Iowa still leads the country in both puppy mill lawbreakers and citations

During the very first quarter of 2023, federal inspectors mentioned the country’s certified dog breeders for 303 infractions. Of those, 107 were dedicated by Iowa breeders.

The 107 infractions were dedicated by 26 various Iowa breeders, which implies Iowa likewise leads the country in the variety of puppy mills that were mentioned by regulators throughout the very first 3 months of 2023. The No. 2 state, Missouri, had 31% less puppy mills mentioned for infractions than did Iowa.

The information likewise reveals that some Iowa breeders, after being mentioned for infractions by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, gave up or canceled their license, then obtained a brand-new license for the very same operation — a procedure that has the impact of obscuring their previous history of infractions.

“It is a huge loophole within the USDA’s program to allow licensees to cancel their license when they have a problematic history, only to obtain a new one at the same address,” said Mindi Callison, creator and executive director of Bailing Out Benji, a nationwide animal-welfare organization based in Iowa. “This isn’t fair to the consumer who might be trying to do their research before they buy a dog, and it isn’t fair for the animals who keep suffering in these sub-par, neglectful facilities. We need the USDA and Congress to close this loophole now and hold bad actors accountable.”

Bailing Out Benji gathers the information on dog-breeders infractions from the USDA, then compiles and analyzes it on a quarterly basis. The information reveals the 5 states with the most breeders mentioned for infractions January through March 2023 are:

In addition to the 26 Iowa breeders mentioned for infractions in the very first quarter, one breeder with a history of infractions was criminally charged with neglect.

Henry Sommers of Happy Puppies in the Appanoose County town of Cincinnati was mentioned for infractions in all 4 quarters of 2022. He canceled his license in the very first quarter of 2023 after county authorities charged him with 7 counts of animal disregard.

During their examination, Appanoose County authorities observed 4 dogs living in what the constable’s workplace referred to as “an unhealthy environment.” The arrest report shows a deputy discovered feces in a food bowl, and “piles of excrement in with the dogs, as well as a pile of waste underneath them.” A vet apparently identified that a minimum of among the dogs had a big abscess on one shoulder, and 2 of the dogs required to be bathed and shaved instantly.

According to the deputy’s report, the vet reported having actually seen a few of Sommers’ dogs on a previous event, which among the animals had a swelling on the stomach and the other had oral problems, both of which needed surgical intervention.

Sommers has actually pleaded innocent to the criminal charges. A pretrial conference in the event is scheduled for June 14.

The 26 Iowa breeders and the infractions for which they were mentioned in the very first quarter of 2023 consist of:

Ilen and Wanda Koedam of Koedams Kountry Kennels in Rock Rapids: At the time of their Feb. 16 evaluation, the Koedams had 261 dogs and were mentioned for 3 noncritical infractions. The inspectors declared there were 25 dogs on the properties that did not have any recognition, and 10 puppies that had yet to be weaned were being housed in enclosures with holes in the floor covering through which their feet and legs were falling. Also, there were no records showing when 125 dogs may have been provided the needed yearly screening for heartworm.

Amos and Eugene Bontrager of Cantril Kennel in Keosauqua: On Jan. 4, USDA authorities attempted, however stopped working, to carry out an examination of the Cantril Kennel. The Bontragers were mentioned for one noncritical offense relating to the USDA’s failure to get to the property. “There was no answer at the house or the kennel,” the inspector reported. “I called and left a message to licensee’s work phone. Receiving no responses, I left the facility at 2:39 p.m.” Due to the USDA’s failure to carry out an examination, it’s not understood the number of dogs are at the website.

Scott Swanson of S & J Kennels (Site No. 2) in Ollie: On Feb. 1, USDA authorities attempted and stopped working to check the kennel and Swanson was mentioned for one noncritical offense relating to the USDA’s failure to get to the property. “The inspector arrived at the facility and knocked on the door,” the inspector reported. “The inspector sent the licensee a text message and called and left a message. The licensee replied and stated that he was not available for the inspection. The inspector then left the facility.”

