2023 USDA Violations- Quarter 1

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Bailing Out Benji is a national nonprofit organization that exists to provide transparency into the puppy mill industry. We forensically audit government health records and inspection reports in order to connect puppy mills and commercial dog breeders to the various outlets in which they sell. We pay for many of these documents and then make them available for free on our website and to the public in order to provide the transparency that the public deserves before buying a puppy. 

To see our pet store and online broker research, click here.

According to the USDA: An inspection report documents an inspector’s observations and professional assessments of compliance at facilities regulated under the AWA. Below we have compiled a list of all of the USDA dog breeders and brokers that have had violations in Quarter 1 of 2023.

This time period is from January 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023. 

Editors note: USDA inspectors have 5 days to give a copy of their inspection to the licensee and 30 days to publish their reports online. There may be additional facilities we add to this list once more inspection reports are added to the database.

Omitted from these violations are missed inspections. The list below also only reflects dog and cat breeders and brokers (licenses A and B).

This list of violations below was obtained from the USDA APHIS search engine. Any pet store connections were obtained from various state departments of agriculture. 

You can view our 2022 Quarterly Violation Reports here

If you have any questions about the breeders listed on this report or our methodology for obtaining this information, please email our research analyst: Alexis Bell, research@bailingoutbenji.com

This time period is from January 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023. 

Arkansas

Elisa Brandvik. Ozark, Arkansas- Brandvik also received violations in Quarter 3 and Quarter 4 of 2022, with an official warning in Quarter 3. At the time of their February 13, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Brandvik received 5 non-critical violations pertaining to requirements and application, housing facilities, outdoor housing facilities, watering, cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Elisa Brandvik 2.13.23

Frank Foster. Hindsville, Arkansas- Foster also received violations in Quarter 4 of 2022. At the time of their January 24, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Foster received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and primary enclosures. We have record of this facility selling puppies to at least one pet store in Connecticut. Frank Foster 1.24.23

Gary Brown and Carolyn Brown. Van Buren, Arkansas- Brown received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations they received on December 1, 2022 and has since canceled their license. USDA Warning Gary Brown & Carolyn Brown

Karen Griffith. Mountainview, Arkansas- At the time of their February 10, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Griffith received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care that affected 2 dogs, and 1 non-critical violation pertaining to time and method of identification. Griffith received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations received on February 10, 2023. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Florida and Connecticut. Karen Griffith 2.10.23   USDA Warning Karen Griffith

Rhonda Baerwald. Sulphur Springs, Arkansas- At the time of their January 25, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Baerwald received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to contingency planning, primary enclosures, cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. We have record of this facility selling to at least one pet store in Florida. Rhonda Baerwald 1.25.23

Connecticut

All Pets Club Inc. New Haven, Connecticut- At the time of their February 8, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, All Pets Club received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. All Pets Club Inc 2.8.23

Florida 

Exclusive Paws LLC. Port St. Lucie, Florida- At the time of their February 28, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, Exclusive Paws received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to requirements and application (where they moved to a new location but did not notify the Agency of move and does not have new location covered by license) and access and inspection of records and property; submission of itineraries. Exclusive Paws LLC 2.28.23

Illinois

Raymond Schlabach, Dreamy Puppy LLC. Campbel Hill, Illinois- At the time of their March 16, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Dreamy Puppy received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (a violation that affects 4 dogs) and veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in 3 states. Dreamy Puppy 3.16.23

Indiana

Daniel F. Wingard, Valleyhill Pups. Bristol, Indiana- Wingard also received violations in Quarter 3 of 2022 which included 1 direct violation. At the time of their January 18, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, Wingard received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records and property. We have record of this facility selling to pet stores in 2 states and to the broker Up North Trading Co. Daniel F. Wingard 1.18.23

Dewayne Yoder, Trackside Kennels. Goshen, Indiana- At the time of their January 17, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Yoder received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Connecticut and Illinois. Dewayne Yoder 1.17.23

Elmer Raber and Carolyn Raber, Cedar Lane Kennels. Loogootee, Indiana- At the time of their February 16, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Raber received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Connecticut and Virginia. Elmer Raber and Carolyn Raber 2.16.23

