Mindi Callison, Author at Bailing Out Benji

March 31, 2023March 31, 2023

Cats Seized from USDA licensed Cat Breeder in Texas

March 2023

Bailing Out Benji has formally requested that the Brazoria County Sheriff investigate USDA licensee Patricia Bingham for possible animal cruelty and neglect based on Texas’ animal cruelty laws.

A letter from the USDA dated March 8th, 2023 shows that there was a confiscation of 19 cats from the property belonging to Patricia Bingham (74-A-1531) of Alvin, Texas because of “failure to provide the adequate and necessary care to the animals”.

This confiscation comes after Bingham has received 4 Direct Violations and 18 Non-Critical Violations in the first three months of 2023 and 2 Direct Violations and 11 Non-Critical Violations in the last month of 2022.

Bingham’s license was also temporarily suspended for 21 days in December of 2022.

The animals seized include:

-A kitten (microchip # 985141005227690))

-An un-weaned kitten which is with its mother and 4 more kittens (985141004666850 – Female Bengal cat “Egypt”, 985141005790943 – Female kitten, 985141005790883 – male kitten, 985141005230223 – male kitten, 985141005794054 – male kitten, 985141004662109 – male kitten) -An adult female Leopard cat (microchip #985141005229824)

-Two male Leopard cats (microchip #: 98112011806778 and 985112011806600)

-One male Leopard cat, one female Bengal/Leopard cat hybrid, and one female Bengal in the cattery/garage – Cage #10 (046868541 – Male leopard cat “Roman”, 985141004667596 – Female Bengal cat “Izzy”, 985141003970662 – Female Bengal cat “Sierra”)

-A female Bengal cat (microchip #: 985112011806548), also housed in the cattery/garage

– Female leopard cat 985112011806473 housed in the cattery/garage

-Female Bengal cat “Lacy” 985141005229824 housed in the cattery/garage -Female Bengal cat “Sofie” 985112010103417 housed in the cattery/garage -Female Bengal cat “Pebbles” 991001004713780 housed in the cattery/garage -Female Bengal cat “Cheyanne” 985141003971325 housed in the cattery/garage

At the end of 2022, it was noted that Bingham had 53 cats on their property.

At this time, Bingham still holds an active USDA license.

While all of us at Bailing Out Benji are extremely grateful to the USDA for confiscating these animals, we are concerned about where the animals went after the seizure. We hope that they were taken to a reputable shelter or rescue for proper veterinary care but we have not yet been able to confirm their whereabouts.

In the past, the USDA has allowed dogs from at least one horrific puppy mill to be transferred to another problematic facility, who ended up euthanizing 199 dogs in one day.

We will continue monitoring this situation and will be looking for answers as to where the seized animals wound up.

Please make sure you sign up to receive our news and action alerts for your community. You can also make a one-time or monthly donation to help our nonprofit continue fighting the cruel puppy and kitten mill industry across the country.

You can read Bingham’s inspection reports and the confiscation letter here: Patricia Bingham USDA

September 29, 2022September 29, 2022

Meet the Team: Peggy Race

In honor of Puppy Mill Awareness month, I am super excited to announce our newest segment of Tails and Truths, “Meet the Team!”

Bailing Out Benji’s primary goal has always been to raise awareness of mass breeding and its connection to pet stores. What started as an incredibly small grassroots effort has grown to a National level with volunteers across the country!

We want to take a moment to introduce our supporters to the members of our team. The individuals who help us raise awareness each and every day. While they all possess the passion and dedication to ending puppy mills, they are uniquely different as human beings and we want to recognize and celebrate them!

There are hundreds of volunteers to recognize so it was difficult to decide where to start. However, there is one volunteer whom I personally helped to find Bailing Out Benji through a random, interesting way that will always mean a lot to me.

Peggy Race and I have a mutual business friend who told her about my book. After reading it, she reached out to me and we met for coffee.

After reading the book and learning more about puppy mills, Peggy wanted to get involved and help. At the time, I was not affiliated with Bailing Out Benji but knew that they were branching out and could tell Peggy would be a valuable asset. I told her about the organization and introduced her to Mindi.

Here we are years later and Peggy has become a vital part (Co-Leader) of the Wisconsin team of Bailing Out Benji!

Peggy happily agreed to sit down and share more about herself as our first Meet the Team interviewee!

When did you start volunteering for BOB? I believe it was somewhere around March or April 2017

What state do you represent? Wisconsin

What made you want to be a part of BOB? I was at a point in my life where I was searching for purpose. I was gifted the book, Bark Until Heard. After reading it, I was shocked at what I learned, yet inspired to learn more about puppy mills and to make a difference for the dogs. Prior to reading the book, I had heard about puppy mills but in a sense, I kept a blind eye to the truth. The book connected with me on another level and my journey towards becoming an advocate began.

How did you hear about BOB? After reading Bark Until Heard and learning that the author lived in northern Illinois at that time, I reached out to her and we set up a time to meet. During that get together, Becky mentioned Bailing Out Benji and threw that out as a way I might possibly get involved. Becky connected me to Mindi and the rest is history!

How would you describe what you do for BOB? I am one of the team leads for the WI chapter. I, along with my co-lead, Christin Schubert, hold volunteer meetings to welcome new members. We also schedule and attend tabling events. Periodically, I write up a newsletter for our email supporters. Since 2020, I’ve helped with various pet store ordinances and have provided literature to advocates who are interested in learning more on how they can introduce an ordinance in their town.

What do you enjoy most about BOB? Tabling events are one of my favorite activities. Covid put a dent in those over the past couple years and turned our focus to ordinances. In general, I like attending various events and sharing our message. While I might be educating others, I also find the events educational; especially learning from the experiences of others, whether they purchased a pet store puppy or fostered/adopted a surrendered mill dog.

Describe your life (family, significant other, children, pets, job, hobbies — whatever makes you, you!) My family is basically myself and my three dogs. I’m divorced from my first husband and widowed from my second. Today, my life’s focus is on dogs. I have a thirteen-year-old border collie, who I used to compete in CPE agility events with. I also have a 5-1/2-year-old Cocker Mix who I adopted from the National Mill Dog Rescue in Colorado. Deputy was eight months old at the time NMDR took him in. He came from a breeder in Kansas who shut down his business after the state would no longer license him.

My most recent adoptee is Serafina, a six-year-old Yorkie mix. She was a breeder release dog from an Amish breeder in Central WI. Serafina is a foster fail. I foster dogs through Albert’s Dog Lounge, a senior and special needs rescue. She was my eighth foster dog. I love the outdoors and I’m pretty active. My dogs get a couple long walks each day. Deputy and I are currently involved in agility lessons. Outside of dog activities, I would consider writing to be a hobby. I self-published a rhyming picture book inspired by Deputy to help share the message about puppy mills to the younger generation. My memoir was released in August 2021 by Black Rose Writing. I am currently a volunteer writer with Best Friends Animal Society, writing stories about dogs or cats who have been adopted through Best Friends.

For the past 34 years, I’ve been employed by a company that manufactures whole food supplements. I enjoy partaking in volunteer vacations where I can spend time with dogs. I’ve volunteered several times at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (Utah). I’ve also taken volunteer vacations to the National Mill Dog Rescue (Colorado) and the Animal Rescue Corps (Tennessee), helping care for some of the puppy mill dogs relinquished from the Daniel Gingrich operation in Iowa

What do you think is the most important message about puppy mills the public needs to hear? The pockets of everyone that plays a role in the puppy mill pipeline are being lined by the purchases made by consumers. People need to realize that the cute little puppy in the pet store window, not only has parents who are confined in small areas for their entire breeding life, those puppies are nothing more than a money-making product for the puppy mill pipeline. The mass produced; factory farmed animals need us to be their voice. Since we live in a democratic society, we have been granted the opportunity to be part of legislative change. An opportunity that could alter the world of puppy mills as they exist today.

