 3) pass.

Nunn, three other Republicans and two Democrats, reintroduced former Rep. Cindy Axne’s (D) bipartisan bill, nicknamed Goldie’s Act.

The bill would crack down on loopholes for enforcing the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and strengthen requirements for US Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspections.

The bill would crack down on loopholes for enforcing the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and strengthen requirements for US Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspections.

“Dogs are family members, and they deserve the best defense from people who would do them harm,” Nunn said in a press release. “These bipartisan bills are important to ensure better protection for dogs and to hold individuals accountable for cruel behavior.”

In memory of Iowa dog

Goldie’s Act was named in memory of one of the dogs abused at the Wayne County puppy mill owned by Daniel Gingerich. Goldie, a golden retriever, was extremely malnourished, but her condition was never officially reported or noted as a violation of the AWA.

★ Goldie’s Act Is Back: Urge Congress to Pass It!

Last Friday, U.S. Representatives Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Chris Smith (R-NJ), and Zach Nunn (R-IA) took a stand against the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) failure to protect animals at puppy mills by reintroducing Goldie’s Act, a federal bill to strengthen the USDA’s enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. Recent high-profile cases reveal the USDA’s total failure to protect animals in federally licensed facilities, as the law requires. Goldie’s Act is urgently needed to ensure that the USDA is fulfilling its legal obligation of protecting animals in commercial facilities by documenting violations, helping animals who are visibly suffering and sharing information with local law enforcement.

★ ASPCA Commends Federal Lawmakers for Introducing Goldie's Act to Protect Dogs in Puppy Mills

Goldie's Act would ensure the USDA does its job to protect dogs in federally licensed puppy mills

WASHINGTON, March 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) commends U.S. Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.),Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Chris Smith (R-N.J.), and Zach Nunn (R-IA) for introducing Goldie's Act (H.R. 1788), a federal bill that will ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does its job to protect dogs in federally licensed, commercial dog breeding facilities, also known as puppy mills. This must-pass legislation is desperately needed to right the USDA's abject failure at enforcing the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which has led to untold animal suffering.

Puppy Protection Act brings hope for dogs languishing in puppy mills

In West Point, Iowa, a large-scale, commercial breeding facility called the Stonehenge Kennel contains more than 800 dogs. Here, since 2015, more than 100 dogs have been found sick or injured; some had open lesions and could barely walk. As recently as December 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture found multiple dogs there suffering from visible hair loss, crusty or dirty eyes and ears, swellings on their legs, paws, abdomens and several other painful issues. Violations like this have been documented at the massive facility again and again for over a decade. The Stonehenge Kennel has violated the USDA’s regulations frequently enough to land in our annual Horrible Hundred report five times.

Mass USDA Corruption and Cover-Up Exposed Through Envigo Case

On March 9, 2023, the global news agency Reuters published shocking, new details about the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) mismanagement of a 2022 case involving Envigo, a mass-breeding company with multiple locations that supplies dogs for research and experimentation. They found:

• USDA inspectors were directed to delete content from their reports.
• The USDA denied additional personnel to support inspections.
• The USDA team leader supervising the investigation published a 107-page inspection report detailing Envigo’s violations. Managers ordered the report to be edited down to 22 pages, and later the team leader was removed without explanation.

★ Veterinary board imposes no public discipline in Gingerich puppy mill case

Newly disclosed records indicate 199 surrendered dogs were euthanized in one day

The state board that oversees Iowa’s veterinarians will be taking no public disciplinary action against the veterinarian connected with the Daniel Gingerich puppy mill case.

New Documentation of Florida Pet Stores Selling Cruelly Bred Puppies

In September 2022, two Miami pet stores—Glamorous Puppies and Puppies Secret—received Yorkshire Terrier puppies from one of the most notorious commercial dog dealers in the country, according to newly received documentation from the State of Iowa.

Estimated 200 Dogs Found In Filthy Conditions At Puppy Mill When Police Investigated A Murder

Stephens County, Oklahoma – An estimated 200 dogs were discovered at a Stephens County, Oklahoma, residence when police went to the home in mid-February to investigate a murder. Evidence at the home led Stephen’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies to arrest 49-year-old Karen Jean Prichard on suspicion of second-degree murder, and dismal conditions at her Marlow property prompted further investigation resulting in 113 counts of cruelty to animals.

★ Goldie’s Act: Federal Legislation to Protect Dogs in Puppy Mills

Goldie’s Act was named after Golden Retriever #142, who was a victim of one of the most egregious puppy mill cases we have seen to date. She lived without clean food and water, space to play, and love. She didn’t even have a name until we gave her one when we learned about her and the heartbreaking way she died.

★ CONGRESS: Include #GoldiesAct in the Farm Bill to protect 250k+ innocent dogs suffering in federally licensed facilities! Read ASPCA’s letter here:

★ 199 Dogs Were Killed at Iowa Puppy Mill in ONE Day

Public records released last week by the USDA show 199 dogs were transferred to a puppy mill operated by Steve Kruse and euthanized by his veterinarian just days later.

Steve Kruse is no stranger to the puppy mill industry. Over the past 30 years, he has built a massive business breeding and brokering dogs. Despite a long and troubled history of animal care violations, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to unquestioningly issue Kruse licenses to keep and sell dogs.

One breeder who operated a puppy mill under this arrangement with Kruse is the notorious Daniel Gingerich. A portion of Gingerich’s commercial breeding business was on a property owned by Kruse. Records show Kruse transferred hundreds of dogs to Gingerich, and when the USDA inspected Gingerich’s facility on that property in July 2021, they had more than enough evidence to confiscate the dogs and revoke Gingerich’s license for violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Instead, the USDA agreed for the dogs to be returned to Kruse, even though he had years of documented violations of his own.

Public records obtained from the USDA last week revealed that just a few days after the dogs were transferred back to Kruse, 199 were “euthanized” by his veterinarian [PDF].

★ Puppy Mill Update: A New Trend for Dog Breeders and Dealers?

On February 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service published its annual summary of the enforcement actions taken against those who aren’t in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA)—the only federal law protecting dogs in commercial breeding and dealing facilities.

A Long Road Ahead for a Former Puppy Mill Dog

My newly adopted doggie, Minnie, is a Toy Poodle who spent the first four years of her life in a filthy cage, covered in fleas, ear mites, and matted fur full of her own feces. She was forced to have litter after litter.

‘So-called puppy mills’ numbers continue to soar in Ohio, animal rescue groups say

HOLMES COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) – The FOX 8 I-Team has found the number of high volume dog breeders registering with the state soaring.

Hundreds of large volume dog breeders are now in Ohio, the numbers confirmed this month by the Commercial Dog Breeding Advisory Board.

In 2018, there were 290 high volume dog breeders licensed in Ohio. In 2019, 418. Now there are over 600 large volume dog breeders in the state.

Iowa dog breeders responsible for 36% of all violations in the U.S. last year

Iowa’s dog breeders had the worst record of compliance with federal regulations in 2022, accounting for 36% of all violations cited nationally.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture cited dog and cat breeders and brokers for 795 violations in 2022, a total that excludes citations for “missed” inspections resulting from USDA officials not gaining access to the operations.

Dog Breeder Arrested in Iowa

Earlier this week, a dog breeder in Iowa was arrested by the Appanoose County Sheriff. Henry Sommers, a USDA-licensed breeder until he voluntarily cancelled his license in mid-January, has been charged with two counts of animal neglect with serious injury, three counts of animal neglect with injury and two counts of animal neglect without injury.

For over a decade, and while he was licensed by the USDA, Henry Sommers bred puppies to be sold in pet stores across the country, and he has been harming dogs for just as long.

Rural Iowa dog breeder charged with seven counts of animal neglect

County law enforcement officials say they are investigating a rural Iowa dog breeder who is being sanctioned by federal regulators.

Henry Sommers, the owner of Happy Puppy on 141st Avenue in the town of Cincinnati, was arrested Tuesday by the Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office. Sommers, whose business has a long history of regulatory violations, was recently fined $12,600 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a string of violations over the past six years.

Rescued breeder dog lived a full, loving life after she was saved

Fighting the big fights for animals means that we are constantly working at an enormous scale to change thousands and thousands of lives—from securing the passage of animal protection laws and filing lawsuits on behalf of animals to conducting investigations and rescuing animals from crisis situations. But today I want to focus on one of those lives in remembrance: a poodle named B.B., who passed away in the loving arms of her adopter earlier this month.

★ Lolly’s Journey from Terrified Puppy Mill Victim to Confident Helper Dog

In November 2021, at the request of the U.S. Department of Justice and the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, the ASPCA assisted in removing, transporting and sheltering more than 500 dogs and puppies in the care of a USDA-licensed breeder in Seymour, Iowa. The animals were surrendered after the USDA documented over 190 violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

★ Congress must work across the aisle to end egregious animal abuse by commercial breeders

For years now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has displayed an unacceptable pattern of insufficient enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), leading to serious harm imposed upon innocent animals. Specifically, those provisions which require commercial breeders to be licensed and provide care for the dogs at their facilities have gone alarmingly unenforced and ignored

Take the case of breeder, Daniel Gingerich, and Golden Retriever #142, who was later named Goldie by the animal protection community. When federal inspectors at the USDA first found Goldie, she was so emaciated that her ribcage and hipbones protruded. The state of the facility was horrific: the dogs were surrounded by excrement and vermin and lacked access to food and water. Despite these conditions, the USDA took no enforcement action and as a result, Goldie died on Gingerich’s property.

★ USDA Awards Employees for Disastrous Puppy Mill Case

Update: January 11, 2023

We analyzed the USDA’s inspections, documented violations, and enforcement actions for the 2022 fiscal year, and it is clear the agency is still failing at its job to protect dogs in puppy mills. The USDA documented over 800 violations of the Animal Welfare Act by licensed dog breeders (puppy mills) and puppy brokers–collectively referred to as "dog dealers"–last year.

Sheriff launches investigation of Iowa dog breeder

The owner of a rural Iowa dog-breeding business was arrested Tuesday and charged with seven counts of animal neglect.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has fined Henry R. Sommers, who runs the Happy Puppy dog-breeding operation on 141st Avenue in the Appanoose County town of Cincinnati, $12,600. The fine stems from numerous citations for regulatory violations over the past six years.

★ WATCH: Org Urges Congress to Crackdown on Puppy Mills & Inhumane Conditions for Animals

Following the tragic death of a golden retriever at an Iowa puppy mill in 2021, the ASPCA and the Animal Rescue League of Iowa teamed up to save 500 puppies. Now, these orgs are urging Congress to pass legislation that would help animals who are living in inhumane conditions.

USDA fines Iowa dog breeder with long history of violations

A rural Iowa breeder who euthanized unwanted dogs with unauthorized stomach injections and then left the animals alone to die has been fined $12,600 by the federal government.

Henry R. Sommers, who runs the Happy Puppy dog-breeding operation on 141st Avenue in the Appanoose County town of Cincinnati, has been cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for numerous violations over the past six years.