Floyd Borntrager, Kuntry Lane Kennel. Salem, Indiana- Borntrager received an Official USDA Warning stemming from a violation received on January 13, 2023. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in 4 states. At the time of this article being written, Borntrager’s inspection report was not available online. USDA Warning Floyd Borntrager

Kevin Ray Miller. Milford, Indiana- At the time of their January 18, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Miller received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Kevin Ray Miller 1.18.23

Nathan Yoder, Joanne Yoder and Mac Vanover, A Heart For Puppies LLC AKA Posh Puppies.  Bristol, Indiana- At the time of their February 9, 2023, USDA routine inspection, A Heart For Puppies received 1 non-critical violation for moving the facility to another location without notifying the USDA. A Heart For Puppies LLC 2.9.23

Philip Imhoff. Rochester, Indiana- At the time of their March 2, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Imhoff received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Philip Imhoff 3.2.23

Roger K. Miller. Montgomery, Indiana- Miller also received a violation in Quarter 1 of 2022. At the time of their January 19, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Miller received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. This violation affected 3 dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Connecticut. Roger Miller 1.19.23

Steven Yoder. LaGrange, Indiana- At the time of their March 22, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yoder received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care of dogs. We have record of this facility selling to at least one pet store in Missouri and to the brokering website PuppySpot. Steven Yoder 3.22.23

Iowa

Allen Koedam and Wanda Koedam, Koedams Kountry Kennels. Rock Rapids, Iowa- At the time of their February 16, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Koedam received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification, primary enclosures, and veterinary care for dogs. Allen Koedam & Wanda Koedam 2.16.23

Amos Bontrager and Eugene Bontrager, Cantril Kennel. Keosaliqua, Iowa- At the time of their January 4, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, Cantril Kennel received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records and property. We have record of this facility selling to at least one pet store in Connecticut. Note: Canceled first license in 2022 and obtained a new one. Cantril Kennels 1.4.23

Barbara Hammen and Martin Hammen, S.R.K Kennel. Jolley, Iowa- At the time of their February 15, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Hammen received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to requirements and application. Canceled license in 2021 but found to have been selling puppies through Puppies.com over the last year (2022). Requires a license for this type of interstate commerce and when the breeder has more than 4 female breeding age dogs. They have since gotten a new license. Hammen received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations received on February 15, 2023 and has since canceled license. Barbara Hammen & Martin Hammen 2.15.23 USDA Warning Barbara Hammen & Martin Hammen

Carla Couchman, C&L Puppies. Weldon, Iowa- At the time of their December 30, 2022, USDA re-license inspection, Couchman received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to records, housing facilities, and feeding, which affected 19 adult dogs. *This entry is added in Q1 instead of last Quarter due to the timing of the report’s release.  Carla Couchman 12.30.22

David Horning. Ionia, Iowa- At the time of their February 28, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Horning received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (5 dogs and 1 deceased puppy affected by violation), and 5 non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification, housing facilities, indoor housing facilities, and veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Connecticut and Minnesota. Horning received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations received on February 28, 2023, and has since canceled their USDA license. David Horning 2.28.23 USDA Warning David Horning

Dennis Van Wyk and Donna Van Wyk, Prairie Lane Kennel. New Sharon, Iowa- Van Wyk also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. At the time of their January 12, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Van Wyk received 6 non-critical violations pertaining to attending a veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, records, housing facilities (6 dogs and puppies affected), sheltered housing, compatible grouping, and veterinary care for dogs. Note: Has a history of violations in previous years. Dennis Van Wyk & Donna Van Wyk 1.12.23

Elias H. Mast, Shady Ridge Kennels. Bloomfield, Iowa- At the time of their February 28, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Mast received 5 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 6 states. Elias H. Mast 2.28.23

Heath Meyers, Century Farm Puppies. Grundy Center, Iowa- At the time of their March 1, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Meyers received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (5 dogs affected by violation), and 4 non-critical violations pertaining to records, primary enclosures, cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, pest control, and veterinary care for dogs. Heath Meyers 3.1.23 USDA Official Warning Heath Meyers