Additional Comment: I also think that people should look beyond the cute little face in the pet store window. I wonder how many people even question the living conditions of a puppy in the pet store. They spend their day on living/lying on pvc coated grid style cage flooring. I remember seeing puppies in Janesville Furry Babies in baby cribs without fresh water available…although, I was told the employees offer water frequently. In Petland, puppies are usually left to drink from rabbit type watering bottle where they get small drops of water rather than lapping up water from a bowl as a dog should. While that is all visible to the pet shop consumer, I have to wonder what conditions are like and the care that is provided after the store closes.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing us in ending mass breeding? In a sense, I think its two-fold. Mass breeding is legal and therefore, without strict legislation and enforcement, it will remain that way. But I do believe the biggest challenge is the profitability side of the industry. If the industry suddenly starting losing dollars, we would see puppy mills start fading away. Changing consumer perception is not always an easy road to traverse.

What keeps you inspired/motivated to keep fighting? The animals who are still trapped and need our help.

What is one (or more) of the favorite things you have done, participated in, helped with, etc since becoming a part of BOB? That’s a tough one. Certainly being part of a team that helped pass the first pet store ordinance in the state of Wisconsin in my hometown of Whitewater was very exciting. That helped get the ball rolling in Wisconsin and to date, seven cities now have these local ordinances on the books. Being that I’m a person who loves to learn and enjoys finding out the finer details of various things, I have a couple of other very memorable situations that stick with me. Back in 2019, in my quest to learn more about the entire commercial dog breeding industry, I attended a dog auction in Iowa. The auction was a kennel dispersal. I believe the breeder had 2 or 3 different breeding facilities and was closing that one down. Being able to walk through an actual puppy mill and see the various housing units….several small dogs in cages and whelping pens for the moms and pups, really drove home the message that these dogs are viewed as nothing more than factory farmed animals. In fact, I am still haunted by the image of a cocker spaniel who ran circles in its cage as it chased its shadow on the ground. It truly broke my heart to see how confinement just can drive a dog stir crazy. During that trip, I was accompanied by Christin Schubert (co-team lead) and my sister Paula Brown (also a BOB volunteer). The day prior to the auction, Mindi C. (she did not attend the auction) met us and drove us past several larger Iowa puppy mills. Ironically, one of those mills had more dogs housed on the property than the number of residents in the city. Driving past, I snapped a couple photos of dogs living in wire cages that protruded off the end of a run-down barn. Three weeks later, Christin and I went to Racine Petland, once again doing our homework, and the owner handed her a lethargic looking Cavapoo puppy. I did, what any consumer should do and asked about the parents. The owner brought out a binder and told us who the breeder was. Lo and behold, the puppy had come from the same property that Mindi had driven us past, the one I had photos of. Not only that, Petland Racine plays breeder videos in their store and on their website. They make the breeder properties they source from look spacious and immaculate. When I asked to see the video of that breeder’s property, I was told they didn’t have one but they told me they had personally visited the property and “it was as beautiful as the videos playing in the store.” I was dumbfounded when I heard that. I followed up with Mindi the following day, asking how can the store can legally do that, she said, that’s one of the reasons why we have the slogan, “Don’t buy the lies.”

Any goals, dreams, hopes you want to share? Of course, I would like nothing better than to see a Statewide Pet Store Ordinance in Wisconsin. Even with that, it would not help the parent dogs who sit trapped in WI mills producing puppies to be sent out of state to other less regulated communities. Ideally, there would be federal limits placed on the number of breeding dogs any person could own as well as limits to breeding cycles. My hope is that one day we will live in a humane world and I believe that future lies with today’s youth.

Any messages you want to pass on? Anyone can make a difference. I’m a shy, introvert and it took me over a year to get up the courage to approach my council representative regarding a pet store ordinance. Once I got over that first hurdle (my own mental roadblock) things just naturally transpired. I would say, that if you believe in something, then believe you have what it takes to make a difference….you don’t need to be an advocate. Just educating one person can make a difference. Because every person who educates another individual creates an opportunity where that knowledge can be exponentially shared.

Thank you, Peggy, for all of your truly amazing contributions to Bailing Out Benji! Your tireless efforts have really helped to educate so many people in Wisconsin and have helped put an end to selling mass bred puppies in many areas of the state!

Your books are helping to share the truth and your love of fostering is saving animals’ lives. We are so very proud to have you on our team!

Peggy’s books, since she humbly did not mention them, are Deputy Paws and the Puppy Mill Cause and Desiree, The Music of My Soul. I have read both and they are equally brilliant and beautiful.

If you are a current volunteer for Bailing Out Benji, I would love to feature you! Please email me at bmonroe@bailingoutbenji.com for more information!

If you want to learn more about becoming a volunteer with Bailing Out Benji, click here.

August 2, 2022November 6, 2022

2022 USDA Violations: Quarter 2

Bailing Out Benji is a national nonprofit organization that independently audits government health records and inspection reports in order to connect puppy mills 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.

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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 2 of 2022.

This time period is from April 1st, 2022 to June 30, 2022.

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 and teachable moments. 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 previous reporting on USDA violations in our Quarter 1 report here and our latest reporting on Quarter 3 here.

This time period is from April 1st, 2022 to June 30, 2022.

Alabama

George Cagle, Southern Grace Kennels. Detroit, Alabama- At the time of their May 16, 2022 USDA inspection, Cagle received 1 Direct violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. This facility cancelled their USDA license after these violations, but continue to breed and sell animals. Southern Grace Kennels 5.16.2022. This facility received an Official USDA Warning on June 16, 2022 due to violations received on May 16, 2022. USDA Warning Southern Grace Kennels

Hoof or Paw. Detroit, Alabama- At the time of their May 9, 2022 USDA inspection, Hoof or Paw received 2 non-critical and one critical violation pertaining to housing facilities, outdoor housing facilities and primary enclosures. One of these violations occurred because of the death of an animal. This facility appears to be a rescue or shelter organization. Hoof or Paw 5.9.2022 This facility received an Official USDA Warning on June 16, 2022 due to violations they received on May 9, 2022. USDA Warning Hoof Or Paw

Colorado

Lavern Coblentz, Green Mountain LLC. La Jara, Colorado- At the time of their April 20, 2022 USDA inspection, Coblentz received 1 violation pertaining to housing facilities. Green Mountain 4.20.2022

Illinois

James Yoder, Wagging Tails LLC. Ava, Illinois- At the time of their May 25, 2022 USDA inspection, Yoder received 2 violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and housing facilities. Wagging Tails 5.25.2022

Lamar Miller and Loretta Miller, JC Puppies. Arcola, Illinois- At the time of their April 18, 2022 USDA inspection, Miller received 1 violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Lamar Miller 4.18.2022

Sailfin Pet Shop. Champaign, Illinois- At the time of their May 25, 2022 USDA inspection, Sailfin Pet Shop received 1 violation pertaining to primary enclosures. Sailfin Pet Shop 5.25.2022

Indiana

Envigo RMS, Inc. Indianapolis, Indiana- This research facility holds a Class A Breeder license. At their May 3, 2022 focused inspection, Envigo received 1 USDA violation pertaining to primary enclosures. Envigo 5.3.2022

Martin Miller. Lagrange, Indiana- At the time of their May 25, 2022 USDA inspection, Miller received 2 violations pertaining to veterinary care for dogs and time and method of identification. Martin Miller 5.25.2022 . We have record of this breeder selling puppies through USDA broker JAKS Puppies.