The inspector returned 2 months later on, on March 29, and mentioned Swanson for one direct offense relating to the going to vet and insufficient veterinary care, plus 3 noncritical infractions relating to recordkeeping, housing centers and the main enclosures for dogs.

The inspector discovered that a male French bulldog called Buzz had actually been hurt in a battle with another dog, Lucky. One of Buzz’s feet was inflamed and a big area of hair, skin and the hidden tissues was missing out on. Part of his big paw pad had actually been detached and blood covered the hair of the foot. “Several large injuries are also located along the left side of the dog’s spine,” the inspector reported. “A section of skin had been torn from the dog’s back and is still attached to one of the affected areas. The hair coat surrounding the wounds is stiff and contains a hard dark colored material.”

The inspector likewise taken a look at Lucky, a female French bulldog. She had 2 big injuries on the exterior of her left front leg and the center of each injury was dark red with new blood in the surrounding location. “Numerous small puncture wounds were also identified along the outside of the right hind leg and fresh blood is located around many of these wounds,” the inspector composed.

Swanson informed inspectors the 2 dogs were hurt in a battle 3 weeks prior, including that he had actually not talked to a vet about the injuries and had actually not produced a treatment strategy that was authorized by a vet.

There were 36 dogs on the properties at the time of the evaluation. Swanson had actually been formerly mentioned for infractions throughout assessments in the 2nd and 4th quarters of 2022.

Heath Meyers of Century Farm Puppies in Grundy Center: At the time of this March 1 evaluation, Meyers was mentioned for one direct offense relating to the going to vet and insufficient veterinary and 4 noncritical infractions. The inspector made note of a spaniel with matted ears that had poor oral health, with a few of her teeth totally enclosed in a difficult, brown accumulation. The inspector likewise observed a poodle that was consistently shaking his head due to both ear canals being obstructed by an accumulation of hair and dark brown natural product.

In addition, the inspector explained a Bichon that was observed “hopping around” with its best rear leg held up in the air due to a toe pad that was partly torn away. The dog was likewise in poor oral health, with some teeth that were loose and their roots exposed. Meyers or his agents were “unaware” of the dog’s condition, the inspector reported.

Other issues connected to the physical environment were mentioned. There were 353 dogs on website at the time of the evaluation. The center’s records suggested there were 283 adult dogs on hand, however just 225 adult dogs were counted. The USDA released Meyers a caution as an outcome of the March 1 evaluation.

Barbara and Martin Hammen of S.R.K. Kennel in Jolley: At the time of their Feb. 15 evaluation, the Hammens were mentioned for one noncritical offense. The kennel was discovered to have actually canceled its license in 2021 and after that continued selling dogs without the needed license for interstate commerce. “The owner said they were not breeding the Bernese mountain dogs, but a posting on Puppies.com shows they put up two Bernese mountain dog puppies for sale in December 2022,” the inspector kept in mind. “Puppies from at least three St. Bernard litters have also been posted in the last year.”

The Hammens were then approved a brand-new license, and on March 23, the USDA released the Hammens a caution – which can be a precursor to a license suspension — originating from the Feb. 15 evaluation. The Hammens then canceled their recently gotten license.

Carla Couchman of C & L Puppies in Weldon: During her Dec. 30, 2022, evaluation, Couchman had 111 dogs on hand and was mentioned for 3 noncritical infractions. “Four enclosures throughout the premises have a buildup of grey-to-brown grime on the metal doors and the plastic walls around the metal doors,” the inspector reported. “The buildup of grime indicates that daily spot-cleaning is not taking place. Without daily spot-cleaning and required sanitization the disease potential can increase for the five adult dogs in those enclosures.”

In addition, a few of the enclosures included metal self-feeding receptacles without any covers covering the feed available to the 19 dogs who consumed from them – increasing the capacity for water, insects and mold to infect the feed.