Helene Hamrick, Wolf Point Kennel. Ackworth, Iowa- At the time of their March 14, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Hamrick received 6 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (2 dogs affected by violation), time and method of identification, records, housing facilities, primary enclosures, and veterinary care for dogs. Helene Hamrick 3.14.23

Henry Detweiler and Mary Beth Detweiler, Detweiler’s Kennel. Fairbank, Iowa- Detweiler also received violations in Quarter 4 of 2022. At the time of their February 13, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Detweiler received 1 non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification. Henry Detweiler 2.13.23 

Henry Sommers, Happy Puppys. Cincinnati, Iowa- Sommers, who received violations in all 4 Quarters of 2022 canceled his USDA license in Q1 of 2023 after our organization called for cruelty charges to be pressed. Charges are currently pending

Jake Kruse, K & E Kennels. Salem, Iowa- Kruse also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. At the time of their March 8, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, Kruse received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records and property. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 18 states. K & E Kennels 3.8.23

Jeff Wagenbach, Timbercreek Puppies Inc. Burlington, Iowa- At the time of their February 27, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Timbercreek Puppies received 5 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, housing facilities, and veterinary care for dogs. Timbercreek Puppies Inc 2.27.23

Jeremy Steiner, Stonyridge Puppies. Burlington, Iowa- At the time of their January 23, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Steiner received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities. Jeremy Steiner 1.23.23

Jerry Troyer. Chariton, Iowa- At the time of their February 15, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Troyer received 4 non-critical violations pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Jerry Troyer 2.15.23

Kyle Holtkamp. Donnellson, Iowa- At the time of their February 13, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Holtkamp received 5 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, compatible grouping, and veterinary care for dogs. We have records if this facility selling to pet stores in at least 3 states. Note: Had not been inspected since 2020 prior to this inspection. Kyle Holtkamp 2.13.23

Linda Korver, Stanley Korver, Bethany Korver. Orange City, Iowa- At the time of their February 15, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Korver received 10 non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification, records, housing facilities, watering, cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, pest control, and veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to a Nebraska broker named Crittersville. Linda Korver, Stanley Korver, Bethany Korver 2.15.23

Mark Wehling, North Winds Kennel. Monona, Iowa-At the time of their February 15, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Wehling received 5 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, time and method of identification, housing facilities, exercise for dogs, and veterinary care for dogs. Mark Wehling 2.15.23

Marvin E. Hershberger, Twin Pines Kennel. Bloomfield, Iowa- At the time of their February 21, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Hershberger received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 2 states. Marvin E. Hershberger 2.21.23

Melvin Yoder, Locust Creek Kennel. Seymour, Iowa- At the time of their February 15, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yoder received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to compatible grouping and veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 6 states. Melvin Yoder 2.15.23

Merlin Yoder, Oak Brook Kennel. Drakesville, Iowa- At the time of their January 9, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, Yoder received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records and property. At the time of their January 23, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yoder received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs (violation affects 20 dogs). We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Michigan and Texas. Merlin Yoder 1.9.23 Merlin Yoder 1.23.23

Natalie Connally, Kutabays. Pella, Iowa- At the time of their January 5, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, Connally received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records and property. At the time of their January 24, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Connally received 7 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities, outdoor housing facilities (21 dogs affected), feeding (13 dogs affected), watering (6 dogs affected), and veterinary care for dogs. Note: Prior to these inspections, had not been inspected since 2020. Has a history of violations in previous years. Natalie Connally 1.5.23 Natalie Connally 1.24.23

Orla Nisley, Rolling Organic Acres. At the time of their February 21, 2023, USDA routine Inspection, Nisley received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and veterinary care for dogs. Orla Nisley 2.21.23

Scott Swanson, S&J Kennel (Site 2). Ollie, Iowa- Swanson also received violations in Quarter 2 and Quarter 4 of 2022. At the time of their February 1, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, Swanson received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records and property. At the time of their March 29, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Swanson received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (2 dogs affected by violation), and 3 non-critical violations pertaining to records, housing facilities, and primary enclosures. We have records of this facility selling to at least one pet store in Virginia. Note: Has violations in 2021 as well. Scott Swanson 2.1.23 Scott Swanson 3.29.23