★ USDA Awards Employees for Disastrous Puppy Mill Case

We have obtained documents showing that the USDA’s Animal Care Division gave cash awards to 17 staff members who were involved with the notorious 2021 Gingerich puppy mill case in Iowa. The documents redacted the specific dollar amounts of the awards, which recognize exceptional performance or achievements by USDA staff, but based on agency guidelines, the awards likely total tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars. Given the USDA’s mishandling of that case over the course of many months, and its lack of action to intervene to save the dogs—or even to revoke Gingerich’s license to breed—this is a staggering, outrageous development.

A Major Victory for Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits in New York

After passing the New York Legislature by large bipartisan majorities, the New York Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill has been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, ending the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in New York State's pet stores.

Celebrities and Citizens Are Urging NY’s Governor to Sign Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill into Law

After successfully making it through the New York State Legislature, the fate of the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill is in Governor Hochul’s hands. The groundbreaking legislation that would end the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in New York pet stores only needs the Governor’s signature to become law.

The puppy mill pipeline is a cruel industry that puts profit over the well-being of the animals. Puppies sold in pet stores come from commercial breeding operations, also known as puppy mills, where breeding dogs are often kept in crowded cages, forced to produce litter after litter with little to no veterinary care, adequate shelter or socialization. Their puppies are trucked into New York from all over the country, where they are sold in pet stores.

New Overwhelming Documentation of New York Pet Stores Selling Cruelly Bred Puppies

Two New York pet stores–Teacup Pup and Astoria Pets in Queens–were recently shipped puppies from one of the most notorious puppy suppliers in the country, and we have the documentation from the state of Iowa showing the transactions.

This latest information adds to the mountain of evidence that demonstrates why New York must do more to protect animals. Governor Hochul must act swiftly to sign the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill and stop cruel, out-of-state commercial breeders from profiting in New York.

Iowa dog breeders continue to lead the nation in violations

Iowa continues to lead the nation in puppy mills sanctioned by the federal government, with far more violations cited in Iowa this year than any other state.

There have been at least 623 documented violations across the country to date this year, with Iowa operators responsible for 42%, or 267, of the total. The states that are next on the list are Missouri, with 75 violations; Wisconsin, with 59 violations; and Indiana, with 29 violations.

National data on violations is collected and analyzed by Bailing Out Benji, an Iowa-based animal-welfare organization that uses U.S. Department of Agriculture records to track regulatory compliance of breeders and kennels.

★ One year later: Dogs recovering after large scale rescue in Iowa

It has been one year since the ASPCA assisted the Animal Rescue League of Iowa with the rescue of more than 500 dogs living in horrific conditions at a USDA-licensed Iowa puppy mill operated by Daniel Gingerich. Though Gingerich had a long, documented history of animal welfare violations, in November 2021, he surrendered the dogs, but only after the U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint, and a federal restraining order was issued against him.

To give an inside look at our efforts to help dogs in cruel puppy mills and ensure the USDA is enforcing the Animal Welfare Act, one year later, we’ve asked ASPCA experts to reflect their role in the rescue, rehabilitation and legal work surrounding this case.

★ Lolly makes remarkable recovery one year after largest dog rescue in Iowa

Today (Nov. 1) marks a year of recovery for hundreds of dogs rescued from an Iowa puppy mill. KCCI was there as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Animal Rescue League conducted the largest dog rescue in state history at the Gingerich Farm in Wayne County.

Get Out and Vote

Animals are counting on You.

★ Gingerich rescue: 1 year of freedom

One year ago the ARL conducted the biggest puppy mill rescue in our nearly 100-year history. More than 500 dogs had been living in horrendous conditions at the hands of former Iowa breeder Daniel Gingerich, who is now permanently banned from breeding and selling dogs anywhere in the country.

The massive rescue operation spanned multiple days at multiple properties, but dog after dog, puppy after puppy, our team carried them all to safety. They finally got the medical care and behavioral care they needed, the love they had been missing for so long, and the caring homes they had always deserved.

One year later, watch the video above to see how your support changed these 500+ dogs’ lives and watch until the end for a special update on Doree, the dog who could not even stand at the time of her rescue!

★ USDA Fails Dogs Yet Again, Allowing Breeders to Break the Law

October 6, 2022: In response to this enforcement disaster, 49 members of Congress, in two separate letters, expressed concern about the USDA’s failure to enforce the Animal Welfare Act.

★ State agency slashes fine against convicted puppy-mill operator

In an effort to "conserve staff time and resources," Iowa regulators have slashed the penalty imposed on one of the state’s most notorious puppy mill operators.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has cut the fine it imposed last October against former dog breeder Daniel Gingerich, reducing it from $40,000 to $10,000.

★ Nonprofit raises concerns that Iowa regulators are facilitating ‘puppy laundering’

State and federal regulators don’t track where breeders are shipping animals

An Iowa state agency is charging a nonprofit group $225 to offset the expense of searching for puppy-mill records the agency now admits it doesn’t maintain.

★ Iowa continues to lead the nation in puppy-mill violators

Iowa continues to lead the nation in puppy mills sanctioned by the federal government and is expanding its lead over other states.

During the second quarter of 2022, a total of 23 Iowa breeders and brokers were cited for regulatory violations by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Missouri came in a distant second place for the number of violators, at 13.

What Happens When the Federal Government Finds Dogs Living Like This?

This Bulldog puppy was living in filth and pacing in circles in his enclosure at a federally licensed puppy-breeding facility in Iowa. The facility’s licensee told an inspector from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that the puppy had an open wound on his neck when he was one week old. He also said that he sewed it up himself with a needle and thread and that he did not seek medical care for the puppy.

★ Puppy Laundering 2.0: Steve Kruse and Stonehenge Kennels

Editor’s Note: All of the information found in the article below was obtained through public records requests from the USDA, the Iowa Department of Agriculture, and other publicly available information.

Brief summary of Bailing Out Benji’s findings: USDA dog breeder Steve Kruse owner of Stonehenge Kennels in West Point, Iowa, has been sending his pregnant females to his former employee Brian Lichirie, who operates another USDA facility (42-B-0317). Lichirie whelps the puppies and sells them to stores and various other outlets while returning the mother dogs to Kruse for future breeding. According to the Iowa Department of Agriculture, dogs are regularly transported between Kruse and another problematic USDA broker Wuanita Swedlund.

★ Breeder agrees to downsize after dogs die due to cold weather

State regulators are requiring a southern Iowa dog breeder to downsize her business in the wake of several of her animals dying due to the cold.

In December 2023, a federal inspector from the U.S. Department of Agriculture visited a dog-breeding kennel, located in the Van Buren County town of Cantril. The business operates on property owned by Steve Kruse, one of Iowa’s larger dog breeders, but it is operating under a license held by Wuanita Swedlund.

The federal inspector reported that in November 2023, a French bulldog named Bethany gave birth to four puppies, three of which were found dead within days. Swedlund allegedly indicated “the puppies must have gotten too cold and passed away,” the inspector reported.

Recent Case in Iowa Shows What Happens When USDA Fails to Do Its Job

In Johnson County, Iowa, Loren Yoder operated a cruel puppy mill for years—greenlit by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA repeatedly documented severe violations on the property, including emaciated dogs, some of whom were nursing their puppies, dirty feeders covered in cobwebs and beetles, and filthy housing conditions swarmed with flies and mice. Yet the USDA took no action to stop him.

Two years ago, Yoder canceled his USDA license. The USDA has no process for licensees who decide to cancel their license; they don’t check to see if there is a plan for the dogs or confirm if the breeders are just operating without a license. Yoder, unsurprisingly, did keep breeding, selling and harming dogs. Last August, he surrendered over 100 dogs after Iowa state inspectors, who kept oversight of his breeding facility, found dogs in heat distress, with dirty and matted coats, untreated wounds and suffering from disease. Nine of the dogs died shortly after they were rescued.

And now, this month, Yoder was arrested by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and charged with 41 counts of animal neglect for the incidents recorded in August.

There is no doubt that dogs would have been saved from suffering and death if USDA would have stopped Yoder earlier. This lack of action on the USDA’s part is not unusual. The agency continues to fail the dogs it is supposed to protect and allows those that violate the law to go unpunished. The “problem” is pushed to state or local agencies, which typically have fewer resources and less availability to step in.

We recently completed an analysis of the USDA’s lack of enforcement [PDF] over the 2023 fiscal year. Despite documenting over 1,000 violations of the Animal Welfare Act at over 400 commercial dog breeding facilities, the USDA took action against only four.

This pattern must be stopped. Please urge your members of Congress to support Goldie’s Act today, critical legislation that would require the USDA to enforce the Animal Welfare Act!

★ Report: USDA penalizes only 1 percent of the puppy mills it cites for violations

A new analysis of the federal government’s enforcement of animal-welfare laws has found that regulators penalize only 1 percent of the breeders who are cited for violations.

The analysis by the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that in 2023, inspectors with the U.S. Department of Agriculture documented Animal Welfare Act violations by more than 400 commercial dog dealers and took enforcement action against four of them.

Two of the four breeders who were penalized in 2023 are from Iowa, a state that often leads the nation in the number of violations cited.

One of those Iowa breeders is Henry Sommers, the 84-year-old owner of Happy Puppy in the town of Cincinnati. Sommers was arrested in February 2023 by the Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office as a result of USDA violations found in 2023. He was charged with two counts of animal neglect resulting in serious injury or death, three counts of animal neglect resulting in injury, and two counts of animal neglect without injury.

A plea deal resulted in five of the seven charges being dismissed in return for a guilty plea on the two felony charges of animal neglect resulting in serious injury or death. Sommers was sentenced to two years of probation and fined $1,710.

The USDA had cited Sommers for failing to provide adequate veterinary care for his dogs in September 2019, September 2021, January 2022, April 2022 and August 2022. Sommers canceled his USDA license in the first quarter of 2023 after he was charged in the criminal case.

The other Iowa breeder who was penalized in 2023 was Steve Kruse of Stonehenge Kennels in West Point. Kruse operates of Iowa’s largest dog breeding facilities. In March 2023, the USDA notified Kruse it was suspending his license for 21 days.

During a subsequent April 2023 inspection, Kruse had 435 dogs on hand and was cited for inadequate veterinary care and inadequate cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping and pest control. The inspector returned on May 9 and again cited Kruse for inadequate veterinary care.

Over the years, Kruse has been cited for numerous violations, including pouring hot sauce into a dog’s wound to prevent the dog from licking it. In December 2015, Kruse received a 21-day USDA license suspension after throwing a bag of dead puppies at a USDA inspector.

In its report, the ASPCA also took issue with the USDA’s long-standing practice of renewing the licenses of breeders at the same time the agency is citing them for failing to meet animal-welfare standards. A breeder’s history of violations, the ASPCA noted, has no impact on a facility’s ability to have its license renewed. All dealers who want to be relicensed, and who pay the associated fees, are relicensed – even if they are repeat violators.

Breaking: Our rescue team saves more than 200 dogs from two Oklahoma puppy mills

Early Monday morning, our Animal Rescue Team arrived at two properties in Milburn, Oklahoma, with officers from the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, who served search warrants as part of an alleged animal cruelty situation. Law enforcement requested our assistance with rescuing potentially hundreds of dogs from two dog breeding operations.