Dennis and Donna Van Wyk of Prairie Lane Kennel in New Sharon: At the time of this Jan. 12 evaluation, the Van Wyks were mentioned for 6 noncritical infractions relating to the going to vet and insufficient veterinary care; recordkeeping, housing centers; the protected housing for dogs; incompatible grouping of dogs; and insufficient veterinary look after the dogs.

“One adult female dog and five puppies are housed on raised plastic flooring,” the inspector reported. “Nearly the entire surface of the flooring is coated in dried feces. The dogs cannot move about the enclosure without coming into contact with the feces. The licensee stated the enclosure had last been cleaned a few days ago.”

The inspector likewise made note of an extreme quantity of rodent droppings. “A buildup of rodent feces is located on surfaces throughout the interior of the large-breed sheltered building,” the inspector composed, including that there were “rodent feces on top of the dog enclosures, in slide-out trays under empty enclosures, on the flooring of empty enclosures, and on the top of feeders in empty enclosures. A dead mouse and rodent feces were observed next to the access door inside an empty enclosure. Seven dogs are housed in this building.”

The inspector likewise reported discovering 2 German shepherds that were restricted to an enclosure that was not high sufficient to permit them to stand or being in a regular position. “When the dogs are standing or sitting, their heads touch the top of the enclosure and their ears cannot be held in the normal upright position but must be flattened out to the side or folded back against the head,” the inspector composed, including that the dogs were “moving about the enclosure with their heads slightly ducked down.”

The Van Wyks apparently had each adult dog taken a look at by a vet in April 2022, however there was no composed documents of the tests or their outcomes. There were 57 dogs on hand at the time of the evaluation.

Elias H. Mast of Shady Ridge Kennels in Bloomfield: At the time of this Feb. 28 evaluation, Mast was mentioned for 5 noncritical infractions relating to the going to vet and insufficient veterinary care. His records suggested the business’s vet had actually carried out a “visual examination” of all the adult dogs in June 2022, however there were no records on hand showing a physical exam of the dogs had actually been carried out. There were 41 dogs on hand at the time of the evaluation. Bailing Out Benji says it has records showing Mast offers to animal shops in a minimum of 6 states.

Helene Hamrick of Wolf Point Kennel in Ackworth: At the time of this March 14 evaluation, Hamrick was mentioned for 6 noncritical infractions relating to the going to vet and insufficient veterinary care, recordkeeping, the housing centers, the dogs’ main enclosures, and the veterinary look after the dogs.

The inspector kept in mind a male Bichon and a male poodle each had actually substantially matted hair. The poodle had “clumps of matted hair” throughout the top of his head and around his tail. Although the kennel declared to be grooming dogs every 3 months, the poodle was 6.5 months old and had yet to be groomed.

Several problems were related to the physical environment, with the inspector keeping in mind that many enclosures had actually a harmed limit in between the doggy doors, with a metal covering that was broken, developing sharp points and rugged edges the dogs might step on. There were 59 dogs on the properties at the time of the evaluation.

Henry and Mary Beth Detweiler of Detweiler’s Kennel in Fairbank: At the time of this Feb. 13 evaluation, the Detweilers were mentioned for one noncritical offense relating to the incorrect recognition of dogs. There were 22 dogs on the properties at the time of the evaluation.

Jake Kruse of K & E Kennels in Salem: On March 8, USDA authorities attempted, however stopped working, to carry out an examination of Kruse’s kennels. “Inspectors knocked on door of house, called and left message, honked horn of car, spoke with an individual at the facility who stated no one was available for the inspection,” the USDA report checks out. “Inspectors then left the facility.” Kruse was mentioned for one noncritical offense relating to the USDA’s failure to get to the property. Bailing Out Benji reports that federal records show Kruse offers to animal shops in a minimum of 18 states.

Jeff Wagenbach of Timbercreek Puppies in Burlington: At the time of this Feb. 27 evaluation, Wagenbach was mentioned for 5 noncritical infractions relating to the going to vet and insufficient veterinary care; the housing centers; and the veterinary care offered the dogs. “The licensee has not been testing the dogs for heartworm or intestinal parasites,” the inspector reported. There were 59 dogs on the properties at the time of the evaluation.