Steve Kruse, Stonehenge Kennel. West Point, Iowa- Kruse has also received violations in Quarters 2, 3, and 4 of 2022. At the time of their March 7, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Kruse received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (17 dogs affected by violation), and 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care. At the time of their March 14, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Kruse received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and veterinary care for dogs. Kruse received a 21-Day suspension for violations received on March 7 and March 14, 2023. Our organization has also called on the country sheriff to press cruelty charges. Kruse sells to pet stores all over the country through brokers in Iowa. Note: Has a history of violations. Steve Kruse 3.7.23.    Steve Kruse 3.14.23  Steve Kruse 21-Day Suspension

Tom Steffensmeier and Carla Steffensmeier, T & C Steffensmeier Kennels. West Point, Iowa- At the time of their March 8, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Steffensmeier received 12 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, housing facilities, primary enclosures, feeding (36 feeders affected), cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control, and veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 12 states. Tom Steffensmeier & Carla Steffensmeier

Troy Grant and Jody Grant, Critter Haven Exotics. Thornton, Iowa- At the time of their January 18, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Grant received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control (5 dogs affected by this violation).  Troy Grant & Jody Grant 1.18.23

Kansas

Cindy Jensen and Richard Jensen. Neodesha, Kansas- Jensen also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. At the time of their March 14, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Jensen received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to records, housing facilities, and veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 6 states. Cindy Jensen & Richard Jensen 3.14.23

Derek Dougherty. Agra, Kansas- At the time of their February 9, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, Dougherty received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records and property. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 3 states. Derek Dougherty 2.9.23

Jim West, Dry Creek Kennel. Neodesha, Kansas- At the time of their March 14, 2023, USDA routine inspection, West received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and housing facilities. Jim West 3.14.23

Kathy Williamson, Camp Merry Sunshine Dogs. Moline, Kansas- At the time of their January 12, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, Williamson received 2 non-critical violations. One violation pertaining to requirements and application where the facility location was moved but requires a new license and cancelation of old license, and the other pertaining to access and inspection of records and property. Kathy Williamson 1.12.23

Mary Moore, D&M Kennel. Uniontown, Kansas- Moore also received violations in Quarter 2 of 2022. At the time of their January 19, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Moore received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Massachusetts and to the broker JAKS. Mary Moore 1.19.23

Richard Siess, Siess Ranch LLC. Seneca, Kansas- At the time of their March 8, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Siess Ranch received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities. Siess Ranch LLC 3.8.23

Maryland

Berger Des Longwoods LLC. Queen Anne, Maryland- At the time of their February 9, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Berger Des Longwoods received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to requirements and application, whereas, the facility re-located in September 2022 but did not update the USDA. Berger Des Longwoods LLC 2.9.23

Farmstead’s Puppy Paradise LLC. Clements, Maryland- At the time of their March 16, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Farmstead’s Puppy Paradise received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to primary enclosures. Farmstead’s Puppy Paradise 3.16.23

Michigan

Daniel Hochstetler. Centreville, Michigan- At the time of their March 22, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Hochstetler received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, pest control, and veterinary care for dogs. Daniel Hochstetler 3.22.23

Martin Steury. Camden, Michigan- At the time of their January 30, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Steury received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities. Martin Steury 1.30.23

Simon Brenneman and Rosie Brenneman, Woodside Kennel. Stanwood, Michigan- At the time of their January 11, 2023 USDA routine inspection, Woodside Kennel received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (3 dogs affected by violation), and 5 non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification, records, cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, pest control, and veterinary care for dogs. Woodside Kennel received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations on January 11, 2023.  Woodside Kennel 1.11.23   USDA Warning Woodside Kennel

Minnesota

Mike Jouwstra and Tricia Jouwstra, Jouwstra Kennels. Edgerton, Minnesota- At the time of their February 15, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Jouwstra received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to primary enclosures. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 2 states and to the broker Fulton Enterprises. Mike Jouwstra & Tricia Jouwstra 2.15.23

Rebecca Stille and Tim Stille, Arias Friends. Faribault, Minnesota- At the time of their February 7, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Stille received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control, and veterinary care for dogs.Rebecca Stille & Tim Stille 2.7.23