Iowa

Becky Haberman and Brian Haberman, Sunny Hill Puppies AKA Shady Oaks. Northwood, Iowa- At the time of their April 15, 2022 USDA inspection, Haberman received 7 violations pertaining to time and method of identification, records, housing facilities, outdoor housing facilities, feeding, and watering. Becky Haberman 4.15.2022

Brian Sterrenberg, Brian’s Kennels AKA PurebredPups.com. Joice, Iowa- At the time of their April 20, 2022 USDA inspection, Sterrenberg received 3 ‘teachable moment’ notes that other licensees received violations for. These moments recorded were pertaining to records and attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care . Brian Sterrenberg 4.20.2022

Carolyn Anderson, Anderson’s Yorkies. Mason City, Iowa- Anderson has received 31 USDA violations so far in 2022, as they also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. At their May 26, 2022 USDA inspection, Anderson received 15 violations, including 1 critical violation, pertaining to time and method of identification, records, handling of animals, housing facilities, compatible grouping, exercise for dogs, and veterinary care for dogs. Carolyn Anderson 5.26.2022

Donald Conrad, Conrad’s Kennel. Keota, Iowa- At the time of their April 20, 2022 USDA inspection, Conrad received 1 violation pertaining to records. Donald Conrad 4.20.2022

Edwin Burkholder and Lucille Burkholder. Riceville, Iowa- At the time of their May 5, 2022 USDA inspection, Burkholder received 6 violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, time and method of identification, records, and housing facilities. Edwin Burkholder 5.5.2022

Eli Gingerich and Edna Gingerich. Drakesville, Iowa- At the time of their May 17, 2022 USDA inspection, Gingerich received 2 violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and housing facilities. Eli Gingerich 5.17.2022. We have record of this facility selling to puppy stores and a major puppy broker in at least six states.

Harley Yoder. Chariton, Iowa- At the time of their April 26, 2022 USDA inspection, Yoder received 1 violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. Harley Yoder 4.26.2022. We have record of this facility selling to puppy stores and a major puppy broker in at least seven states.

Henry Sommers, Happy Puppy. Cincinnati, Iowa- Sommers also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. At the time of their April 25, 2022 USDA inspection, Sommers received 2 direct and 5 noncritical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, housing facilities, watering and veterinary care for dogs. Henry Sommers 4.25.2022. We have record of this facility selling puppies to a pet store in Nevada.

Ida Kauffman, Backyard Kennels. Hazleton, Iowa- At the time of their April 5, 2022 USDA inspection, Kauffman received 5 violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, time and method of identification, records and veterinary care for dogs. Ida Kauffman 4.5.2022. We have record of this facility selling to puppy stores and a major puppy broker in at least four states.

Jason Beyer and Sarah Beyer, J&S Puppies. Tama, Iowa- At the time of their April 12, 2022 USDA inspection, Beyer received 3 noncritical and 1 critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, time and method of identification, handling of animals and primary enclosures. Jason Beyer 4.12.2022. This facility also received an Official USDA Warning on May 26, 2022 due to violations they received on April 12, 2022. USDA Warning J&S Puppies

Larry Albrecht, Coldwater Kennel. Greene, Iowa- Albrecht also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. At the time of their May 25, 2022 USDA inspection, Albrecht received 4 USDA violations pertaining to time and method of identification, records, primary enclosures, and compatible grouping. Larry Albrecht 5.25.2022. We have record of this facility selling to puppy stores in at least three states.

Lavern Nolt, Twin Birch Kennels. Charles City, Iowa- Nolt also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. At the time of their June 21, 2022 USDA inspection, Nolt received 4 violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, time and method of identification, records, and veterinary care for dogs. Lavern Nolt 6.21.2022

Lawrence Nolt. Charles City, Iowa- At the time of their April 28, 2022 USDA inspection, Nolt received 3 USDA violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, primary enclosures, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Lawrence Nolt 4.28.2022

Linda Thompson, Rolinda Acres Country AKA Thompson’s Puppies. Waterville, Iowa- Thompson also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. At the time of their June 16, 2022 USDA inspection, Thompson received 1 violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Linda Thompson 6.16.2022. This facility received an Official USDA Warning on April 14, 2022 due to violations they received on March 10, 2022. USDA Warning Linda Thompson

Loren Yoder. Riverside, Iowa-Yoder also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. At the time of their June 8, 2022 USDA inspection, Yoder received 2 violations pertaining to housing facilities. Loren Yoder 6.8.2022

Menno Gingerich, Skyline Puppies. Albia, Iowa- Gingerich also received 4 USDA violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. At their June 27, 2022 USDA inspection, Gingerich received 7 violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, time and method of identification, housing facilities, cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control, and veterinary care for dogs. Menno Gingerich 6.27.2022

Ray Eash, Ridge Road Kennels LLC. Blakesburg, Iowa- At the time of their April 13, 2022 USDA inspection, Eash received 1 violation pertaining to cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Ridge Road Kennels 4.13.2022

Raymond Nisley, Barkin Acres Kennel. Edgewood, Iowa- At the time of their April 26, 2022 USDA inspection, Nisley received 2 violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. Raymond Nisley 4.26.2022. We have record of this facility selling a puppy to King’s Neptune, an Illinois store, through broker JAKS Puppies after this violation and after the state law went into effect prohibiting this.

Samuel Borntreger. Northwood, Iowa- At the time of their April 11, 2022 USDA inspection, Borntreger received 5 violations pertaining to records, housing facilities, and primary enclosures. Samuel Borntreger. 4.11.2022

Scott Swanson, S&J Kennel. Keota, Iowa- At the time of their June 6, 2022 USDA inspection, Swanson received 6 violations pertaining to housing facilities, cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control and veterinary care for dogs. Scott Swanson 6.6.2022. We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in Virginia.

Steve Kruse, Kruse Kennels AKA Stonehenge Kennels. West Point, Iowa- Kruse also received USDA violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. At the time of their June 22, 2022 USDA inspection, Kruse received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. Steve Kruse 6.22.2022

Woody Wiley. Cantril, Iowa- This facility also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. At the time of their May 24, 2022 USDA inspection, Wiley received 1 USDA violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. Woody Wiley 5.24.2022

Kansas

Eric Laderer and Vickie Laderer. Fulton, Kansas- At the time of their May 11, 2022 USDA inspection, Laderer received 4 violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, housing facilities, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Eric Laderer 5.11.2022

Greg Jones. Parsons, Kansas- At the time of their June 2, 2022 USDA inspection, Jones received 2 violations pertaining to records and veterinary care for dogs. Greg Jones 6.2.2022

Jim Kramer, Auction House. Arcadia, Kansas- This facility received violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. On April 14, 2022, this facility also received an Official USDA Warning due to violations they received on February 26, 2022. USDA Warning Jim Kramer

Mary Moore, D&M Kennel. Uniontown, Kansas- At the time of their May 25, 2022 USDA inspection, Moore received 5 violations pertaining to time and method of identification, records, housing facilities, cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control and veterinary care for dogs. Mary Moore 5.25.2022

Mississippi

Lynn Thompson, Furry Little Angels AKA Lynn Creek Chihuahuas. Brooksville, Mississippi- At the time of their May 6, 2022 USDA inspection, Thompson received 6 violations pertaining to time and method of identification, records, housing facilities, and veterinary care for dogs. Lynn Thompson 5.6.2022

Missouri

Andy Borntrager and Verna Borntrager, Borntrager Kennels. Norwood, Missouri- At the time of their June 14, 2022 USDA inspection, Borntrager received 2 violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and watering. Andy Borntrager 6.14.2022

Andy Gingerich. Clark, Missouri- At the time of their April 12, 2022 USDA inspection, Gingerich received 1 violation pertaining to housing facilities. Andy Gingerich. 4.12.2022

Deanna Brundage. Mercer, Missouri- One June 1, 2022 this facility was fined $12,000 and is permanently disqualified from holding a USDA license. USDA Order Deanna Brundage

Edna Troyer and Elmer Troyer, Timber View Kennel. Clark, Missouri- Troyer also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. At the time of their May 18, 2022 USDA inspection, Troyer received 1 violation pertaining to cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Edna Troyer 5.18.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in at least 6 states.