Both breeders have claimed online to be American Kennel Club-affiliated, and one of the breeders currently has puppies listed for sale on the AKC’s Marketplace website. Our team found that dogs and puppies at these two large-scale puppy mills were living without proper veterinary care, some with only spotty access to shelter and clean water, so that they could be bred at high volume and sold online and at a notorious flea market in Canton, Texas, known as Dog Alley, the subject of multiple animal welfare investigations and complaints over the years. This market allows unlicensed, uninspected breeders to sell animals directly to the public in dismal conditions.

As our team members surveyed the properties with law enforcement, they observed dogs of many different breeds living in bare concrete or dirt-bottomed, unsanitary enclosures with no enrichment items, often stepping in their own feces. Veterinarians noted dogs with skin infections, eye issues, nasal discharge and dental disease. One puppy was found in respiratory distress and removed from the property immediately for emergency veterinary care.

Some of the dogs jumped up at the sight of people and leaned their paws on the chain-link sides of their cages. Many were eager for attention and gave responders licks and tail wags as they were removed from their enclosures. Others stared out plaintively, huddling together.

In the coming days, our team will help the dogs get the care and veterinary treatment they need. Responders from RedRover are assisting with the daily care of the animals.

Justice Department and USDA Enter into Memorandum of Understanding on Civil Enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act

Agreement Formalizes Agencies’ Enforcement Relationship

The Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and USDA Office of the General Counsel (OGC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Civil Judicial Enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of ENRD, USDA Principal Deputy General Counsel Mary Beth Schultz and USDA-APHIS Administrator Michael Watson made the announcement.

The agencies have been closely collaborating on civil judicial enforcement of the AWA for almost four years. This collaboration has resulted in a number of important enforcement actions, including securing the surrender of close to 150 animals from a Michigan animal dealer, some of which are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and an injunction protecting dogs and cats against pervasive mistreatment at a breeder facility.

The MOU represents another significant step forward in AWA enforcement, as it outlines new actions the agencies will take to enhance their collaboration. In general, the MOU establishes a framework for notification, consultation and coordination among APHIS, USDA’s General Counsel and ENRD. Building on the agencies’ ongoing relationship, this framework formalizes procedures for regular meetings, coordination on enforcement referrals, information sharing and additional training for employees, among other activities. These procedures will better enable the agencies to prepare for and coordinate on potential civil enforcement actions.

USDA and the Justice Department take seriously their common goal of ensuring that animals protected by the AWA are cared for and treated humanely. This MOU demonstrates the agencies’ joint commitment to fulfilling this mission.

Final_AWA_MOU_ signed (002).pdf

Updated March 8, 2024

Dog breeder charged with 41 counts of animal neglect

Sheriff: Dogs had untreated injuries, and some were ‘frozen in fear’

A Johnson County dog breeder who surrendered 131 dogs in his care has been charged with 41 counts of animal neglect.

Loren Yoder, 62, owner of the Sunset Valley Farm dog breeding business, is charged with five counts of animal neglect with injury, a serious misdemeanor, plus 36 counts of animal neglect without injury, a simple misdemeanor.

IDALS had been conducting an inspection at the facility and had concluded that “a large number of dogs” were the victims of neglect, according to the sheriff’s office.

Yoder subsequently agreed to surrender his 131 dogs to the care of Iowa City Animal Services. Physical exams conducted by veterinarians led to a determination that many of the dogs had developed conditions caused by a failure to provide adequate care, the sheriff’s office said, and those conditions contributed to “unjustified distress, suffering, and pain to the affected animals.”

State suggests that breeder cited for dog deaths downsize her business

State regulators are recommending that an Iowa breeder downsize her operation in the wake of several of her dogs dying due to the cold.

In December, a federal inspector from the U.S. Department of Agriculture visited a dog-breeding kennel, located in the Van Buren County town of Cantril. The business operates on property owned by Steve Kruse, one of Iowa’s larger dog breeders, but it is operating under a license held by Wuanita Swedlund.

The federal inspector reported that in November, a French bulldog named Bethany gave birth to four puppies, three of which were found dead within days. Swedlund allegedly indicated “the puppies must have gotten too cold and passed away,” the inspector reported.

Three other puppies, born to a rottweiler, were also found dead at the kennel, with Swedlund allegedly telling inspectors “they must have gotten too cold and died.”

In addition, a puppy born to Megan, a sheepdog, had to be euthanized after a dog in a nearby enclosure chewed through the wall into the puppy’s enclosure and tore the flesh from one leg, leaving the bone exposed. A short time later, a sheepdog puppy from the same litter was determined to be missing. “The licensee states they did find a single bone and assumed Megan ate her puppy,” the inspector reported.

Iowa again leads the nation in puppy mill violations

Legislation on breeders stalls in the Iowa House

Iowa again leads the nation in the number of puppy mill violations, but so far this year the Iowa Legislature doesn’t appear ready to address the issue.

During the last quarter of 2023, Iowa breeders and kennels racked up 34 violations, more than any other state in the nation. Wisconsin placed second, with 33 violations, followed by Missouri with 26, Ohio with 19 and Indiana with 18.

Two of the Iowa breeders who were cited for violations are the subject of criminal referrals by the Iowa-based animal-welfare group Bailing Out Benji, the organization that compiles quarterly data on violators throughout the nation.

The organization’s founder, Mindi Callison, said Wednesday that Iowa lawmakers should consider legislation that would fix a major “loophole” in the standards required of Iowa’s dog breeders.

2023 USDA Violations- Quarter 4

This morning we released our Quarterly USDA Violation Report detailing all of the dog and cat breeders and brokers who had violations during October 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. Three of these facilities had violations so severe that our organization filed complaints with local authorities, numerous others have official USDA warnings and many sell directly to pet stores, brokers or through online websites.

You can read our report in full here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/2023-usda-q4/

★ ASPCA questions state oversight of Iowa breeder after eight dogs die

Iowa-based advocates call for a criminal investigation

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is asking state and federal regulators for answers about an Iowa kennel where several dogs died recently due to cold weather.

In December, a federal inspector from the U.S. Department of Agriculture visited a dog-breeding kennel, located in the Van Buren County town of Cantril. The business operates on property owned by Steve Kruse, one of Iowa’s larger dog breeders, but it is operating under a license held by Wuanita Swedlund.

The federal inspector reported that in November, a French bulldog named Bethany gave birth to four puppies, three of which were found dead within days. Swedlund allegedly indicated “the puppies must have gotten too cold and passed away,” the inspector reported.

Three other puppies, born to a rottweiler, were also found dead at the kennel, with Swedlund allegedly telling inspectors “they must have gotten too cold and died,” the inspector reported.

Iowa breeder cited after six puppies die in cold weather

No fines or penalties are imposed against Van Buren County breeder

A southern Iowa dog breeder has been cited for multiple violations including the death of six puppies that were left in the cold.

No fines or penalties have been imposed in the case.

In December, a federal inspector from the U.S. Department of Agriculture visited a dog-breeding kennel in the Van Buren County town of Cantril. The business is located along Highway 2 on property owned by Steve Kruse, one of Iowa’s larger dog breeders, but it is operating under a license held by Wuanita Swedlund.

The inspector reported that on Nov. 24, 2023, a French bulldog named Bethany gave birth to four puppies. About one week later, three of the puppies were found dead, the inspector reported.

“The licensee stated they could feel a strong, cold draft at the front of the enclosure from a space in the front of Barn No. 1, and it was a cold day the day that they found the puppies deceased,” the inspector’s report states. “The licensee told the inspector the puppies must have gotten too cold and passed away.”

2023 Humane Scorecard

The Humane Society Legislative Fund publishes an annual Humane Scorecard of Congress to give you a snapshot of every federal legislator's record on animal protection issues. Take a look to see how your legislators preformed in the first half of the 118th Congress and also check out our 2023 year in review blog post.

It's important your legislators know that you care about their positions on animal protection issues and your efforts to engage them will produce even greater returns for animals in the future.

USDA Green Lights More Than Two Decades of Animal Abuse at Alabama Research Facility

Dogs weak and starving with ribs visibly protruding.

Dogs so overweight they can barely move or stand.

Dogs with untreated wounds, masses, skin lesions and broken teeth.

Dogs to be used in research acquired under false pretenses.

Understaffed facilities and untrained staff performing animal care duties.

This is who the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) licenses and registers. Dogs are suffering right in front of the USDA’s eyes, and this powerful federal agency is doing nothing about it. The USDA is responsible for ensuring humane care at animal research facilities like Blue Ridge Kennel, but there is no humane care to be found.

Blue Ridge Kennel is a research laboratory in Wetumpka, Alabama, that conducts tests on dogs. It is registered and overseen by the USDA. In its own words, “Blue Ridge Kennel offers an array of feeding trials and research services for the pet food industry. We work with you closely to develop individualized testing programs that are specific to your product.” In the past two decades alone, Blue Ridge Kennel has been cited for over 80 chronic and serious violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including repeated instances of severely under- or overweight dogs, dogs with injuries from fights, unnoticed and untreated medical issues, dangerous housing environments, untrained and limited staff, and randomly sourced dogs (defined by the Animal Welfare Act as animals obtained from pounds or shelters, auction sales or from any person who did not breed and raise them on his or her premises).

Better Laws for Animals—Check Out 2023’s Big Wins!

As the last 12 months flew by, ASPCA advocates throughout the country used their voices to protect farm animals, farmers, horses, companion animals and pet owners. As a result, 2023 was packed with major milestones, from the passage of stronger animal-protection laws to the defeat of bad measures that would have jeopardized the safety and well-being of animals.

Dog breeder cited for performing ‘major surgery’ without a veterinarian

An Iowa dog breeder has been cited by federal officials for performing major surgery on puppies without a veterinarian and for falsifying animal-welfare documents.

Ed Van Doorn, the owner of Squaw Creek Kennels in Barnes City, about 75 miles east of Des Moines, was recently given an official warning by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for violations uncovered during a November 2023 inspection.

According to the USDA, Squaw Creek Kennels gives buyers the option of having a puppy neutered before it is shipped, and Van Doorn allegedly acknowledged he performed most of the neutering operations at his kennel without any veterinary supervision.

95 Labrador Retrievers rescued from unlicensed breeder in Phelps County, Missouri

The Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force took the dogs from a notorious breeder that had 83 animals removed in 2019 and 2020

ST. LOUIS —Nearly 100 dogs have been rescued from one of the nation's most notorious unlicensed animal breeders based in Phelps County, Missouri.

According to the Humane Society of Missouri, the organization's Animal Cruelty Task Force saved 95 Labrador Retrievers from Sho-Me Labradors early on Tuesday morning.