Missouri

Bennie Redmond, Krak R Jax Kennel. Farmington, Missouri- At the time of their February 6, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Redmond received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to records and contingency planning. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Florida. Bennie Redmond 2.6.23

Bobbie Lyell and Charleen Lyell, Royal Heritage Kennel LLC AKA Oakwood Farms AKA Cutie Pie Puppies. Hartville, Missouri- This facility also received violations in Quarters 3 and 4 of 2022, and received an official warning in Quarter 4 of 2022. At the time of their January 12, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, Royal Heritage Kennel received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records and property. On March 16, 2023, Royal Heritage Kennel received another non-critical violation for an attempted inspection. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 3 states.   Royal Heritage Kennel 1.12.23  Royal Heritage Kennel 3.16.23

Carol Stoner, Stoner’s Fun Loving Pets. Wheatland, Missouri- Stoner received an Official USDA Warning stemming from a direct violation they received on October 27, 2022, and has since canceled their USDA license. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Connecticut and the broker Pinnacle Pet. USDA Warning Carol Stoner

Charlene Green, Timberline Paws. Grant City, Missouri- Green also received violations in Quarter 4 of 2022. At the time of their February 21, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Green received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities (2 dogs affected) and outdoor housing facilities (46 dogs affected by violation). Charlene Green 2.21.23

Charles McGinnis and Debbi McGinnis, Monarchs Kennel. Bolivar, Missouri- At the time of their January 17, 2023, USDA routine inspection, McGinnis received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities. McGinnis received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations they received on January 17, 2023. Charles McGinnis & Debbi McGinnis 1.17.23 USDA Warning Charles McGinnis & Debbi McGinnis

Cody Zimmerman. Seymour, Missouri- At the time of their March 17, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Zimmerman received 1 direct violation pertaining to watering (4 dogs and 8 puppies affected by violation). Cody Zimmerman 3.17.23

Donna Taber, Jet Kennels. Wasola, Missouri- At the time of their January 26, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Taber received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and 3 non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification, outdoor housing, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Taber received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations received on January 26, 2023. Donna Taber 1.26.23  USDA Warning Donna Taber

Janice Eminger, C&J’s Happy Tails. Joplin, Missouri-Eminger received an Official USDA Warning for operating as a dealer between March 4, 2019, and May 10, 2021, without having a license to do so. USDA Warning Janice Eminger

Joann Cash. Nevada, Missouri- At the time of their March 22, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Cash received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities (8 dogs affected by violation). Joann Cash 3.22.23

Joyce Walters, Select Pets. Anderson, Missouri- At the time of their February 9, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, Walters received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records and property. On March 22, 2023, Walters received another non-critical violation pertaining to an attempted inspection. We have records of this facility selling to a pet store in New Jersey. Joyce Walters 2.9.23 Joyce Walters 3.22.23

Marjorie L. Walker-Price, Price’s Pets. Niangue, Missouri- At the time of their January 19, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Walker received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to time and method of identification. Marjorie Walker 1.19.23

Marty Clinton, Twin Springs Kennel LLC. Vanzant, Missouri- Clinton received an Official USDA Warning stemming from a direct violation received on December 14, 2022. USDA Warning Marty Clinton

Mary Ann Smith, Smith’s Kennels. Salem, Missouri-  Smith also received violations in Quarters 2, 3, and 4 of 2022. At the time of their January 18, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, Smith received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records and property. On February 17, 2023, Smith received another non-critical violation for an attempted inspection. On March 28, 2023, Smith received another non-critical violation for an attempted inspection. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 7 states.   Mary Ann Smith 1.18.23 Mary Ann Smith 2.17.23 Mary Ann Smith 3.28.23

Mary Feldmann and Tim Feldmann, Raspberry Creek Kennel. At the time of their March 21, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Feldmann received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 3 states. Note: Has a history of violations in previous years. Mary Feldmann & Tim Feldmann 3.21.23