Jeremy Steiner of Stonyridge Puppies in Burlington: At the time of this Jan. 23 evaluation, Steiner was mentioned for one noncritical offense relating to housing centers.  “There is loose dog food kibble on the floor,” the inspector reported, “and there are rodent feces mixed in.” There were 69 dogs on hand at the time of the evaluation.

Jerry Troyer of Chariton: At the time of this Feb. 15 evaluation, Troyer was mentioned for 4 noncritical infractions relating to the veterinary care offered the dogs. “The dogs are not receiving the required physical exam by the attending veterinarian every 12 months,” the inspector reported. “Documentation showed that some of the dogs had received physical exams from the veterinarian in June 2021.” Also, Troyer was utilizing billings from his vet to file treatments and treatments the dogs had actually gone through – however a number of those billings stopped working to recognize the dog that received the treatment. There were 28 dogs on hand at the time of the evaluation.

Kyle Holtkamp of Donnellson: At the time of this Feb. 13 evaluation, Holtkamp was mentioned for 5 noncritical infractions relating to the going to vet and insufficient veterinary care; the incompatible grouping of dogs; and insufficient veterinary care. “The program of veterinary care is incomplete and the vaccination information for adult dogs is missing,” the inspector reported.  Bailing Out Benji has records showing Holtkamp is offering dogs to pet shops in a minimum of 3 states, although the February evaluation was his very first because 2020. There were 73 dogs on hand at the time of the evaluation.

Linda, Stanley and Bethany Korver of Orange City: At the time of this Feb. 15 evaluation, the Korvers were mentioned for 10 noncritical infractions – an uncommonly high number. The infractions related to the approach of determining dogs, recordkeeping, housing centers for dogs, watering, cleansing, the sanitization of specific locations, total house cleaning, bug control, and the veterinary care that was offered the dogs.

The inspector kept in mind a mix of water, bed linen product and animal waste that was gathering near a hut utilized to house 5 dogs. “At least two water receptacles had an algae-looking substance on the interior surface of the water receptacle,” the inspector reported. “When the water becomes contaminated, it is no longer considered to be safe to be consumed.”

Also, the inspector kept in mind that bird droppings were building up on top of gates, metal pans, rubber containers, metal fencing and a storage table that entered contact with dogs. “The facility has no current, effective pest-prevention program in place,” the inspector reported.

In addition, 27 of the 34 dogs that were on hand had no record of physical exams, heartworm treatment or vaccinations for rabies. According to Bailing Out Benji, federal records show the Korvers are offering dogs to a Nebraska broker called Crittersville.

Mark Wehling of North Winds Kennel in Monona: At the time of this Feb. 15 evaluation, Wehling was mentioned for 5 noncritical infractions relating to the going to vet and insufficient veterinary care, the techniques utilized to recognize dogs, the housing centers, the absence of an authorized workout prepare for the dogs, and the veterinary care that was offered the dogs.

Six adult dogs lagged on their vaccines and the center was keeping vaccines that had actually ended. Also, 18 adult dogs needed an oral cleansing, however had actually not received them and had actually no scheduled visits for a cleansing. There were 53 dogs on hand at the time of the evaluation.

Marvin E. Hershberger of Twin Pines Kennel in Bloomfield: At the time of this Feb. 21 evaluation, Hershberger was mentioned for one noncritical offense. The kennel was keeping vaccines at 51 degrees instead of the 35- to 46-degree variety suggested to make sure effectiveness. There were 14 dogs on the properties at the time of the evaluation.

Melvin Yoder of Locust Creek Kennel in Seymour: At the time of this Feb. 15 evaluation, Yoder was mentioned for 3 noncritical infractions relating to the incompatible grouping of dogs and the veterinary care offered the dogs. According to Bailing Out Benji, federal records show Locust Creek Kennel is offering dogs to pet shops in a minimum of 6 states. There were 40 dogs on hand at the time of this evaluation.