2023: A winning year for dogs, cats and other companion animals

Many people experience their first connections with animals through relationships with dogs, cats or horses. Just as these bonds are powerful and pervasive, so must our advocacy be since companion animals face myriad injustices and difficulties in the U.S. and around the world. We’ve already detailed the incredible progress made against the dog and cat meat trades in 2023, but there is much more to say on other fronts. Here are just some of the ways we created a more humane world for companion animals in the past year:  

Stopping puppy and kitten mills

Each year, more people learn about the mistreatment suffered by dogs and cats at massive commercial breeding facilities, where dog and cat mothers and fathers are treated as little more than money-making machines. And each year, more people choose not to support this trade. We are heartened by how much happened in 2023 to bring this cruel industry to heel.

USDA, animal shelters aim to educate breeders in Iowa

WELLMAN, Iowa (KCRG) - Amber Talbot has seen first hand the impact puppy mills can have on animals, and communities in Iowa.

“Especially in our area we have a large number of breeding facilities,” said Talbot. “Many folks may be familiar with the incident that just happened this summer near Riverside in Johnson County, 131 dogs were removed. We as a local welfare organization want to do everything we can to make sure that those situations are preventable.”

At least 70 dogs rescued from Ohio puppy mill

LOVELAND, Ohio (WKRC) - A local charity is stepping up to rescue more than 70 dogs they said were being kept in deplorable conditions at an Ohio puppy mill.

"They called him and told him that they were coming to inspect," said Aaron Jones.

Tuesday, volunteers made the three-hour trek to pick up the dogs.

Local 12 was on hand when they arrived at the Loveland shelter. Some had matted fur and others were caked in feces.

Volunteers said they found the dogs living in unsheltered cages outdoors.

"They can only move so much when there's 20 of them inside of a 10-foot by 20-foot pen. When you've got 20 of them in there, they're all rubbing up against each other, rubbing up against the chain link," said Jones.

While the conditions were horrifying to rescuers, they apparently didn't concern the dogs' owner.

"He was more concerned about not making money off them anymore than he was concerned about the dogs," said Lisa Hammond.

USDA issues citations and warnings to Iowa puppy mills

Some Iowa breeders cited for deaths and untreated injuries

Iowa’s puppy mills compiled one of the nation’s worst records of compliance with animal welfare regulations in the third quarter of 2023, newly disclosed records show.

For the months of July through September, the five states that compiled the highest number of animal-welfare violations committed by dog breeders and kennels were:

Virginia: 52 violations

Wisconsin: 51 violations

Ohio: 36 violations

Iowa: 28 violations

Arkansas: 17 violations

The data, culled from U.S. Department of Agriculture reports, was collected, analyzed and reported by the national animal-welfare organization Bailing Out Benji, which is based in Iowa. Just seven Iowa breeders were responsible for all of the violations cited in Iowa during the third quarter of the year.

★ Two Years After the Rescue of 500 Puppy Mill Dogs, Has Anything Changed?

Two years ago, the ASPCA assisted the Animal Rescue League of Iowa with the rescue of more than 500 dogs living in terrible conditions at a federally licensed puppy mill.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) licensed a commercial breeding facility in Iowa operated by Daniel Gingerich despite documenting over 200 violations of the Animal Welfare Act. USDA inspectors documented dead dogs on the property, dogs with untreated injuries and illnesses, dogs with painful fur-matting, and dogs in cages that were too small. The USDA took no action to stop Gingerich for months, even as the number of violations continued to grow. They didn’t issue fines or utilize other enforcement options, choosing instead to use ineffective programs [PDF] to try to get Gingerich to comply. The USDA did not inform local law enforcement or confiscate the suffering dogs. Eventually, the U.S. Department of Justice used its authority to negotiate the surrender of more than 500 dogs.

Goldie’s Act would require the USDA to uphold the law and protect animals in federally licensed facilities. We named this law in honor of a Golden Retriever who suffered and died at Gingerich’s facility under the USDA’s watch. On this two-year anniversary of the rescue of more than 500 puppy mill dogs, use this form to urge your member of Congress to support Goldie’s Act!

Frightening Tricks from the Puppy Mill Industry

Leaves are falling, there’s a chill in the air, and scary movies are playing on TV. It’s spooky season… but trouble lurks year-round for dogs in commercial breeding facilities. These facilities masquerade as something they’re not, deceiving well-intentioned families who just wanted to bring home a furry little friend. Be sure you don’t fall for these frightening puppy mill tricks:

It Happened Again: DOJ Forced to Take Action Against Another Commercial Breeder

Update October 9, 2023: The Virginia Attorney General's Office seized 110 cats and kittens from the Mikirtichev facility with the assistance of Chesterfield County Animal Services and the Humane Society of the United States.

For the second time in just over a year, the U.S. Department of Justice has been forced to step in because the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continued to allow cruel breeders at a Virginia facility to break the law repeatedly.

Since 2017, Elena and Andrey Mikirtichev have been USDA-licensed commercial dog and cat breeders in North Chesterfield, Virginia—breeding hundreds of animals and selling them for thousands of dollars. Throughout this time, USDA inspectors continually documented horrific examples of animal cruelty at this breeding facility. Abuse included failure to provide veterinary care, denying animals access to adequate food and water, and housing animals in unclean and unsafe enclosures.

Thank you, Congressional Animal Protection Caucus co-chairs Earl Blumenauer, Vern Buchanan, Mike Quigley, Brian Fitzpatrick, Sharice Davids, Nicole Malliotakis & 60 other members of Congress for raising concern about the USDA's failures to enforce the Animal Welfare Act!

Read the letter

Seven states have already passed laws to stop the sale of puppies in pet stores! And last night, Louisville, KY became the 477th locality to do the same.

Find out how you can take action in your area humanesociety.org/advocateguide

Ban on Louisville pet stores selling cats and dogs from breeders is a 'huge win,' expert says

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville retail pet stores soon won't be able to continue selling dogs or cats unless they get them from somewhere else. Metro Council approved an ordinance Thursday night that bans such stores from selling dogs and cats, targeting those that operate as puppy or kitten mills.

Nearly 100 dogs are removed from deplorable conditions in Ogden

An already-crowded Animal Rescue League of Iowa is even shorter on space now after teams were dispatched to Boone County where nearly a hundred dogs had to be removed from what’s described as a puppy mill.

The ARL’s KC Routos says conditions at the property in Ogden were exceptionally poor and the smell was overpowering even before the buildings were entered. “There was excrement from the animals in their spaces and there were quite a few pregnant moms with their puppies as well,” Routos says. “Some of the dogs had matting and were incredibly thin as well, and some of the puppies were just days old, still nursing on their mothers.”

The ARL has been fighting capacity all summer long as there have been dogs coming in practically daily, so handling this large of a case is putting the Des Moines facility in a bind.

It Happened Again: DOJ Forced to Take Action Against Another Commercial Breeder

For the second time in just over a year, the U.S. Department of Justice has been forced to step in because the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continued to allow cruel breeders at a Virginia facility to break the law repeatedly.

Since 2017, Elena and Andrey Mikirtichev have been USDA-licensed commercial dog and cat breeders in North Chesterfield, Virginia—breeding hundreds of animals and selling them for thousands of dollars. Throughout this time, USDA inspectors continually documented horrific examples of animal cruelty at this breeding facility. Abuse included failure to provide veterinary care, denying animals access to adequate food and water, and housing animals in unclean and unsafe enclosures.

Federal Court Agrees to Block USDA Licensed Dog and Cat Breeder from Operating

ASPCA calls for passage of Goldie’s Act as federal court intervenes once again to protect animals at another Virginia facility, one year after the Envigo case exposed USDA’s failures

NEW YORK, NY – A Federal Court in Virginia has issued a temporary restraining order against a USDA-licensed dog and cat breeding facility in North Chesterfield, Va., after agreeing with the Department of Justice that the animals held by the commercial breeder were in serious danger. In response to the court’s decision, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) issued the following statement:

“The Chesterfield case is the latest example of the USDA’s repeated failure to enforce the Animal Welfare Act, even when the conditions are extremely poor and animals are dying,” said Robert Hensley, Senior Counsel, ASPCA Legal Advocacy and Investigations. “Despite recording hundreds of violations for licensed dog dealers last year, the USDA has continuously failed to take any meaningful action against these problematic dealers, and we urge Congress to pass Goldie’s Act to fix the USDA’s broken system and ensure that animals in federally licensed facilities get the protections they deserve.”

Nine dogs dead since removal from Johnson County puppy farm

Rescue effort has required ‘all hands on deck’ at Iowa City shelter

Groomer Cameron Couch bends under a rescued doodle while grooming her at a donated building in Iowa City on Tuesday. The dog is among 131 that were removed from a puppy farm near Riverside in rural Johnson County last week. The volunteer groomers have typically only been able to groom two to four dogs because of how matted some of the animals’ hair is. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

IOWA CITY — When Michelle Boss, a hairstylist in Iowa City, read on social media about the 131 dogs that were removed from a puppy farm in rural Johnson County last week, she wanted to help.

“I was so appalled,” Boss said.

She donated money to Iowa City Animal Services, which took the dogs in, and she encouraged friends and family to do the same. But that wasn’t enough.

On Saturday, Boss volunteered to help groom the dogs. She spent three hours trimming badly matted and tangled hair on two large dogs. Boss was back Tuesday to continue the volunteer grooming work, and she wasn’t alone.

Seizure of 131 dogs from puppy mill prompts legislator to call for action

One of the 131 dogs seized from Sunset Valley Farm in Riverside is seen here shortly after being relocated to the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. (Photo courtesy of Iowa City Public Safety)

Last week’s seizure of 131 dogs at a rural Iowa breeding operation has prompted one state lawmaker to call for changes in the way the state oversees puppy mills, dog breeders and brokers.

Rep. Dave Jacoby, D-Coralville, wrote to Gov. Kim Reynolds this week asking for her cooperation in holding unscrupulous breeders accountable.

In his letter, Jacoby wrote, “It’s time for us to work together to fix this problem. I look forward to a strong and immediate bipartisan effort to end this wrong. It is as simple as inspection and enforcement. We need to stop unscrupulous puppy mill owners by strengthening the laws that govern commercial breeders, increase inspections, and penalize those who violate the law.”

Jacoby’s letter to the governor comes one week after the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship inspected Sunset Valley Farm, a commercial dog-breeding operation in the town of Riverside.

One of the 131 dogs seized from Sunset Valley Farm in Riverside is seen here with her puppies shortly after they were relocated to the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. (Photo courtesy of Iowa City Public Safety)An IDALS inspector reported finding 131 dogs on the property, many of which were found to be in distress. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office removed the dogs from the property, although one of the dogs subsequently died, reportedly from heatstroke. The dogs are now in the custody of the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center.

IC animal shelter treating half of 131 dogs surrendered to police in investigation

The dogs were being housed in an unsafe breeding kennel in Iowa City.

The Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center and other locations received 131 dogs Thursday following an investigation of a breeding kennel in Iowa City with unsafe living conditions.

Before coming to the center, the dogs were housed in a breeding kennel in Iowa City. Chris Whitmore, director of the center, said the breeding kennel surrendered all dogs and puppies, and the center is now working on triaging and vetting them. The incident is still under investigation by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.

After Years of USDA Inaction, Exotic Animal Dealer Finally Out of Business

The operator of Even Keel Exotics agreed to surrender his USDA license and over 100 animals after the Department of Justice sued him in Federal Court.