Paul Swartzentruber and Josie Swartzentruber, PJ’s Puppy Nursery. Buffalo, Missouri- Swartzentruber received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations they received on November 21, 2022, and has since canceled their USDA license. USDA Warning Paul Swartzentruber & Josie Swartzentruber

Randy Swartzentruber. Half Way, Missouri- At the time of their March 6, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Swartzentruber received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (2 dogs affected by violation). Randy Swartzentruber 3.6.23

Tamara Brower, WinDog Kennels. Pomona, Missouri- At the time of their February 6, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Brower received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control (9 areas affected by violation). We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in New York and North Carolina.  Tamara Brower 2.6.23

Teresa Rauch, Ratepa Kennels. Bolivar, Missouri- At the time of their March 23, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Rauch received 4 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, primary enclosures, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. We have records of this facility selling to at least one pet store in Connecticut. Teresa Rauch 3.23.23

Tom Nelson, Oak Ridge Pet. Macon, Missouri- Nelson also received a violation in Quarter 2 of 2022. At the time of their January 21, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, Nelson received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records and property. We have records of this facility selling to at least 1 pet store in Missouri. Note: Has a history of violations in previous years. Tom Nelson 2.21.23

Nevada

Boris Petkov, Desert Rats Kennel. Las Vegas, Nevada- At the time of their February 1, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Petkov received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to contingency planning and housing facilities. Boris Petkov 2.1.23

Puppy Central LLC. Las Vegas, Nevada- At the time of their January 9, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Puppy Central received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to contingency planning and exercise for dogs. Puppy Central LLC 1.9.23

New York

Daniel Yoder and Sadie Yoder. Jasper, New York- Yoder also received violations in Quarter 3 of 2022, including 1 critical violation. At the time of their February 7, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yoder received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities. Daniel Yoder & Sadie Yoder 2.7.23

Harvey E. Miller. Greenwood, New York- At the time of their February 7, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Miller received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to contingency planning and veterinary care for dogs. Note: Has a history of violations in previous years. Harvey E. Miller 2.7.23

Jonas Miller and Clara Miller. Fillmore, New York- At the time of their February 7, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Miller received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (3 dogs affected by violation), and records. Note: Has violations in 2021. Jonas Miller & Clara Miller 2.7.23

Levi Hershberger. Woodhull, New York- At the time of their March 31, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Hershberger received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to contingency planning and exercise for dogs. Note: Has history of violations under canceled license. Levi Hershberger 3.31.23

Rainbow Creek Kennels. South Butler, New York- This facility also has violations in Quarter 4 of 2022. At the time of their January 10, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, Rainbow Creek Kennels received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records and property. Rainbow Creek Kennels 1.10.23

Ohio

Ammon Burkholder, AB Kennel. Shiloh, Ohio- At the time of their February 14, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Burkholder received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities, exercise for dogs, and veterinary care for dogs. Ammon Burkholder 2.14.23

Andy C. Raber, Hill Top Kennel. Baltic, Ohio- At the time of their March 29, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Raber received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities (30 dogs affected by violation) and veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least two states and to the broker Preferred Canines. Andy C. Raber 3.29.23

Cindy Yoder. Baltic, Ohio- At the time of their January 11, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Yoder received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (4 dogs affected by violation). Cindy Yoder 1.11.23

Dennis L. Yoder, Sunshine Ridge Puppies. Alexandria, Ohio- At the time of their January 11, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Sunshine Ridge Puppies received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to primary enclosures. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Connecticut and to Nichols Pups. Sunshine Ridge Puppies 1.11.23

Duane Miller. Dundee, Ohio- At the time of their January 17, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Miller received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to veterinary care for dogs (4 dogs affected by violation). Duane Miller 1.17.23

Elam Wickey and Esther Wickey, Rose Wood Kennel. Willshire, Ohio- At the time of their January 26, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Wickey received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to requirements and application, whereas, the facility re-located but did not update the USDA. Elam Wickey & Esther Wickey 1.26.23

Gertie J. Miller. Baltic, Ohio- At the time of their January 24, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Miller received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to primary enclosures. Gertie Miller 2.14.23

Happy Tail Pets LLC. Millersburg, Ohio- This facility also received violations in Quarter 3 of 2022. At the time of their February 14, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Happy Tail Pets received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and housing facilities. Happy Tail Pets LLC 2.14.23