Merlin Yoder of Oak Brook Kennel in Drakes Ville: On Jan. 9, USDA authorities attempted, and stopped working, to check the kennel and Yoder was mentioned one noncritical offense relating to the USDA’s failure to get to the property. “The inspector arrived at the facility at 1:15 pm and knocked on the door to the house, honked the car horn, called the phone number and left a message, and then waited 30 minutes,” the inspector reported. “The inspector then left the facility.”

The day after the attempted evaluation, Yoder apparently had a vet analyze each of the 20 grownup dogs at the center – however the outcomes of those evaluations were not recorded. Inspectors returned on Jan. 23 and mentioned Yoder for stopping working to keep appropriate medical records.

Natalie Connally of Kutabays in Pella:  On  Jan. 5, USDA authorities attempted, and stopped working, to check the kennel and Connally was mentioned one noncritical offense relating to the USDA’s failure to get to the property.

The inspector returned on Jan. 24 and mentioned Connally for 7 noncritical infractions relating to the outside housing centers, the feeding of 13 dogs, the watering for 6 dogs, and veterinary care. Prior to that check out, the kennel had actually not been checked because 2020, regardless of a history of previous infractions.

In a minimum of 10 outside dog enclosures which contained an overall of an overall of 21 adult dogs, the shelters were considered to be too little to accommodate the dogs. “In several of these enclosures, the dogs are significantly taller than the shelter and are unable to sit or stand inside them in a normal position,” the inspector reported.

“The facility uses wood shavings to cover the floors in the dog enclosures,” the inspector included. “In at least two enclosures, containing a total of six adult dogs, the wood shavings are completely saturated and no clean and dry shavings remain. The licensee thought it had been several days since the shavings had been cleaned out and replaced … The food receptacles for the puppies are heavily contaminated with wood shavings making it difficult for the puppies to consume the food without also consuming the shavings … One enclosure, containing one adult male Australian shepherd, has no water in the water bucket. Only dry wood shavings were observed in the bucket … In at least two other enclosures, containing a total of four adult dogs, the water in the buckets is heavily contaminated by a thick layer of wood shavings making it difficult for the dogs to drink water without also consuming the shavings.”

In addition, the kennel had no records to reveal the dogs had actually been immunized, dewormed and dealt with for heartworm as the owner thought. There were 99 dogs and cats on the properties at the time of the evaluation.

Orla Nisley of Rolling Organic Acres in Edgewood: At the time of this Feb. 21 evaluation, Nisley was mentioned for 2 noncritical infractions relating to the going to vet and insufficient veterinary care. There were 90 dogs on the properties at the time of the evaluation.

David Horning of Ionia: At the time of his Feb. 28, evaluation, Horning was mentioned for one direct offense relating to the kennel’s going to vet and insufficient veterinary care. Five dogs and one departed puppy were impacted by that offense, the USDA reported, and there were likewise 5 noncritical infractions mentioned.

The inspector discovered one three-week-old Boston Terrier puppy that was much smaller sized than its littermate and had a thick, white discharge from one eye that she couldn’t keep open. The puppy likewise had a large head, in addition to constant tremblings and “open, red, raw sores on her hind paws.”

The inspector likewise reported discovering a Shih Tzu with matting at the corners of his eyes that so serious it was tough to even see the dog’s eyes. The dog likewise had a substantial accumulation of difficult, brown product on its teeth and his gum tissue had actually declined and exposed the roots to a few of the teeth.

Horning apparently attempted to shave the dog’s face throughout the evaluation and accidently cut the skin listed below the left eye developing “a large, flapping, red, open wound,” the inspector reported. The inspector discovered a dead puppy below the kennel’s raised enclosures. Horning had actually not discovered the puppy.