Ellen Roberts, Rocky Top K-9s . West Plains, Missouri- Roberts also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. At the time of their May 19, 2022 USDA inspection, Roberts received 3 violations pertaining to primary enclosures and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Ellen Roberts 5.19.2022. We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in Florida.

Joel Ponting, Boulder Oaks Kennel LLC. West Plains, Missouri- At the time of their June 22, 2022 USDA inspection, Boulder Oaks received 1 violation pertaining to primary enclosures. Boulder Oaks Kennel 6.22.2022

Joey Bishop. Seneca, Missouri- Bishop received an Official USDA Warning on June 9, 2022 due to violations received on April 1, 2022. Those violations are not public on the USDA website. Official USDA Warning Joey Bishop

Linda Williams and Matt Williams. Wentworth, Missouri- At the time of their April 15, 2022 USDA inspection, Williams received 1 violation pertaining to primary enclosures. Linda Williams 4.15.2022

Lisa Stark, Toybox Puppies. Barnett, Missouri- At the time of their June 22, 2022 USDA inspection, Stark received 1 violations pertaining to primary enclosures. Toybox Puppies 6.22.2022

Marilyn Byerley, MB Kennel. Mountain Grove, Missouri- At the time of their June 8, 2022 USDA inspection, MB Kennel received 3 violations pertaining to records, outdoor housing facilities, and veterinary care for dogs. MB Kennel. 6.8.2022

Melissa Bilbruck. Bates City, Missouri- On June 9, 2022 the USDA inspected Bilbruck’s associated address to find that they were operating as a dog dealer without a valid USDA license. Melissa Bilbruck 6.9.2022

Tom Nelson, Oak Ridge Pets. Macon, Missouri- At the time of their May 20, 2022 USDA inspection, Nelson received 1 violation pertaining to primary enclosures. Tom Nelson 5.20.2022

Vickie Burden, B&H Kennels. Dora, Missouri- At the time of their April 12, 2022 USDA inspection, Burden received 1 direct and 1 non direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and records. Burden also received 1 violation pertaining to records at a follow up, focused inspection. Vickie Burden 4.12.2022 Vickie Burden 4.22.2022. We have record of this facility selling to pet stores in Texas. This facility also received an Official USDA Warning on May 26, 2022 due to violations they received on April 12, 2022. USDA Warning Vickie Burden

Nebraska

Randy Schweitzer, Route 6 Kennels. Milford, Nebraska- At the time of their April 26, 2022 USDA inspection, Schweitzer refused to allow the inspector to take photos during the inspection. This refusal caused the inspection to stop. Randy Schweitzer 4.26.2022

New York

Aaron Zimmerman. Dundee, New York- At the time of their April 18, 2022 USDA inspection, Zimmerman received 1 direct and 1 non-critical violation pertaining to cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control and veterinary care for dogs. Aaron Zimmerman 4.18.2022. This facility received an Official USDA Warning on May 19, 2022 due to violations received on April 18, 2022. USDA Warning Aaron Zimmerman

Ammon Martin. Penn Yan, New York- At the time of their June 14, 2022 USDA inspection, Martin received 1 violation pertaining to records. Ammon Martin 6.14.2022

Marshall Farms Group LTD. North Rose, New York- This research facility holds a Class A breeder license. At their April 4, 2022 USDA inspection, Marshall Farms received 1 violation pertaining to housing facilities. Marshall Farms Group LTD. 4.4.2022

Matthew Sensenig, Hidden Acres Kennels. Penn Yan, New York- At the time of their April 12, 2022 USDA inspection, Sensenig received 1 violation pertaining to housing facilities. Matthew Sensenig 4.12.2022

Melvin Shirk. Penn Yan, New York- At the time of their June 14, 2022 USDA inspection, Shirk received 2 violations pertaining to housing facilities and veterinary care for dogs. Melvin Shirk 6.14.2022

Samuel Brubacker, Hilltop Country Kennel. Dundee, New York- Brubacker also received USDA violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. At the time of their April 28, 2022 USDA inspection, Brubacker received 1 violation pertaining to sheltered housing facilities. Samuel Brubacker 4.28.2022

Samuel Zimmerman, S&L Kennels. Dundee, New York- At the time of their May 25, 2022 USDA inspection, Zimmerman received 2 violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Samuel Zimmerman 5.25.2022

Shem Swarey. Fort Plain, New York- At the time of their May 17, 2022 USDA inspection, Swarey received 1 violations pertaining to records. Shem Swarey 5.17.2022

Stevie Hoover, Hill Country Kennel. Dundee, New York- At the time of their April 12, 2022 USDA inspection, Hoover received 1 violation pertaining to cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Stevie Hoover 4.12.2022

Ohio

Paul Yoder. Millersburg, Ohio- On April 19, 2022 a USDA inspector arrived at Yoder’s facility to confirm that they were conducting AWA regulated activity without a license. This inspection has since been removed from the USDA website. Paul Yoder 4.19.2022. This facility received an Official USDA Warning on May 26, 2022 due to violations they received on April 19, 2022. USDA Warning Paul Yoder

Treeline Kennel. Alexandria Ohio- Treeline Kennel received an Official USDA Warning onJune 27, 2021 due to violations incurred in December 2021. USDA Warning Treeline Kennel

Oklahoma

Chris McGill, Horseshoe Lane AKA Chris’s Kennel. Mcalester, Oklahoma- At the time of their May 19, 2022 USDA inspection, McGill received 4 direct and 2 noncritical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, records, cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control and employees. Chris McGill 5.19.2022. We have record of this facility selling to pet stores in Texas.

Rhonda Frederick, Luvable Puppies. Okmulgee, Oklahoma- At the time of their April 21, 2022 USDA inspection, Frederick received 2 violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and housing facilities. Rhonda Frederick 4.21.2022. We have record of this facility selling to pet stores in Texas.

Tamara Blackoak Skinner, PomPered Biewers. Cleveland, Oklahoma- This facility received violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. This facility also received an Official USDA Warning on May 12, 2022 due to the violations from their March 28, 2022 inspection. USDA Warning Tamara Blackoak Skinner

Pennsylvania

Crist Lapp, Meadow View Kennel. Ronks, Pennsylvania- At the time of their June 1, 2022 USDA inspection, Lapp had 1 violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Lapp also had an additional 2 violations pertaining to veterinary care at their April 4, 2022 inspection. Crist Lapp 4.4.2022 Crist Lapp 6.1.2022

Marlin Zimmerman and Esther Zimmerman, Turkey Hill Kennel. East Earl, Pennsylvania- At their April 26, 2022 USDA inspection, Zimmerman received 1 USDA violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Marlin Zimmerman 4.26.2022

South Dakota

Cindy Hubers, Da Pa Kli Kennels. Harrison, South Dakota- At the time of their April 4, 2022 USDA inspection, Hubers received 1 direct and 1 non-critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Cindy Hubers 4.4.2022. This facility received an Official USDA Warning on May 19, 2022 due to violations they received on April 4, 2022. USDA Warning Cindy Hubers . Hubers was also actively selling to the Nebraska dog broker Crittersville during this time period.