Henry E. Wengerd. Dundee, Ohio- Wengerd also received violations in Quarters 3 and 4 of 2022. At the time of their February 16, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Wengerd received 1 direct violation pertaining to housing facilities (4 dogs affected by violation), and 5 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities, feeding, watering, cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, pest control, and veterinary care for dogs. Henry E. Wengerd 2.16.23

Joseph D. Miller, Hidden Hollow Kennel. Apple Creek, Ohio- At the time of their January 18, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Miller received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs (2 dogs affected by this violation). Joseph Miller 1.18.23

Leroy E. Yoder, Mohawk Kennels. Walhonding, Ohio- At the time of their March 27, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yoder received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities (19 dogs affected by violations). Leroy E. Yoder 3.27.23

Marion Keim. Millerburg, Ohio- At the time of their February 6, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Keim received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Marion Keim 2.6.23

Marion Miller. Coshocton, Ohio- At the time of their February 7, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Miller received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities (30 dogs affected by violation). Marion Miller 2.7.23

Marvin Coblentz. Sugarcreek, Ohio- At the time of their March 30, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Coblentz received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Marvin Coblentz 3.30.23

Marvin Yoder, Willow Lot Kennels. Millersburg, Ohio-  Yoder also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. At the time of their March 2, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Yoder received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Marvin Yoder 3.2.23

Neva Schlabach, Schlabach Blacksmith. Sugarcreek, Ohio- At the time of their February 8, 2023, USDA inspection, Schlabach received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to records and housing facilities (45 dogs affected by this violation). Neva Schlabach 2.8.23

Vernon D. Raber. Dundee, Ohio- At the time of their March 31, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Raber received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities (18 dogs affected by violations). Vernon D. Raber 3.31.23

Oklahoma

Rhonda Frederick, Luvable Puppies. Okmulgee, Oklahoma- Frederick also received violations in Quarter 2 of 2022. At the time of their February 21, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, Frederick received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records and property. We have records of this facility selling to a pet store in Texas.  Rhonda Frederick 2.21.23

Save 4 Paws Rescue, Inc. At the time of their March 29, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Save 4 Paws Rescue received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, records, and primary enclosures. Save 4 Paws Rescue Inc 3.29.23

Pennsylvania

Jeff Wagner, Stonebridge Puppies. Lititz, Pennsylvania- At the time of their January 3, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Wagner received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities. Jeff Wagner 1.3.23

John Jay Lapp, Peaceful Acres Puppies LLC. Millerstown, Pennsylvania- This facility also received a violation in Quarter 3 of 2022. At the time of their March 21, 2023,  USDA routine inspection, Peaceful Acres Puppies received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to records, primary enclosures, and veterinary care for dogs. Peaceful Acres Puppies LLC 3.21.23

South Carolina 

Wild Wild Westies. Abbeville, South Carolina- At the time of their January 12, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Wild Wild Westies received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to contingency planning, outdoor housing facilities, and veterinary care for dogs. Wild Wild Westies

Texas 

Patricia Bingham. Alvin, Texas- Bingham also received 13 violations (including 2 direct) in Quarter 4 of 2022. At the time of their January 4, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Bingham received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and 6 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, records, housing facilities, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. 

On January 10, 2023, Bingham received 1 non-critical violation for an attempted inspection. On January 27, 2023, Bingham received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, this violation affected 7 cats and 2 kittens. They also received 4 non-critical violations during this inspection for requirements and application, records, contingency planning, and housing facilities. 

On February 16, 2023, Bingham received another direct violation for attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, this violation affected 5 cats and 2 kittens. They also received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to records. On March 3, 2023, Bingham received another direct violation for attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, 8 cats and 3 kittens were affected by this violation. They also received 6 non-critical violations pertaining to records, contingency planning, housing facilities, and employees (only 2 employees to care for 58 cats plus 2 enclosures of newborn leopards). 

On March 8, 2023, during a focused inspection, Bingham received another direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, this violation affected 13 cats and 6 kittens. 