The inspector likewise made note of a Bichon with exceedingly long toe nails and nontransparent, yellow-green discharge from one eye; a various Bichon with poor oral health, long toe nails and matted hair throughout its body; and a female cocker spaniel with badly matted hair on its legs, ears and face. The inspector likewise kept in mind Horning was not screening dogs for heartworm as needed was not keeping records of any vaccines for distemper, parvovirus or Bordetella.

There were at least 104 dogs on hand at the time of the evaluation. Horning received a main caution from the USDA as an outcome of the Feb. 28 evaluation and has actually because canceled his license.

Steve Kruse of Stonehenge Kennels in West Point: At the time of this March 7 evaluation, USDA authorities mentioned Kruse for one direct offense relating to the going to vet and insufficient veterinary care – an offense that impacted 17 of the dogs. He was likewise mentioned for one noncritical offense relating to veterinary care. Inspectors returned on March 14 and mentioned Kruse for 2 noncritical infractions relating to the going to vet and insufficient veterinary care.

The USDA then suspended Kruse’s license for 21 days. Stonehenge Kennels is among Iowa’s biggest dog breeding operations and Kruse apparently offers to animal shops throughout the nation utilizing brokers found in Iowa. Kruse was likewise mentioned for infractions in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters of 2022.

Tom and Carla Steffensmeier of T & C Steffensmeier Kennels in West Point: At the time of this March 8 evaluation, the Steffensmeiers were mentioned for 12 noncritical infractions – a typically high number. Those infractions related to the going to vet and insufficient veterinary care, the housing centers, the main enclosures, the feeding of dogs, cleansing, sanitization, total house cleaning, bug control, and veterinary look after the dogs.

The inspector kept in mind that an adult female dog had a hairless, inflamed location on the left back paw, which was red and discharging fluid. The staff had actually not discovered the dog’s condition and no treatment was being offered or prepared. In a room for large-breed dogs, a minimum of 2 overhead water lines were broken and dripping water straight into the enclosures that housed 3 dogs.

Also, many feeding gadgets utilized to offer food for 20 of the dogs were broken and in severe disrepair. “Approximately 36 feeders accessed by 35 adult dogs contain insects on the food in the feeders,” the inspector reported. “The insects are approximately a quarter-inch in length and are crawling on the food.”

The inspector likewise reported “a large amount of waste materials” on the concrete floorings, composing: “The waste material was most pronounced at the end of the room where the pipes place the waste in the gutter … Rodent feces are located on top of the drainage pipes and surrounding the waste material on the floor.”

In the room housing the golden retrievers, the inspector saw the ammonia level increased towards completion of the room where the waste product was building up on the floorings below the dog enclosures.

In addition, the inspector observed an adult golden retriever anchored to the flooring of its enclosure due to its foot being stuck in an opening of the flooring. “The left back toes were observed by the inspector to be through the hole in the lattice flooring and the dog was unable to release it,” the inspector reported. “The dog would pivot its body around the left hind leg but would not pick up the foot or walk around the enclosure. The licensee pushed the dog’s foot out of the opening and the dog was able to then walk around the enclosure.”

The inspector likewise made note of a rodent invasion: “In the feed room, along the floors and on a pile of broken feeders, there was a large amount of rodent feces. The pile of broken feeders contained old, moldy food and organic matter. Additionally, a live mouse was found in the entry way between all of the adult-dog rooms. The mouse ran behind the open door to one of the dog rooms and the inspector observed an adult mouse with what appeared to be a litter of baby mice behind this door.”

There were 225 dogs on hand at the time of the evaluation. The Steffensmeiers offer to animal shops in a minimum of 12 states, according to federal records obtained by Bailing Out Benji.

Troy and Jody Grant of Critter Haven Exotics in Thornton: At the time of this Jan. 18 evaluation, the Grants were mentioned for 2 noncritical infractions relating to the going to vet and insufficient veterinary care; and cleansing, sanitization, total house cleaning and bug control. The Grants informed the inspector they do not clean up the dog enclosures throughout the cold weather, and the inspector kept in mind there was an accumulation of brown natural product on the tin-sided walls and the flooring, developing a possible health threat.