Vickie Hines, Lar-Kie Kennel. Woonsocket, South Dakota- At the time of their May 26, 2022 USDA inspection, Hines received 8 USDA violations pertaining to time and method of identification, records, housing facilities, primary enclosures, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Vickie Hines 5.26.2022

Tennessee

Angela Shubert, A 1 Puppy. Morris Chapel, Tennessee. At the time of their April 27, 2022 USDA inspection, Shubert received 3 ‘teachable moments’ that other licensees received violations for. Those teachable moments were pertaining to housing facilities, primary enclosures and veterinary care for dogs. Angela Shubert, 4.27.2022

Paws of Dale Hollow. Byrdstown, Tennessee- At the time of their April 25, 2022 USDA inspection, Paws of Dale Hollow received 3 violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, time and method of identification and housing facilities. Paws of Dale Hollow. 4.25.2022

Virginia

Carla McNeal. Riner, Virginia- On April 4, 2022 a USDA inspection was conducted and determined that McNeal was participating in AWA regulated activity without a brokering license. Carla McNeal 4.4.2022

Washington

Traipse Bengals. Issaquah, Washington- At the time of their May 24, 2022 USDA inspection, Traipse received 1 violation pertaining to cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Traipse Bengals 5.24.2022

Wisconsin

Abner Renno and Mary Renno. Platteville, Wisconsin- At the time of their May 3, 2022 USDA inspection, Renno received 3 violations pertaining to time and method of identification and records. Abner Renno 5.3.2022

Joseph Borkholder. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At the time of their April 4, 2022 USDA inspection, Borkholder received 2 violations pertaining to primary enclosures. Joseph Borkholder 4.4.2022

Joseph Schrock. Cadott, Wisconsin- At the time of their April 12, 2022 USDA inspection, Schrock received 2 violations pertaining to time and method of identification. Joseph Schrock 4.12.2022

Junior Yutzy. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At the time of their April 28, 2022 USDA inspection, Yutzy received 6 violations pertaining to time and method of identification, records, housing facilities, primary enclosures and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Junior Yutzy 4.28.2022

Linda Swarr, Joy Kennels. Curtiss, Wisconsin- At the time of their April 12, 2022 USDA inspection, Swarr received 1 violation pertaining to time and method of identification. Linda Swarr 4.12.2022

Ralph Martin. Thorp, Wisconsin- At the time of their June 21, 2022 USDA inspection, Martin received 2 violations pertaining to sheltered housing facilities and veterinary care for dogs. Ralph Martin 6.21.2022

Timothy Schwartz, Dilly Ridge Dogs. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- Schwartz also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2022. At the time of their April 29, 2022 USDA inspection, Schwartz received 1 violation pertaining to watering. Timothy Schwartz 4.29.2022

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June 30, 2022June 30, 2022

Meet the Survivors: Buck

Written by Becky Monroe

Meet Buck

“Many people said I wouldn’t find a purebred Poodle in a shelter,” began Katie’s interview about Buck…but with her strong desire and due diligence to find a large, non-shedding, intelligent and easy-going dog, she actually came across quite a few in need of homes.

There was a shelter in her area that did a lot of work with breeder released dogs. She found “Uriah” listed on the site with a very vague description and no picture. It read simply, “Neutered male standard Poodle. Has done well with other dogs in the shelter.”

Taking a chance, Katie and her fiancé (now husband) applied for the dog. They were approved and went to the shelter a few days later with their 12 year old terrier mix, Toby.

They were so pleasantly surprised when the staff brought out this gorgeous, chocolate standard Poodle!

However, Uriah was absolutely terrified of being outside in the fenced area. When they tried to approach him, he ran circles on his leash and did everything he could to get away.

They waited patiently and eventually he became calm enough to pet.

Katie added, “He looked so defeated.”

While they realized quickly Uriah would be a bigger project than they had planned, they still decided he was the dog for them.

They adopted him and took him home and re-named him Buck.

“The first week was the hardest,” Katie described. “ Everything was difficult and I started questioning if I had made the right decision in adopting such a traumatized dog.”

At 3 years of age, Buck was not house trained at all. He was terrified to be touched. He didn’t do steps. He couldn’t walk on a leash and only wanted to lay in the back corner of his kennel and pretend he was invisible.

Buck was broken. He had no personality and as Katie expressed, “Sadly, he didn’t enjoy existing.”

The biggest helper became Toby. Almost instantly, Buck became glued to Toby.

“We joked that Toby was Buck’s emotional support animal,” Katie shared.

In most cases, puppy mill survivors do best when paired with a confident, outgoing well-adjusted dog. After all they have been through, the one thing they seem to trust is their own kind.

With Toby by his side, they started to see that Buck actually craved attention and human contact but was too scared to approach people. They also realized he was very motivated by food.

Buck was only 58 pounds when they adopted him and now 3 years later, he weighs a healthy 74 pounds.

Katie had a friend, Heather, who lived nearby who had a rescued Doberman named Zoe. Zoe was confident and easy-going. Heather was into rehabilitating dogs and became the perfect partner to help get Buck out of his shell.

They started taking group walks everyday and soon those walks were the highlight of Buck’s new life.

He slowly gained confidence and started learning that new experiences were fun and nothing to be scared of.

Katie worked at a vet clinic on weekends and always brought Toby along. As Buck became more trusting, she started taking Buck.

He would sit behind the reception counter and every time someone asked to pet him, Katie would educate them on Buck’s past, ask them to give him a treat first and then let him lead the situation.

It didn’t take too many weekends at the vet clinic until Buck decided all people were fantastic and he started confidently approaching strangers expecting to be pet.

“Saturday mornings became much more exciting when I said the words,’Who is ready to go to work?’ and watched Buck run to the door with excitement,” Katie described.

How far Buck came when only months before he had no interest in life at all.

Katie explained that clients at work would always compliment her on how well-behaved her dogs were and how beautiful Buck was. Katie always took the opportunity to educate them about Buck’s past and encouraged them to look at shelters first when looking for their next pet.

Katie’s experience with Buck led her down a new path. She was so amazed at his transformation in six months that she wanted to get more involved with puppy mill survivor rehabilitation and help another dog find a perfect home.

She became a regular volunteer at the shelter where Buck came from and took home a 3 year old, 4 pound Maltese who had only been used for breeding.

The Maltese was shy, but adapted to normal life much quicker than Buck and in just one month was potty-trained, confident and ready for her happily ever after.

Since Buck came into her life, Katie has become an advocate for stricter breeding laws, ending puppy mills and adopting from shelters.

After submitting information for this interview, Katie became a volunteer with Bailing Out Benji and is doing events to help educate others on puppy mills with Buck by her side.

Katie has fostered two pups from other organizations, both of whom Buck helped to potty train and teach manners.

Not only have they fostered new pups, they adopted another puppy mill survivor, a cream Poodle named Bodi. Buck was eager to show him how walks can be fun and not scary as well as how to go up and down stairs.

Buck’s life has been forever changed by Katie and her family. He is happy and well-adjusted and the best mentor for all the dogs in need they bring into their home.

Thanks Buck for taking so many other pups under your wing and teaching them how great second chances are and thank you for bringing Katie to Bailing Out Benji!!

Just a reminder – if you would like to share your Puppy Mill Survivor’s story with our supporters, I would love to publish it on Tails and Truths! Just email me at bmonroe@bailingoutbenji.com.

May 31, 2022July 21, 2022

Buyer Beware: JAKS Puppies

©Bailing Out Benji 2022

All research and information was done by Bailing Out Benji and must be cited as such when shared or quoted!

To view the rest of our research, click here.

When it comes to the puppy mill industry, there is no shortage of “key players” in the game. You have breeders, brokers, transport companies, pet stores and online websites. In this day and age, there is no true way to know where your puppy is coming from unless you visit the facility yourself to meet the parents, or adopt a pet from a local rescue or shelter.

Unfortunately, the dog breeding business is clouded in secrecy and, unless you know how to ask the right questions, you will constantly be searching for answers. One of the main projects that Bailing Out Benji focuses on is independently auditing government health records that track puppies from breeder to broker to pet store, so the public has a fighting chance to do their research before they buy a puppy.

In this case, we have requested Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs), on notorious dog broker, JAKS Puppies. JAKS Puppies is based out of Britt, Iowa and not only sells to pet stores all over the country, but they started one of the nation’s first sham rescue operations. Because of their role in this, JAKS was investigated by the Iowa Attorney General due to puppy laundering and they are linked to other sham rescue organizations that have been sued in the state of California.