Bingham received a Notice of Confiscation on March 8, 2023, to notify them that 19 of their animals were being confiscated for failure to provide adequate and necessary care to the animals.  Our organization publicly called for the sheriff to investigate this facility for potential animal cruelty charges. Patricia Bingham 1.4.23 Patricia Bingham 1.10.23 Patricia Bingham 1.27.23 Patricia Bingham 2.16.23 Patricia Bingham 3.3.23 Patricia Bingham 3.8.23 Notice of Confiscation Patricia Bingham

Virginia

Andrey Mikirtichev and Elena Mikirtichev. North Chesterfield, Virginia- This facility has received violations in all four Quarters of 2022 totaling 9 violations. At the time of their March 16, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Mikirtichev received 2 direct violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and primary enclosures, 16 cats were affected by these violations. 

They also received 8 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, time and method of identification, access and inspection of records and property, housing facilities, outdoor housing facilities, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control.

On March 20, 2023, Mikirtichev received 2 direct violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. These violations affected the same dog.  Andrey Mikirticheva & Elena Mikirticheva 3.16.23 Andrey Mikirticheva & Elena Mikirticheva 3.20.23

RMRS Manufacturing & Distributing Inc AKA Pet & Aquatic Warehouse. Lynchburg. Virginia- This facility also received violations in Quarter 4 of 2022. At the time of their January 25, 2023, USDA routine inspection, RMRS received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to primary enclosures (5 puppies affected by violation). RMRS Manufacturing & Distributing Inc 1.25.23

Wisconsin

Abner Allgyer. Darlington, Wisconsin- At the time of their February 14, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, Allgyer received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records and property. On March 8, 2023, during a routine inspection, Allgyer received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to form of official tag, watering (3 enclosures affected by violation), and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least three states.  Note: The facility had not been inspected since 2020. Abner Allgyer 2.14.23 Abner Allgyer 3.8.23

Alexander Popovich and Jennifer Popovich, Oh Puppy Love. Lena, Wisconsin- At the time of their March 27, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Oh Puppy Love received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to contingency planning, exercise for dogs, and veterinary care for dogs. Oh Puppy Love 3.27.23

Freeman Kurtz, D & F Kennel LLC AKA Hillside Kennel. Augusta, Wisconsin- At the time of their January 4, 2023, USDA routine inspection, D & F Kennel received 1 non-critical violation for shipping 2 puppies underage. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 2 states. D & F Kennel LLC 1.4.23

Harley E. Bontrager. Cambria, Wisconsin- Bontrager also received a violation in Quarter 3 of 2022. At the time of their January 30, 2023, USDA inspection, Bontrager received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. Harley E. Bontrager 1.30.23

Jonas Hershberger. Gays Mills, Wisconsin- At the time of their January 10, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Hershberger received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. We have records of this facility selling to at least one pet store in Indiana. Jonas Hershberger 1.10.23

Junior Yutzy. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- Yutzy also received violations in Quarters 2, 3, and 4 of 2022, totaling 14 violations. At the time of their March 1, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yutzy received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control.  Junior Yutzy 3.1.23

Leroy Fhlug, Wisconsin Puppy Patch. Fhlug received an Official USDA Warning for operating as a dealer without a valid license. USDA Warning Leroy Fhlug

Neil Miller. Viroqud, Wisconsin- At the time of their March 29, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Miller received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to primary enclosures and Veterinary care for dogs. Neil Miller 3.29.23

Reuben E. Graber, True Dream Pawz. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At the time of their February 13, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Graber received 1 critical violation pertaining to sheltered housing facilities (26 puppies affected by violation) and 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities. Note: Previous to inspection, had not been inspected since 2020. Reuben E. Graber 2.13.23

Steven Sensenig, Cannon Country Canines. Lancaster, Wisconsin- At the time of their February 24, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Sensenig received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. Steven Sensenig 2.24.23

The Family Patch Inc AKA Puppy Prints. Athens, Wisconsin- At the time of their March 22, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, The Family Patch received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records and property. On March 27, 2023, during a routine inspection, The Family Patch received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. The Family Patch 3.22.23 The Family Patch 3.27.23

You can view our 2022 Quarterly Violation Reports here

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