Zachery Keeler was an exotic animal dealer who sold thousands of hedgehogs, foxes, sugar gliders, prairie dogs, skunks and wild cats every year and hosted animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours of his Michigan facility, Even Keel Exotics.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had licensed the facility for over a decade and documented serious animal care and public safety issues for nearly as long. Yet, the USDA never took meaningful action to stop Keeler even when beginning last year he refused to let the agency onto his property for required inspections.

More than two dozen Wisconsin dog breeders have been cited by feds this year

Wisconsin ranks No. 4 for the number of dog breeders in the state cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for violations of health and safety rules so far this year, according to reports compiled by Bailing Out Benji, an Iowa-based animal welfare organization.

The reports cover the first six months of 2023. With 28 breeders cited for USDA violations, Wisconsin trails Ohio with 54, Iowa with 44 and Missouri with 36. The Wisconsin citations range from issues such as outdoor dog runs that have not been cleaned to one incident in which unclosed stove vents caused the temperature inside of a dog shelter to rise to 146 degrees, killing 26 puppies.

Louisville Metro Councilman introduces ordinance to prohibit sale of dogs, cats at pet stores

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - The Louisville Metro Council is considering an ordinance that would ban the retail sale of cats and dogs in pet stores and outdoor spaces like flea markets and parking lots.

It would give pet stores one year to phase out the sale of pets before it is enacted and would not impact the adoption process at local shelters.

District 20 Councilman Stuart Benson introduced the ordinance.

"This ordinance was created as a result of my work with non-profits and animal advocates as well as constituents who have contacted my office regarding a variety of problems they have had with puppy mills as well as businesses that utilize them,” Benson said in a statement. “This ordinance is focused on improving the living conditions for animals sold within Metro pet stores and encouraging the adoption of rescued and otherwise abandoned dogs and cats. I appreciate the support this ordinance has already received and hope to have this ordinance passed by the Metro Council’s Safety Committee in the coming weeks"

Iowa dog breeders cited for lack of veterinary care and other violations

Seventeen Iowa breeders cited in the second quarter of 2023

Seventeen Iowa dog breeders were cited for regulatory violations in the second quarter of 2023, with Iowa again ranking as one of the states with the highest number of violators.

Between April 1, 2023, and June 30, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture cited 17 Iowa breeders for violations of the federal regulations, according to data compiled and analyzed by the Iowa animal-welfare organization Bailing Out Benji.

2023 USDA Violations- Quarter 2

Bailing Out Benji is a national nonprofit organization that exists to provide transparency into the puppy mill industry.

Nothing Can Prepare You

Submitted by Kimberly B. and Denise L, Littleton, CO

My sister and I have been in animal rescue for almost 10 years. We have adopted four dogs and two cats and have worked around several rescue animals; however, Skylee, our seven-year-old Golden Retriever, is our first adopted puppy mill survivor. Nothing can prepare you for what you witness as a result of these poor animals being in that kind of environment.

Skylee has been with us just over eight months, and she is doing well. When she initially came to live with us, she had minimal social skills with people or other dogs. She came to us through a Golden Retriever rescue in Colorado, but before that, she was adopted twice and returned.

Gov. Kotek signs lifesaving animal protection measures into law in Oregon

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed bills to stop the sale of puppy mill puppies and kittens in pet stores (HB 2915) and to end the sale of animal-tested cosmetics (HB 3213). Kotek also recently signed a package of housing bills that included funding for domestic violence and homeless shelters to better accommodate people with pets.

“Oregonians believe in a better world for animals. These measures mitigate suffering in puppy mills and animal testing laboratories, and help people keep their pets through challenging circumstances,” said Kelly Peterson, Oregon state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “We are eternally grateful to Rep. David Gomberg, Rep. Courtney Neron, and Sen. Deb Patterson for championing these bills and share in this celebration with our dedicated coalition partners and advocates throughout the state.”

HB 2915 stops any additional pet stores in the state from selling puppies or kittens and phases out these sales in existing stores. This bill will drive the local pet market in Oregon toward more humane sources like shelters, rescues and responsible breeders. Oregon is the seventh state to take a stand against the puppy-mill-to-pet-store pipeline, joining Washington, California, Illinois, New York, Maryland and Maine.

“With this bill, the entire West Coast is now closed off to pet stores that view puppies as mere products, bringing us closer to the day when cruel puppy mills have nowhere left to sell,” says Peterson.

Extreme Heat Putting Puppy Mill Dogs in Dangerv

“Blistering Heat” “Soaring Heat Index” “Scorching Heat Wave”

It has been a record-breaking hot summer, especially in the Midwest, and many pet parents are taking special precautions to care for their dogs during extreme heat, such as keeping pets inside in the air conditioning, limiting outdoor time and making sure fresh water is always available.

But dogs in puppy mills can't escape the extreme temperatures.

Puppy mills are spread out all over the U.S., though they are most concentrated in Midwestern states—the same states that have dominated the headlines for dangerous temperatures.

US Congress has new chance to better protect animals with game-changing bill

In 2022, the HSUS was approached by the U.S. Department of Justice to remove nearly 4,000 beagles after alleged violations of the Animal Welfare Act at a breeding facility in Virginia. The Better CARE for Animals Act would strengthen the capabilities of the DOJ to take action in animal welfare matters. Meredith Lee/The HSUSx

This sensibility is at the heart of the Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) for Animals Act. Introduced by Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and John Kennedy, R-La., and Reps. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Penn., and Mike Quigley, D-Ill., the bill would usher in a new era of enhanced interagency cooperation to fight cruelty and uphold the proper treatment of animals.

The bill is designed to strengthen the capabilities of the U.S. Department of Justice, which has played an important enforcement role in animal fighting cases over the years, and more recently in cases involving animal exhibitors and dealers. With greater authority the agency could do more.

Iowa puppy mill operator sentenced to probation for animal neglect

An Appanoose County man accused of animal neglect in the operation of a puppy mill has been sentenced to two years of probation.

Henry Sommers, the 84-year-old owner of Happy Puppy on 141st Avenue in the town of Cincinnati, was arrested in February by the Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office. Sommers was charged with seven separate offenses: two counts of animal neglect resulting in serious injury or death, three counts of animal neglect resulting in injury, and two counts of animal neglect without injury.

The Appanoose County Attorney’s Office then negotiated a plea agreement that resulted in five of the seven charges being dismissed in return for a guilty plea on the two felony charges of animal neglect resulting in serious injury or death.

Sommers was recently sentenced to two years in prison, with that sentence suspended by the court. He was ordered to serve two years of probation and pay $1,710 in fines.

Featured Story:

★ Howl to the Hill: Event Brings Advocates Together in Support of Goldie’s Act

On July 20, 2023, actor Bellamy Young, animal advocates, puppy mill survivors and members of Congress joined us for “Howl to the Hill,” a rally on Capitol Hill. The event supported Goldie’s Act (H.R. 1788), legislation that would ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does its job to protect dogs in federally licensed puppy mills.

Currently, 250,000 dogs are languishing in USDA-licensed puppy mills. The USDA is turning a blind eye and failing to enforce the Animal Welfare Act, allowing dogs to suffer in cruel facilities.

Goldie’s Act is named after a Golden Retriever who lived in an abhorrent Iowa puppy mill operated by Daniel Gingerich. The USDA witnessed her decline for months yet failed to intervene. She died in that puppy mill. She didn’t even have a name until we learned about her fate.

★ "Scandal" Actor Bellamy Young Joins Members of Congress and the ASPCA on Capitol Hill to Rally Support for Goldie’s Act to Protect Dogs in Puppy Mills

“Howl to the Hill” event shines a light on the USDA’s shameful pattern of inaction, with advocates calling on Congress to pass Goldie’s Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) hosted “Howl to the Hill” on Capitol Hill to rally support for Goldie’s Act (H.R. 1788), which would ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does its job to protect dogs in federally licensed puppy mills. Named in honor of a Golden Retriever who suffered and died at a USDA-licensed puppy mill in Iowa, Goldie’s Act would require the USDA to conduct more frequent and meaningful inspections, provide lifesaving intervention for suffering animals, impose penalties for violations, and communicate with local law enforcement to address cruelty and neglect.

★ Join Goldie’s Act Week of Action to Prevent Puppy Mill Cruelty!

Jump in and take action now!

Big news: there is an opportunity to pass groundbreaking federal legislation to protect dogs in puppy mills—and YOU can play a critical role in making that happen!

Goldie’s Act (H.R. 1788) is a federal bill named in honor of Goldie, a Golden Retriever who suffered without adequate fresh food, water or veterinary care in an Iowa puppy mill that was licensed and overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). She lived and died in a dirty cage, never having experienced human kindness. Though her death could have been prevented, the USDA—the agency required to enforce the federal law that protects animals in puppy mills—turned a blind eye, even after witnessing her suffering.

Sadly, Goldie’s story is not unique. Dogs in American puppy mills continue to live and die in horrific conditions under the USDA’s watch.

Join us July 17-21, 2023, and call on Congress to pass Goldie’s Act, a bill that would require the USDA to uphold its duty to protect the thousands of dogs and puppies still living in cruel puppy mills. Help pass Goldie’s Act by taking one quick and easy action each day this week—we can make the greatest impact by working together.

★ Puppy Mill Horror: 8 Shocking Times the USDA Failed Dogs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) licenses businesses that breed and sell animals wholesale, and the agency is responsible for ensuring that these businesses provide humane care.

But that’s not what happens. The USDA isn’t doing its job.

The agency has a history of letting cruelty go unreported and unpunished. Here are eight examples of the USDA failing dogs; this information came from the agency’s own inspection reports. This is not an exhaustive list—there are countless examples of the USDA’s failure to do its job.

Warning: The following information and pictures are disturbing.

★ You’re Invited: Howl to the Hill!

Calling all dog-lovers and animal advocates! Join us this month in Washington, D.C., for an outdoor rally in support of Goldie’s Act, a federal bill that would require the USDA to do its job and protect dogs in puppy mills.

RSVP NOW

On Thursday, July 20, you and your pup are invited to show your solidarity with Goldie, a beautiful Golden Retriever who tragically suffered and died at a USDA-licensed puppy mill. The USDA watched for months as her condition continued to decline—and did nothing to save her. Goldie’s Act was named in her honor.

This event has a new date and time!

DATE: Thursday July 20, 2023
TIME: 9:30 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. ET
LOCATION: The U.S. Capitol, on the grass between Independence Ave. SE and First St. SE [MAP]

Watch: Dozens of dogs rescued from hot U-Haul truck

Body cam video shows over 30 dogs rescued from U-Haul truck

Harrowing body cam footage shows the moment officers rescued over 30 dogs from a U-Haul truck that was sitting in the Oklahoma City heat during one of the hottest months on record.

On June 5, Oklahoma City police were dispatched to a Walmart after some employees noticed a U-Haul truck that was parked in the middle of the parking lot, according to FOX 25.