After the investigation was over, the Iowa Attorney General ordered JAKS Puppies to shut down their sham nonprofits and pay a fine to the state. While they are legally still allowed to sell commercially bred puppies, they are no longer allowed to label them as “rescue puppies”.

Jolyn Noethe of JAKS is now also the subject of a new podcast produced by Sony and Neon Hum Media. “Smoke Screen: Puppy Kingpin”.

Americans are used to being on the lookout for a scam, but authorities are warning of a new kind of fraud. Puppy Kingpin shines a spotlight on Jolyn Noethe, a secretive businesswoman from Iowa who is accused of laundering puppies much like drug money. Investigative reporter Alex Schuman exposes the scheme and an underground part of the industry bringing us the pets we love. From Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment. Smoke Screen: Puppy Kingpin is available June 16th, 2022. Subscribe on apple podcasts to binge all episodes or listen weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

The tricky part with the secretive puppy mill industry is that the CVIs are only needed when a puppy is crossing state lines. So the JAKs name is on those documents when a pet store gets the puppy- and rarely the name of the actual breeder. This is where we come in!

Below you will find a list of all of the known facilities that JAKS buys from before they broker the puppies to pet stores from coast to coast. Please note: we won’t see any of the Iowa breeders that JAKS sources from, because CVIs weren’t required for the initial transfer.

So far, our research has discovered that JAKS Puppies sells to pet stores in Washington, Idaho, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, Virginia, Kansas, Georgia, Texas, California, Arizona, Nebraska, Missouri, and Illinois . We are still pulling records on additional states.

Below you will find a list of the facilities that JAKS Puppies sourced from in 2021 organized by state that the puppies originated in.

Based on the records we audited, we were able to determine that JAKS Puppies imported at least 8,500 puppies from facilities outside of Iowa. This number is likely much higher, as we know that JAKS buys from several Iowa facilities. Our research also determined that 47% of the facilities that JAKS buys from are unlicensed and unregulated.

*All of these connections below came from records obtained from the Iowa Department of Agriculture.*

If you would like to donate to help us continue our research, you can do that here.

Illinois

1. 1. Bennie Chupp. Arcola, Illinois- appears to be unlicensed.
  2. Raymond Yutzy, Melinda Yutzy, and Rebecca Yutzy. Liberty, Illinois-was USDA licensed but canceled and doesn’t currently hold a state or USDA license.
  3. Stephen Yutzy. Liberty, Illinois- appears to be unlicensed.

Indiana

1. 1. Ada Wagler. Loogootee, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.
  2. Allen R Stoll. Logootee, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.
  3. Anna Mae Graber and Daniel K Graber. Odon, Indiana- At the time of their most recent USDA inspection on 8/18/2021, Graber had 23 adult breeding dogs and 35 puppies.
  4. Ben Wagler. Odon, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.
  5. Dave Knepp. Loogootee, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.
  6. David Glick. Middlebury, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.
  7. Elmer Raber. Odon, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.
  8. Elmer L Wagler. Montgomery, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.
  9. Fred Yoder. Middlebury, Indiana- there is no address on the CVI, but we are unable to locate a USDA or state license for a ‘Fred Yoder’ in Middlebury.
  10. Herman Raber, Raber’s Frenchies. Montgomery, Indiana. At the time of their most recent USDA inspection on 3/2/2021, Raber had 28 adult breeding dogs and 29 puppies.
  11. James Otto and Maryann Otto. Topeka, Indiana- At the time of their most recent USDA inspection on 8/19/2021, Otto had 16 adult breeding dogs and 29 puppies.
  12. Jerry Miller, Play More Kennel. Lagrange, Indiana- At the time of their most recent USDA inspection on 2/1/2022, Miller had 16 adult breeding dogs and 6 puppies.
  13. Jerry Wingard. Goshen, Indiana- At the time of their most recent USDA inspection on 9/21/2021, Wingard had 9 adult breeding dogs and 15 puppies.
  14. John Otto, Red Barn Kennels. Ligonier, Indiana- At the time of their most recent USDA inspection on 3/28/2022, Otto had 30 adult breeding dogs and 33 puppies.
  15. Kevin Graber. Montgomery, Indiana- hasn’t been USDA licensed since 2016. Graber canceled shortly after receiving 4 USDA violations.
  16. Levi Wagler and Janet Wagler. Loogootee, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.
  17. Lonnie Lambright. Shipshewana, Indiana- At the time of their most recent USDA inspection on 4/19/2022, Lambright had 10 adult breeding dogs and 5 puppies.
  18. Lucas Miller. Shipshewana, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.
  19. Marcus Lengacher. Odon, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.
  20. Francis Wagler and Margaret Wagler. Loogootee, Indiana- At the time of their most recent USDA inspection on 2/10/2022, Wagler had 36 adult breeding dogs and 24 puppies.
  21. Marion Mishler. Lagrange, Indiana- there is no address on the CVI, but we are unable to locate a USDA or state license for a “Mishler” in Lagrange.
  22. Martin Miller. Lagrange, Indiana- At the time of their most recent USDA inspection on 8/10/2021, Miller had 43 adult breeding dogs and 38 puppies.
  23. Mary Yoder. Shipshewana, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.
  24. Mervin Raber, Pine Hill Pets. Montgomery, Indiana- At the time of their most recent USDA inspection on 10/7/2021, Raber had 17 adult breeding dogs and 14 puppies.
  25. Michael Yoder. Topeka, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.
  26. Orlie Otto and Julie Otto, Natureview Puppies. Topeka, Indiana- there is no address on the CVI, but we are unable to locate a USDA or state license for an “Orlie or Julie Yoder” in Topeka.
  27. Richard Frey. Topeka, Indiana- At the time of their most recent USDA inspection on 10/7/2021, Frey had 29 adult breeding dogs and 24 puppies.
  28. Richard Yoder. Topeka, Indiana- there is no address on the CVI, but we are unable to locate a USDA or state license for a “Richard Yoder” in Topeka.
  29. Steve Kauffman. Middlebury, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.
  30. Steven Mullett. Goshen, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.
  31. Vernon and Kathryn Lambright, Peaceful Hollow pets AKA Clearspring Kennels. Wolcottville, Indiana- At the time of their most recent USDA inspection on 11/6/2019, Lambright had 81 adult breeding dogs and 78 puppies with a history of violations that resulted in them being named one of the worst puppy mills in the country.
  32. Virginia Wagler. Loogootee, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.
  33. Walter Schwartz. Monroe, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.
  34. Wayne Miller and Karen Miller, Rowe Eden Kennels AKA Woffer Kennels. Middlebury, Indiana- At the time of their most recent USDA inspection on 9/8/2021, Miller had 131 adult breeding dogs and 121 puppies. This facility was also named one of the worst puppy mills in the country in 2020. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  35. Willard Beechy. Shipshewana, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.
  36. Willis Schwartz. Monroe, Indiana- appears to be unlicensed.

Iowa

1. 1. Edwin Gingerich, Winginger Kennel. Seymour, Iowa- At the time of their last IDALS inspection on 11/29/2021, Gingerich had 15 adult breeding dogs and 3 puppies. This facility became licensed after Bailing Out Benji filed a complaint about their unlicensed breeding facility in October 2021.

Kansas

1. 1. Audrey Sinn. Mahaska, Kansas- appears to be unlicensed.
  2. Jane Waterman, Waterman Kennels. Atwood, Kansas- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 4/5/2022, Waterman had 229 adult breeding dogs and 110 puppies. This facility was named one of the worst puppy mills in the country in 2020.

Michigan

1. 1. Daniel Lambright and Marcus Lambright. Grand Junction, Michigan- At the time of their last USDA inspection on September 8, 2021, Lambright had 22 adult breeding dogs and 24 puppies.
  2. Jacob Lambright and Samuel Lambright. Bloomingdale, Michigan- This facility canceled their USDA license after receiving 7 USDA violations, including one critical violation during their two June 2021 inspections. These violations were pertaining to outdoor housing facilities, primary enclosures, dogs chained to logs, lack of water, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping and pest control. At the time of their last inspection, Lambright had 38 adult breeding dogs and 28 puppies.