American Kennel Club opposed 450+ bills designed to help dogs

Since 2008, the American Kennel Club has opposed more than 450 bills advancing various protections for dogs, including measures to regulate the treatment of dogs at massive breeding operations. The HSUS

New research conducted by our Stop Puppy Mills campaign reveals that the American Kennel Club, a purebred dog registry organization that used to call itself “the dog’s champion,” has opposed more than 450 bills that aimed to help pups since 2008. What’s more, its opposition has escalated, at the same time that dozens of AKC-linked breeders have appeared in our annual Horrible Hundred reports on problem puppy mills, and others have been charged with or convicted of animal cruelty.

Alert: Dangerous Bill Could Wipe Out Animal-Protection Laws Across the Country

Following a huge loss before the Supreme Court, groups representing industrial animal agriculture have urged federal lawmakers to introduce the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act. Though the title of the bill sounds innocent, this legislation infringes on states’ rights, ignores the will of voters and threatens to erase state animal-protection laws ranging from bans on cruel farming practices to protections for dogs in puppy mills. A clear overreach of federal power, the EATS Act could eliminate existing laws and stop states from passing new laws, creating a disastrous race to the bottom for animal welfare.

Board: Vet who helped route dogs to Iowa performed kitchen-island surgeries

A veterinarian who facilitated the sale of hundreds of puppies to Iowa brokers and retailers has had her license suspended on an emergency basis after allegedly performing surgical procedures on her kitchen island.

The Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board has summarily suspended the license of Dr. Darcy W. Overturf of Hillpoint, Wis., citing an urgent need to protect the public welfare. The board alleges Overturf admitted performing surgeries and other medical procedures on the kitchen island inside her home.

Investigators for the board also alleges Overturf improperly signed the various certificates of veterinary inspection that are needed for the transfer of dogs from and between breeders. Those documents, commonly called CVIs, are used to document the fact that the animals were physically examined by a veterinarian and can be sold to dealers in other states. Overturf is alleged to have admitted that she allowed the sellers for whom she worked to fill out significant portions of some of her CVIs.

ASPCA Assists in Rescue of Nearly 90 Dogs from Breeding Operation in Wisconsin

At the request of the Pepin County Sheriff’s Office, we are assisting with the rescue of nearly 90 dogs and puppies from a breeding operation in Wisconsin. When investigators arrived on the scene, they found dogs of varying breeds and sizes, including puppies and pregnant dogs living in unsanitary conditions. Two horses and five donkeys were also found on scene. Some of the animals had dirty hair coats and appeared to be suffering from untreated medical issues requiring immediate veterinary treatment.

USDA Unbothered by Continued Denials for Access to Exotic Animal Facility, Leaving Animals and the Public in Danger

Under the federal Animal Welfare Act, animal breeders and dealers licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are required to make their premises available for unannounced inspections, the purpose of which is to ensure animals are receiving at least the minimum standard of care required by law.

Although these are supposed to be surprise inspections, the USDA allows businesses to identify optimal hours for inspections. Despite this accommodation, upon an inspector’s arrival, licensees are often unavailable or tell the inspector it is not a good time. The USDA marks this as an “attempted inspection” and leaves without viewing the animals.

The USDA claims their inspection process ensures that licensed animal breeders and dealers follow the law. How can that be true if the USDA allows licensees to willfully and repeatedly refuse federal inspection of their premises?

5 Wisconsin puppy breeders or dealers make ‘Horrible Hundred’ new list

The list contains 100 puppy mills that are considered the worst of the worst.

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - The Humane Society for the United States releases an annual “Horrible Hundred” list, documenting problem puppy breeders and dealers across the U.S. Five entries from Wisconsin made the grim list, putting the state in unfortunate company.

“A puppy mill is a commercial dog breeding kennel where the dogs are treated like agriculture commodities rather than pets; they’re treated like breeding machines. And so you’re going to have just rows and rows of cages of dogs that are just being bred every heat cycle until their bodies wear out,” said the Humane Society’s John Goodwin.

Goodwin is the senior director for the organization’s Stop Puppy Mills campaign. He says the places and breeders on the list are there due to horrible sanitation conditions, overcrowding, and untreated medical issues/injuries. Five places or breeders are listed in Wisconsin out of the hundred on the list. The data is compiled by tracking state and federal citations and violations.

6 Kansas puppy mills included in humane society's 'Horrible Hundred' report

Inspectors found more than 125 ill or injured dogs at Steve Kruse’s Stonehenge Kennel between 2015 and 2023. (USDA/ 2022)

The Humane Society of the United States has released its annual report highlighting 100 problem puppy mills.

Kansas tied for the fifth-most, with six puppy mills in the 2023 "Horrible Hundred" report. There were seven in the 2022 report and the 2021 report.

The HSUS said in a release that Kansas puppy mills appeared in its report for keeping dogs in dirty, small cages with piles of feces.

"At one facility, the breeder [Mary Moore] admitted to tossing dead puppies into a field," the release said. "The same facility also had 264 dogs and none of the adult dogs had had regularly scheduled veterinary examinations since 2021."

HSUS says undercover investigation reveals Wichita Petland stores are buying from puppy mills in 'horrible conditions'

HSUS's annual report documenting 100 of the country's known puppy mills (PDF) has been released for 2023.

Uncovering national puppy mills

The Humane Society of the United States is reporting on problem puppy mills, including some dealers (re-sellers) and transporters. The Horrible Hundred report is a list of known, problematic puppy breeding and/or puppy brokering facilities.

It is not a list of all puppy mills, nor is it a list of the worst puppy mills in the country, but rather a list of dog breeders to avoid.

Animal Rescue League of Iowa helps remove 34 dogs from Missouri breeding operation

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Animal Rescue teams from Iowa and Missouri say they removed 34 dogs from a northern Missouri breeding operation this week.

In a press release on Thursday, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa said it worked with Wayside Waifs in Kansas City.

The operation voluntarily surrendered American Eskimo, Golden Retriever, and Labrador Retriever dogs of all ages.

The dogs will need vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, and some will even need eye and dental surgeries before they will be ready for adoption, the ARL said.

“These dogs are arriving at a time when animal shelters across the country are seeing a record high number of dogs in their care and the ARL and Wayside Waifs are no exception,” said Tom Colvin, ARL CEO.

Report: Iowa ranks near the top in this 'Horrible Hundred' list

DES MOINES, Iowa —A new report shows Iowa has the second-highest number of puppy mills in the country.

The Humane Society just published its annual "Horrible Hundred" list. Thirteen Iowa dog breeders appear on this year's list. Ohio also has 13.

Revealed: 100 reprehensible US puppy mills in Horrible Hundred report

In a photo taken by a state inspector, a dog stands looking away from the camera, her tail pointing down. At first glance, this image may seem like a sweet photo because of the boxer’s soft brown eyes and emotional expression. But farther up in the frame, the dog’s body tells a different story. Her ribs jut out; her hip bones and spinal column are starkly visible. And just beside her emaciated body is a pile of five tiny puppies sleeping next to an empty bowl.

Protect dogs from cruel puppy mills!

A Missouri Department of Agriculture inspector documented this boxer, whose name is Lindy Lou, at a breeding facility that is still licensed, not only by the state, but by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The owner, Ellen Roberts (Rocky Top K-9s), is listed in our Horrible Hundred report for the eighth time. Lindy Lou was not confiscated; the inspectors required the owner to have her treated by a veterinarian within two days of the inspection. Despite inspectors finding many ailing dogs in her kennel over the span of a decade, it appears Roberts has faced no serious repercussions, and her “business” is still operating.

Pennsylvania has 8 puppy breeders, dealers in annual Humane Society 'Horrible Hundred' report

Of the eight Pennsylvania kennels listed in the report, six are from central Pennsylvania, including four from Lancaster County, the Humane Society said.

LANCASTER, Pa. — Pennsylvania ranks among the worst states cited in the Humane Society's annual "Horrible Hundred" report, which lists 100 problem puppy breeders and dealers across the U.S.

National report shows Iowa has second most puppy mills in the country

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) - A recent study lists Iowa second only to Missouri for the number of puppy mills in the country. The research done by the Humane Society U.S. is called ‘The Horrible Hundred’ because it shows the horrors that typically come with puppy mills and animal breeders.

The Humane Society says 240 puppy mills on its list have been shut down nationwide over the past few years. This year, the study put 13 Iowa dog breeders on the list. That’s the same number as Ohio.

Iowa’s high ranking is discerning for many humane societies and animal shelters across the state.

“Our animal welfare laws are pretty sub par. We’ve got a lot of work to do. I know the HSUS Iowa is working really hard to make changes to our laws and ordinances here, but unfortunately they’re just really far behind where we should be,” said Iowa City Animal Services Officer, Devon Strief.

Iowa tied for second most problematic dog breeders in annual Horrible Hundred report

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Iowa is among the states with the most problematic dog breeders, according to an annual report.

The Humane Society released its “Horrible Hundred” report, which lists problematic puppy breeders and dealers across the country to raise awareness and encourage buyers to choose adoption or buying only from carefully-screened breeders.

Iowa and Ohio are tied with 13 dealers making the list. That comes in second only to Missouri, which has the most, with 31. Missouri has had the most problematic dealers for 11 years in a row.

USDA Message Sounds Good, but Will Its Practices Follow Suit?

In late April 2023, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the USDA agency responsible for oversight of animal businesses and farm animal health, released its five-year strategic plan [PDF] for 2023-2027. The ASPCA submitted comments on its draft proposal, urging the agency to keep animal welfare front and center in its animal programs and to steer its failed Animal Welfare Act enforcement program back on track.

Declawing, pet shop sales ban adopted in Easton. It’s now 2nd Lehigh Valley city to do so.

Easton City Council gave final approval to a new ordinance that bans the sell of dogs, cats and rabbits by pet shops within the city.

And because every squeak matters, a last-minute amendment to the law will ban the selling of guinea pigs also, the council said.

Guinea pigs are considered one of the country’s most popular pets, according to reports.

“This decision puts the city on the cutting edge of a national movement and sends a direct message to puppy mills across the country,” Easton resident and volunteer with the Lehigh Valley Humane Society Stephanie Gallagher said.

Rep. Josh Harder Joins Effort to Protect Dogs From Abusive Breeders

The Humane Society estimates 10,000 puppy mills are currently operating in the U.S.

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-9) co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to stop breeders from mistreating dogs and puppies by bolstering federal standards for commercial dog breeders. This legislation comes after dozens of puppy mills across the country have been shut down because of horrific neglect and inhumane treatment, including the heartbreaking story of an Iowa puppy mill where 199 dogs were killed in a single day. Right here in the Central Valley last year, 150 dogs were rescued from a puppy mill in Modesto.

★ Sen. Blumenthal proposes 2 bills against animal abuse

Sen. Richard Blumenthal proposed laws against animal abuse at the Dog Star Rescue in Bloomfield Monday.

If approved, the Better Care for Animals Act will strengthen the U.S Department of Justice's enforcements under the Animal Welfare Act.

A second law, the Goldie's Act, will ensure that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will enforce laws intended to protect dogs in puppy mills.

Puppy mill update: Iowa still leads the nation in both violators and citations

Iowa continues to lead the nation in the number of regulatory violations committed by puppy mills.

During the first quarter of 2023, federal inspectors cited the nation’s licensed dog breeders for 303 violations. Of those, 107 were committed by Iowa breeders.

The 107 violations were committed by 26 different Iowa breeders, which means Iowa also leads the nation in the number of puppy mills that were cited by regulators during the first three months of 2023. The No. 2 state, Missouri, had 31% fewer puppy mills cited for violations than did Iowa.

★ 199 Dogs Were Killed at Iowa Puppy Mill in ONE Day

Update May 1, 2023: Despite Kruse’s history of Animal Welfare Act violations and that he appears to have unlawfully auctioned off a dog during his suspension under another breeder’s name, there is no record of the USDA inspecting Kruse's dogs after issuing a 21-day suspension. The suspension has now lifted, and Steve Kruse continues to be licensed under the USDA to broker dogs without any restriction.

Update April 10, 2023: The USDA temporarily suspended Steve Kruse’s license for 21 days at the end of March 2023. Despite the suspension and a recent inspection documenting numerous dogs suffering from painful, untreated health conditions, there are no reports showing that any dogs have been removed from Kruse’s care.

While the suspension is a victory, the dogs at Kruse’s facility still remain in danger with Kruse’s history of abhorrent violations of the law. Goldie’s Act continues to be vital in the fight against puppy mills. Sign our form today to tell Congress to support Goldie’s Act!

February 24, 2023: Public records released last week by the USDA show 199 dogs were transferred to a puppy mill operated by Steve Kruse, and soon after, they were all euthanized by his veterinarian in a single day.

Steve Kruse is no stranger to the puppy mill industry. Over the past 30 years, he has built a massive business breeding and brokering dogs. Despite a long and troubled history of animal care violations U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to unquestioningly issue Kruse licenses to keep and sell dogs.

Animal-welfare group calls for criminal charges against Lee County puppy mill

Animal welfare advocates are asking Lee County officials to consider filing criminal charges against one of Iowa’s largest dog breeders.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture suspended the breeder’s license of Steve Kruse, whose Stonehenge Kennels is located at 2345 Highway 16 in West Point.

In its notice to Kruse, the USDA said the 21-day suspension was based on the agency’s conclusion he had willfully violated Animal Welfare Act regulations and was failing to meet the minimum standards for licensing.

USDA suspends license of major Iowa dog breeder with a history of violations

Owner once threw a bag of dead puppies at an inspector

Steve Kruse, whose Stonehenge Kennels is located at 2345 Highway 16 in West Point, was notified March 30 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture was suspending his license for 21 days. In its notice to Kruse, the USDA said it was taking the action because the agency had reason to believe he had willfully violated Animal Welfare Act regulations and was failing to “meet the minimum standards for animals.”

New progress in fight against puppy mills shows caring about companion animals is a nonpartisan issue

A dog at a massive breeding operation in Missouri, where federal inspectors found thin nursing mother dogs and a limping dog with an open sore, and state inspectors found ramshackle cages, bloody diarrhea and several instances where dogs weren’t given the minimum required space, among other issues. Missouri Department of Agriculture

In a country where political tempers often run hot, agreement can seem incredibly rare. But, regardless of party affiliation, a consensus is emerging that our companion animals should be treated with basic decency—and this is not how kitten and puppy mills treat dogs and cats.

★ 199 Dogs Were Killed at Iowa Puppy Mill in ONE Day

Update May 1, 2023: Despite Kruse’s history of Animal Welfare Act violations and that he appears to have unlawfully auctioned off a dog during his suspension under another breeder’s name, there is no record of the USDA inspecting Kruse's dogs after issuing a 21-day suspension. The suspension has now lifted, and Steve Kruse continues to be licensed under the USDA to broker dogs without any restriction.

Update April 10, 2023: The USDA temporarily suspended Steve Kruse’s license for 21 days at the end of March 2023. Despite the suspension and a recent inspection documenting numerous dogs suffering from painful, untreated health conditions, there are no reports showing that any dogs have been removed from Kruse’s care.

While the suspension is a victory, the dogs at Kruse’s facility still remain in danger with Kruse’s history of abhorrent violations of the law. Goldie’s Act continues to be vital in the fight against puppy mills. Sign our form today to tell Congress to support Goldie’s Act!

February 24, 2023: Public records released last week by the USDA show 199 dogs were transferred to a puppy mill operated by Steve Kruse, and soon after, they were all euthanized by his veterinarian in a single day.

Steve Kruse is no stranger to the puppy mill industry. Over the past 30 years, he has built a massive business breeding and brokering dogs. Despite a long and troubled history of animal care violations, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to unquestioningly issue Kruse licenses to keep and sell dogs.

★ USDA Scandal Fallout: ASPCA Sends Letter to USDA & Congress; Senior USDA Official Resigns

On March 16, 2023, the ASPCA sent an open letter to Secretary Tom Vilsack of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and members of Congress to take immediate action to protect dogs from government-sanctioned cruelty following an appalling USDA cover-up of the Envigo case.

★ D.C. Dispatch: Lawmakers bark at puppy mills, Biden energy policies

Iowa’s congressional delegation was doggedly pursuing legislation this week ranging from anti-animal cruelty proposals and restrictions on veterinary drugs to bills promoting fossil fuel production and ethanol.

Nunn joins support of dog protection bills

Rep. Zach Nunn joined with a bipartisan group of House members to support Goldie’s Act and the Puppy Protection Act, bills that aim to protect dogs from puppy mills and cruel living conditions.

Iowa dog breeders had the worst record in the nation for violations in 2022.

★ Puppy Mill Bill, Named After Iowa Dog, Could Become Federal Law

Protections for Iowa dogs could become federal law, if two bills reintroduced by Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa 3) pass.

Nunn, three other Republicans and two Democrats, reintroduced former Rep. Cindy Axne’s (D) bipartisan bill, nicknamed Goldie’s Act.

The bill would crack down on loopholes for enforcing the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and strengthen requirements for US Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspections.

The bill would crack down on loopholes for enforcing the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and strengthen requirements for US Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspections.

“Dogs are family members, and they deserve the best defense from people who would do them harm,” Nunn said in a press release. “These bipartisan bills are important to ensure better protection for dogs and to hold individuals accountable for cruel behavior.”

In memory of Iowa dog

Goldie’s Act was named in memory of one of the dogs abused at the Wayne County puppy mill owned by Daniel Gingerich. Goldie, a golden retriever, was extremely malnourished, but her condition was never officially reported or noted as a violation of the AWA.

★ Goldie’s Act Is Back: Urge Congress to Pass It!

Last Friday, U.S. Representatives Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Chris Smith (R-NJ), and Zach Nunn (R-IA) took a stand against the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) failure to protect animals at puppy mills by reintroducing Goldie’s Act, a federal bill to strengthen the USDA’s enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. Recent high-profile cases reveal the USDA’s total failure to protect animals in federally licensed facilities, as the law requires. Goldie’s Act is urgently needed to ensure that the USDA is fulfilling its legal obligation of protecting animals in commercial facilities by documenting violations, helping animals who are visibly suffering and sharing information with local law enforcement.

★ ASPCA Commends Federal Lawmakers for Introducing Goldie's Act to Protect Dogs in Puppy Mills

Goldie's Act would ensure the USDA does its job to protect dogs in federally licensed puppy mills

WASHINGTON, March 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) commends U.S. Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.),Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Chris Smith (R-N.J.), and Zach Nunn (R-IA) for introducing Goldie's Act (H.R. 1788), a federal bill that will ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does its job to protect dogs in federally licensed, commercial dog breeding facilities, also known as puppy mills. This must-pass legislation is desperately needed to right the USDA's abject failure at enforcing the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which has led to untold animal suffering.

Puppy Protection Act brings hope for dogs languishing in puppy mills

In West Point, Iowa, a large-scale, commercial breeding facility called the Stonehenge Kennel contains more than 800 dogs. Here, since 2015, more than 100 dogs have been found sick or injured; some had open lesions and could barely walk. As recently as December 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture found multiple dogs there suffering from visible hair loss, crusty or dirty eyes and ears, swellings on their legs, paws, abdomens and several other painful issues. Violations like this have been documented at the massive facility again and again for over a decade. The Stonehenge Kennel has violated the USDA’s regulations frequently enough to land in our annual Horrible Hundred report five times.

Mass USDA Corruption and Cover-Up Exposed Through Envigo Case

On March 9, 2023, the global news agency Reuters published shocking, new details about the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) mismanagement of a 2022 case involving Envigo, a mass-breeding company with multiple locations that supplies dogs for research and experimentation. They found:

• USDA inspectors were directed to delete content from their reports.
• The USDA denied additional personnel to support inspections.
• The USDA team leader supervising the investigation published a 107-page inspection report detailing Envigo’s violations. Managers ordered the report to be edited down to 22 pages, and later the team leader was removed without explanation.

★ Veterinary board imposes no public discipline in Gingerich puppy mill case

Newly disclosed records indicate 199 surrendered dogs were euthanized in one day

The state board that oversees Iowa’s veterinarians will be taking no public disciplinary action against the veterinarian connected with the Daniel Gingerich puppy mill case.

New Documentation of Florida Pet Stores Selling Cruelly Bred Puppies

In September 2022, two Miami pet stores—Glamorous Puppies and Puppies Secret—received Yorkshire Terrier puppies from one of the most notorious commercial dog dealers in the country, according to newly received documentation from the State of Iowa.

Estimated 200 Dogs Found In Filthy Conditions At Puppy Mill When Police Investigated A Murder

Stephens County, Oklahoma – An estimated 200 dogs were discovered at a Stephens County, Oklahoma, residence when police went to the home in mid-February to investigate a murder. Evidence at the home led Stephen’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies to arrest 49-year-old Karen Jean Prichard on suspicion of second-degree murder, and dismal conditions at her Marlow property prompted further investigation resulting in 113 counts of cruelty to animals.

★ Goldie’s Act: Federal Legislation to Protect Dogs in Puppy Mills

Goldie’s Act was named after Golden Retriever #142, who was a victim of one of the most egregious puppy mill cases we have seen to date. She lived without clean food and water, space to play, and love. She didn’t even have a name until we gave her one when we learned about her and the heartbreaking way she died.

★ CONGRESS: Include #GoldiesAct in the Farm Bill to protect 250k+ innocent dogs suffering in federally licensed facilities! Read ASPCA’s letter here:

★ 199 Dogs Were Killed at Iowa Puppy Mill in ONE Day

Public records released last week by the USDA show 199 dogs were transferred to a puppy mill operated by Steve Kruse and euthanized by his veterinarian just days later.

Steve Kruse is no stranger to the puppy mill industry. Over the past 30 years, he has built a massive business breeding and brokering dogs. Despite a long and troubled history of animal care violations, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to unquestioningly issue Kruse licenses to keep and sell dogs.

One breeder who operated a puppy mill under this arrangement with Kruse is the notorious Daniel Gingerich. A portion of Gingerich’s commercial breeding business was on a property owned by Kruse. Records show Kruse transferred hundreds of dogs to Gingerich, and when the USDA inspected Gingerich’s facility on that property in July 2021, they had more than enough evidence to confiscate the dogs and revoke Gingerich’s license for violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Instead, the USDA agreed for the dogs to be returned to Kruse, even though he had years of documented violations of his own.