Minnesota

1. 1. Angie McDuffee and Wanda Kretzman, AJ’s Angels AKA Clearwater Kennel. Cushing, Minnesota- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 10/20/2021, AJ’s Angels had 786 adult breeding dogs and 386 puppies. This facility has also been named one of the worst puppy mills in the country twice. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  2. Ashley Freeburg. Tracy, Minnesota- appears to be unlicensed.
  3. Craig Kleven and Linda Kleven, Fair View Kennels. Walnut Grove, Minnesota- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 2/1/2022, Kleven had 56 adult breeding dogs and 19 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  4. Jim Christian. Currie, Minnesota- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 3/23/2022, Christian had 56 adult breeding dogs and 17 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  5. John Henry Miller. Utica, Minnesota- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 7/7/2021, Miller had 51 adult breeding dogs and 31 puppies.
  6. Justin Sawyer, Foot Hills Farm. Backus, Minnesota- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 8/13/2019, Sawyer had 159 adult breeding dogs and 82 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  7. Melvin Lien. Garvin, Minnesota- appears to be unlicensed.

Missouri

1. 1. Amos Schwartz. Princeton, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 10/19/2021, Schwartz had 25 adult breeding dogs and 24 puppies. Schwartz was named one of the worst puppy mills in the country in 2013 and has been downsizing their kennel over the last few inspections. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  2. Andrew Borntreger. Princeton, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 8/27/2021, Borntreger had 95 adult breeding dogs and 92 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  3. Anna Hoover, Wilmer Hoover and Janet Sloan, Tailspin Kennel. Versailles, Missouri- This facility has two USDA inspected sites on the same property. Site 2 was inspected on 3/15/2022 and had 43 adult breeding dogs and 8 puppies. Site 1 was inspected on 5/24/2021 and had 13 adult breeding dogs and 5 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  4. Anna Leinbach. Versailles, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  5. Athea Stutzman and Sarah Stutzman. Jamesport, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  6. Chris Mast, Shady Ridge Kennel. Bogard, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 1/10/2022, Mast had 74 adult breeding dogs and 25 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  7. David Blackburn and Denise Blackburn, D&D Blackburn Kennel. Jamesport, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 1/5/2022, Blackburn had 50 adult breeding dogs and 69 puppies.
  8. Dana Farr, A Cute Puppy. Stewartsville, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 11/15/2021, Farr had 23 adult breeding dogs and 16 puppies. This facility is a regular supplier to JAKS.
  9. Daniel Shirk. Chula, Missouri- At the time of their 12/4/2020 USDA inspection, Shirk had 40 adult breeding dogs and 23 puppies. Their most recent inspection was a focused inspection for a small amount of animals (1 adult, 4 puppies). This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  10. Darla Reiff, Playful Pals Country Kennel. Versailles, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 3/30/2022, Reiff had 46 adult breeding dogs and 15 puppies. This facility is a regular supplier to JAKS.
  11. David Blaine. Greentop, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  12. David Mast. Jamesport, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  13. David Rhinehart. Jamesport, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  14. David Stutzman and Katie Stutzman. Jamesport, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 1/4/2022, Stutzman had 54 adult breeding dogs and 28 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  15. Edwin Shirk and Annetta Shirk, Willow Dell. Chula, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 1/11/2021, Shirk had 78 adult breeding dogs and 36 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  16. Emery Shetler. Mercer, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  17. Enos Mast. Bethany, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  18. Eva Mae Rissler and Ruben Rissler, R&R Kennel. Barnett, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 8/18/2021, Rissler had 83 adult breeding dogs and 24 puppies.
  19. Eva Martin and Isaac Martin, Cedar Line Kennel. Fortuna, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 10/5/2021, Martin had 26 adult breeding dogs and 21 puppies. This facility has been named one of the worst puppy mills in the country twice.
  20. Gary Simmons and Victoria Simmons. Amity, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 3/28/2022, Simmons had 53 adult breeding dogs and 49 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  21. Geri Higgins, Higgins Kennel. Kirksville, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 7/22/2021, Higgins had 48 adult breeding dogs and 25 puppies. This facility is a regular supplier to JAKS.
  22. Gladys Martin and Edward Martin, Circle M Kennels. Versailles, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  23. Glenn Bontrager. Hamilton, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  24. Ivan Yutzy and Reuben Yutzy, Stoney Creek Kennel AKA Little Paw Kennels. Jamesport, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 2/9/2022, Yutzy had 47 adult breeding dogs and 55 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  25. Jacob Wagler. Gilman City, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  26. James Ranes and Ryan Ranes, Double R Cattle Co. Jamesport, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 1/5/2021, Ranes had 43 adult breeding dogs and 47 puppies.
  27. John Hall. Ava, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  28. John Yoder. Ravenwood, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  29. Jonas Hostetler, Shady Maples Kennel. Jamesport, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 2/14/2022, Hostetler had 21 adult breeding dogs and 3 puppies.
  30. Junior Detweiler, Echo Valley Kennel. Princeton, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 10/7/2021, Detweiler had 104 adult breeding dogs and 69 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  31. Katie Borntrager and Aaron Borntrager, A-N-K Kennel. Princeton, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 3/1/2022, Borntrager had 18 adult breeding dogs and 6 puppies.
  32. Levi Kurtz and Martha Kurtz. Jamesport, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 2/14/2022, Kurtz had 14 adult breeding dogs and 10 puppies. This facility is a regular supplier to JAKS.
  33. Lukas Miller, K9 Kreations. Jamesport, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 1/11/2022, Miller had 38 adult breeding dogs and 16 puppies.
  34. Lydia Stauffer, JL Farm. Versailles, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 10/21/2021, Stauffer had 28 adult breeding dogs and 26 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  35. Mabel Zimmerman, Prairie Dog Kennel. Latham, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 8/31/2021, Zimmerman had 38 adult breeding dogs and 21 puppies. This facility is a regular supplier to JAKS.
  36. Marcee Bryant and John Bryant, Puppy Junction. Seneca, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 8/12/2021, Bryant had 89 adult breeding dogs and 14 puppies. Bryant also had 2 violations on this inspection pertaining to veterinary care and housing facilities.
  37. Marilyn Zimmerman, Sky High Kennel. Latham, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 1/19/2022, Zimmerman had 32 adult breeding dogs and 8 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  38. Mary Lou Blaine, Sunny B’s Kennel AKA Blaine’s Kennel. Greentop, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 2/15/2022, Blaine had 10 adult breeding dogs.
  39. Matthew Zimmerman and Angie Zimmerman, Oak View Farm. El Dorado Springs, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 10/26/2021, Zimmerman had 9 adult breeding dogs.
  40. Michael Yutzy, Shady Hollow Kennel. Jamesport, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 1/4/2022, Yutzy had 118 adult breeding dogs and 80 puppies.
  41. Michelle Detweiler. Jamesport, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  42. Mike Murphy. Albany, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  43. Phillip Hoover, Show Me Puppies. Memphis, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 1/6/2022, Hoover had 445 adult breeding dogs and 144 puppies. This facility is a regular supplier to JAKS.
  44. Roman Bontrager. Bethany, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  45. Roman Detweiler. Princeton, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  46. Samuel Mast and Rachel Mast, Puppy Love Kennels. Trenton, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 10/6/2020, Mast had 38 adult breeding dogs and 23 puppies. This facility is a regular supplier to JAKS.
  47. Sam Packnett. Hughesville, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  48. Samuel Hershberger. Spickard, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  49. Sarah Webb, S&C Precious Puppies. Gilman City, Missouri- This facility canceled their USDA license. Prior to that, Webb had 35 adult breeding dogs.
  50. Sherry Hughs and Kenny Hughs, Racoon Creek Kennel. Trenton, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 9/8/2021, Hughs had 17 adult breeding dogs and 11 puppies.
  51. Terry Hall. Ava, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.
  52. Timothy Hostetler. Jamesport, Missouri- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 1/11/2022, Hostetler had 9 adult breeding dogs.
  53. William Troyer. Bethany, Missouri- appears to be unlicensed.