Public records obtained from the USDA last week revealed that just a few days after the dogs were transferred back to Kruse, 199 were “euthanized” by his veterinarian [PDF].

★ Puppy Mill Update: A New Trend for Dog Breeders and Dealers?

On February 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service published its annual summary of the enforcement actions taken against those who aren’t in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA)—the only federal law protecting dogs in commercial breeding and dealing facilities.

A Long Road Ahead for a Former Puppy Mill Dog

My newly adopted doggie, Minnie, is a Toy Poodle who spent the first four years of her life in a filthy cage, covered in fleas, ear mites, and matted fur full of her own feces. She was forced to have litter after litter.

‘So-called puppy mills’ numbers continue to soar in Ohio, animal rescue groups say

HOLMES COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) – The FOX 8 I-Team has found the number of high volume dog breeders registering with the state soaring.

Hundreds of large volume dog breeders are now in Ohio, the numbers confirmed this month by the Commercial Dog Breeding Advisory Board.

In 2018, there were 290 high volume dog breeders licensed in Ohio. In 2019, 418. Now there are over 600 large volume dog breeders in the state.

Iowa dog breeders responsible for 36% of all violations in the U.S. last year

Iowa’s dog breeders had the worst record of compliance with federal regulations in 2022, accounting for 36% of all violations cited nationally.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture cited dog and cat breeders and brokers for 795 violations in 2022, a total that excludes citations for “missed” inspections resulting from USDA officials not gaining access to the operations.

Dog Breeder Arrested in Iowa

Earlier this week, a dog breeder in Iowa was arrested by the Appanoose County Sheriff. Henry Sommers, a USDA-licensed breeder until he voluntarily cancelled his license in mid-January, has been charged with two counts of animal neglect with serious injury, three counts of animal neglect with injury and two counts of animal neglect without injury.

For over a decade, and while he was licensed by the USDA, Henry Sommers bred puppies to be sold in pet stores across the country, and he has been harming dogs for just as long.

Rural Iowa dog breeder charged with seven counts of animal neglect

County law enforcement officials say they are investigating a rural Iowa dog breeder who is being sanctioned by federal regulators.

Henry Sommers, the owner of Happy Puppy on 141st Avenue in the town of Cincinnati, was arrested Tuesday by the Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office. Sommers, whose business has a long history of regulatory violations, was recently fined $12,600 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a string of violations over the past six years.

Rescued breeder dog lived a full, loving life after she was saved

Fighting the big fights for animals means that we are constantly working at an enormous scale to change thousands and thousands of lives—from securing the passage of animal protection laws and filing lawsuits on behalf of animals to conducting investigations and rescuing animals from crisis situations. But today I want to focus on one of those lives in remembrance: a poodle named B.B., who passed away in the loving arms of her adopter earlier this month.

★ Lolly’s Journey from Terrified Puppy Mill Victim to Confident Helper Dog

In November 2021, at the request of the U.S. Department of Justice and the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, the ASPCA assisted in removing, transporting and sheltering more than 500 dogs and puppies in the care of a USDA-licensed breeder in Seymour, Iowa. The animals were surrendered after the USDA documented over 190 violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

★ Congress must work across the aisle to end egregious animal abuse by commercial breeders

For years now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has displayed an unacceptable pattern of insufficient enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), leading to serious harm imposed upon innocent animals. Specifically, those provisions which require commercial breeders to be licensed and provide care for the dogs at their facilities have gone alarmingly unenforced and ignored

Take the case of breeder, Daniel Gingerich, and Golden Retriever #142, who was later named Goldie by the animal protection community. When federal inspectors at the USDA first found Goldie, she was so emaciated that her ribcage and hipbones protruded. The state of the facility was horrific: the dogs were surrounded by excrement and vermin and lacked access to food and water. Despite these conditions, the USDA took no enforcement action and as a result, Goldie died on Gingerich’s property.

★ USDA Awards Employees for Disastrous Puppy Mill Case

Update: January 11, 2023

We analyzed the USDA’s inspections, documented violations, and enforcement actions for the 2022 fiscal year, and it is clear the agency is still failing at its job to protect dogs in puppy mills. The USDA documented over 800 violations of the Animal Welfare Act by licensed dog breeders (puppy mills) and puppy brokers–collectively referred to as "dog dealers"–last year.

Sheriff launches investigation of Iowa dog breeder

The owner of a rural Iowa dog-breeding business was arrested Tuesday and charged with seven counts of animal neglect.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has fined Henry R. Sommers, who runs the Happy Puppy dog-breeding operation on 141st Avenue in the Appanoose County town of Cincinnati, $12,600. The fine stems from numerous citations for regulatory violations over the past six years.

★ WATCH: Org Urges Congress to Crackdown on Puppy Mills & Inhumane Conditions for Animals

Following the tragic death of a golden retriever at an Iowa puppy mill in 2021, the ASPCA and the Animal Rescue League of Iowa teamed up to save 500 puppies. Now, these orgs are urging Congress to pass legislation that would help animals who are living in inhumane conditions.

USDA fines Iowa dog breeder with long history of violations

A rural Iowa breeder who euthanized unwanted dogs with unauthorized stomach injections and then left the animals alone to die has been fined $12,600 by the federal government.

Henry R. Sommers, who runs the Happy Puppy dog-breeding operation on 141st Avenue in the Appanoose County town of Cincinnati, has been cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for numerous violations over the past six years.

★ USDA Awards Employees for Disastrous Puppy Mill Case

We have obtained documents showing that the USDA’s Animal Care Division gave cash awards to 17 staff members who were involved with the notorious 2021 Gingerich puppy mill case in Iowa. The documents redacted the specific dollar amounts of the awards, which recognize exceptional performance or achievements by USDA staff, but based on agency guidelines, the awards likely total tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars. Given the USDA’s mishandling of that case over the course of many months, and its lack of action to intervene to save the dogs—or even to revoke Gingerich’s license to breed—this is a staggering, outrageous development.

A Major Victory for Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits in New York

After passing the New York Legislature by large bipartisan majorities, the New York Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill has been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, ending the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in New York State's pet stores.

Celebrities and Citizens Are Urging NY’s Governor to Sign Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill into Law

After successfully making it through the New York State Legislature, the fate of the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill is in Governor Hochul’s hands. The groundbreaking legislation that would end the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in New York pet stores only needs the Governor’s signature to become law.

The puppy mill pipeline is a cruel industry that puts profit over the well-being of the animals. Puppies sold in pet stores come from commercial breeding operations, also known as puppy mills, where breeding dogs are often kept in crowded cages, forced to produce litter after litter with little to no veterinary care, adequate shelter or socialization. Their puppies are trucked into New York from all over the country, where they are sold in pet stores.

New Overwhelming Documentation of New York Pet Stores Selling Cruelly Bred Puppies

Two New York pet stores–Teacup Pup and Astoria Pets in Queens–were recently shipped puppies from one of the most notorious puppy suppliers in the country, and we have the documentation from the state of Iowa showing the transactions.

This latest information adds to the mountain of evidence that demonstrates why New York must do more to protect animals. Governor Hochul must act swiftly to sign the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill and stop cruel, out-of-state commercial breeders from profiting in New York.

Iowa dog breeders continue to lead the nation in violations

Iowa continues to lead the nation in puppy mills sanctioned by the federal government, with far more violations cited in Iowa this year than any other state.

There have been at least 623 documented violations across the country to date this year, with Iowa operators responsible for 42%, or 267, of the total. The states that are next on the list are Missouri, with 75 violations; Wisconsin, with 59 violations; and Indiana, with 29 violations.

National data on violations is collected and analyzed by Bailing Out Benji, an Iowa-based animal-welfare organization that uses U.S. Department of Agriculture records to track regulatory compliance of breeders and kennels.

★ One year later: Dogs recovering after large scale rescue in Iowa

It has been one year since the ASPCA assisted the Animal Rescue League of Iowa with the rescue of more than 500 dogs living in horrific conditions at a USDA-licensed Iowa puppy mill operated by Daniel Gingerich. Though Gingerich had a long, documented history of animal welfare violations, in November 2021, he surrendered the dogs, but only after the U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint, and a federal restraining order was issued against him.

To give an inside look at our efforts to help dogs in cruel puppy mills and ensure the USDA is enforcing the Animal Welfare Act, one year later, we’ve asked ASPCA experts to reflect their role in the rescue, rehabilitation and legal work surrounding this case.

★ Lolly makes remarkable recovery one year after largest dog rescue in Iowa

Today (Nov. 1) marks a year of recovery for hundreds of dogs rescued from an Iowa puppy mill. KCCI was there as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Animal Rescue League conducted the largest dog rescue in state history at the Gingerich Farm in Wayne County.

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★ Gingerich rescue: 1 year of freedom

One year ago the ARL conducted the biggest puppy mill rescue in our nearly 100-year history. More than 500 dogs had been living in horrendous conditions at the hands of former Iowa breeder Daniel Gingerich, who is now permanently banned from breeding and selling dogs anywhere in the country.

The massive rescue operation spanned multiple days at multiple properties, but dog after dog, puppy after puppy, our team carried them all to safety. They finally got the medical care and behavioral care they needed, the love they had been missing for so long, and the caring homes they had always deserved.

One year later, watch the video above to see how your support changed these 500+ dogs’ lives and watch until the end for a special update on Doree, the dog who could not even stand at the time of her rescue!

★ USDA Fails Dogs Yet Again, Allowing Breeders to Break the Law

October 6, 2022: In response to this enforcement disaster, 49 members of Congress, in two separate letters, expressed concern about the USDA’s failure to enforce the Animal Welfare Act.

★ State agency slashes fine against convicted puppy-mill operator

In an effort to "conserve staff time and resources," Iowa regulators have slashed the penalty imposed on one of the state’s most notorious puppy mill operators.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has cut the fine it imposed last October against former dog breeder Daniel Gingerich, reducing it from $40,000 to $10,000.

★ Nonprofit raises concerns that Iowa regulators are facilitating ‘puppy laundering’

State and federal regulators don’t track where breeders are shipping animals

An Iowa state agency is charging a nonprofit group $225 to offset the expense of searching for puppy-mill records the agency now admits it doesn’t maintain.

★ Iowa continues to lead the nation in puppy-mill violators

Iowa continues to lead the nation in puppy mills sanctioned by the federal government and is expanding its lead over other states.

During the second quarter of 2022, a total of 23 Iowa breeders and brokers were cited for regulatory violations by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Missouri came in a distant second place for the number of violators, at 13.

What Happens When the Federal Government Finds Dogs Living Like This?

This Bulldog puppy was living in filth and pacing in circles in his enclosure at a federally licensed puppy-breeding facility in Iowa. The facility’s licensee told an inspector from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that the puppy had an open wound on his neck when he was one week old. He also said that he sewed it up himself with a needle and thread and that he did not seek medical care for the puppy.