Ohio

1. 1. David Burkholder. Millersburg, Ohio- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 9/22/2021, Burkholder had 29 adult breeding dogs and 8 puppies.
  2. Marie Burkholder. Holmesville, Ohio- appears to be unlicensed.
  3. Mose Troyer. Millersburg, Ohio- appears to be unlicensed.
  4. Robert Yoder. Frederickstown, Ohio- appears to be unlicensed.

Pennsylvania

1. 1. Harvey Martin. Denver, Pennsylvania- appears to be unlicensed.

South Dakota

1. 1. Calvin Kroger, Kroger Kennel. Hudson, South Dakota- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 12/14/2021, Kroger had 45 adult breeding dogs and 19 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  2. Steve Thiesse and Judy Thiesse, TZ Kennel. Mitchell, South Dakota- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 3/2/2022, Thiesse had 15 adult breeding dogs and 6 puppies.

Wisconsin

1. 1. Alvin Martin, A&E Farm AKA Pine Hollow Farm. Greenwood, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 10/19/2021, Martin had 191 adult breeding dogs and 109 puppies. This facility has also been on the horrible hundred puppy mill list in 2014, 2016 and 2017. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  2. Adam Miller. Cashton, Wisconsin- appears to be unlicensed.
  3. Benuel Allgyer. Platteville, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 4/22/2022, Allgyer had 10 adult breeding dogs and 18 puppies.
  4. Ben Borntreger. Tomah, Wisconsin- appears to be unlicensed.
  5. Christy Borntreger and Eli Borntreger, Shady Valley Kennels. Tomah, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 4/22/2022, Borntreger had 47 adult breeding dogs and 54 puppies. Borntreger also received and official USDA warning after violations they received in December 2021. Because of that, Borntreger was named one of the worst puppy mills in the country. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  6. Clyde Horst, Red Barn Kennel. Stanley, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 12/14/2021, Horst had 95 adult breeding dogs and 23 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  7. Dan Yoder, Rainbow Ridge Kennels. Cashton, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 8/30/2021, Yoder had 12 adult breeding dogs and 6 puppies.
  8. David Nisley. Wesby, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 2/17/2022, Nisley had 161 adult breeding dogs and 82 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  9. David Miller. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 10/15/2021, Miller had 39 adult breeding dogs and 42 puppies.
  10. Dorothy Nolt and Gerald Nolt. Thorp, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 3/1/2022, Nolt had 106 adult breeding dogs and 26 puppies.
  11. Earl Horning. Stanley, Wisconsin- appears to be unlicensed.
  12. Ella Mae Brubacker, Northwood Kennel. Thorp, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 4/13/2022, Brubacker had 126 adult breeding dogs and 55 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  13. Elmer Miller. Wesby, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 10/13/2021, Miller had 10 adult breeding dogs and 7 puppies.
  14. Emma Horst. Stanley, Wisconsin- appears to be unlicensed.
  15. Ester Nolt and Alvin Nolt. Thorp, Wisconsin- Canceled their USDA license after a history of violations. This facility was also named one of the worst puppy mills in the country in 2017 and 2015.
  16. Miriam Hoover and Raymond Hoover, Farm House Kennel. Stanley, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 3/9/2022, Hoover had 48 adult breeding dogs and 65 puppies. This facility also received 5 violations on their 3/2/2022 inspection.
  17. Henry Hershberger and Henry Nisley. Wesby, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 4/24/2019, Hershberger had 37 adult breeding dogs and 22 puppies. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  18. Jacob Stoltzfus. Fennimore, Wisconsin- appears to be unlicensed.
  19. Jesse Miller. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- After a history of violations, this facility canceled their USDA license. This facility had 63 adult breeding dogs and 21 puppies at their 1/28/2020 USDA inspection.
  20. John Nolt, J&A Acres. Withee, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 9/28/2021, Nolt had 111 adult breeding dogs and 69 puppies.
  21. Lamar Martin. Boyd, Wisconsin- appears to be unlicensed.
  22. Leroy Borntreger. Granton, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 11/2/2021, Borntreger had 12 adult breeding dogs and 7 puppies.
  23. Lewis Miller. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- appears to be unlicensed.
  24. Marvin Burkholder and Malinda Burkholder, Pooch Kennel. Greenwood, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 1/11/2022, Burkholder had 13 adult breeding dogs and 11 puppies.
  25. Marvin Miller. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- appears to be unlicensed.
  26. Mary Ann Bontrager. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 12/7/2021, Bontrager had 57 adult breeding dogs and 37 puppies. This facility is a regular supplier to JAKS.
  27. Mervin Miller. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- appears to be unlicensed.
  28. Noah Martin. Withee, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 12/11/2019, Martin had 114 adult breeding dogs and 82 puppies. This facility is a regular supplier to JAKS.
  29. Reuben Schrock, Premier Kennels. Westby, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 11/16/2021, Schrock had 45 adult breeding dogs and 12 puppies. This facility also received two violations on this report due to primary enclosures and veterinary care. This facility is a major supplier to JAKS.
  30. Samuel Bontrager. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- appears to be unlicensed.
  31. Steve Miller. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- appears to be unlicensed.
  32. Warren Brubacker, Twilight Kennel. Thorp, Wisconsin- At the time of their last USDA inspection on 12/28/2021, Brubacker had 38 adult breeding dogs and 45 puppies. This facility supplied JAKS prior to obtaining a USDA license.

Once JAKS Puppies receives the puppies from the breeders listed above, they are then transported up to 25 hours in the backs vans and resold to pet stores all over the country. All before the puppy is even 9 weeks old. To find out where these puppies end up, click here.

To put an end to this cruel industry, we must stop putting money into the pockets of the businesses that are fueling puppy mills. Don’t shop at pet stores that sell puppies and don’t buy a puppy online or through a newspaper without meeting the parents first.

Please consider making a donation to our nonprofit organization to help us continue researching, exposing and fighting the puppy mill industry.

May 24, 2022June 6, 2022

Meet the Survivors: Eleanor

Written by Becky Monroe

Sweet Eleanor just celebrated her 6th birthday and for the first time in her life, she was able to celebrate it in a comfy home surrounded by people who love her. To a dog who suffered terribly in one of the worst puppy mills, nothing could be a better gift than a forever family to spoil her. Eleanor spent the first five and a half years of her life in a puppy mill owned by Daniel Gingerich. Gingerich’s mill located in Iowa incurred over 200 USDA violations in only a ten month period.

Before suspending his license, the USDA allowed Gingerich to auction off 350 of his dogs at a puppy mill auction in Missouri. By this time he had already received more than 100 violations.

By a stroke of fate or luck, Havaheart Rescue was in attendance of the auction and saw Eleanor on the auction block. She was listed as a female Golden Retriever and pregnant. Havaheart noticed that Eleanor had whelped puppies in July and it was only August, so they asked Gingerich how the dog could be pregnant so soon.

What came next will break your heart.

“My male dog is choosy, so what we did was we opened her up, took her uterus out, artificially inseminated her and sewed her back up, “ Gingerich explained to the Havaheart representative.

Without hesitation, Havaheart purchased her. Immediately, they realized Eleanor was very sick and rushed her to the veterinarian where she underwent emergency surgery. During the surgery they found out she had been sewn up with fishing line which had caused multiple infections in her uterus including pyometra which is extremely serious and often life threatening.

If Eleanor had been sold to another breeder, she would have died.

Bailing Out Benji had covered the Gingerich case extensively and was working tirelessly to shut them down. Mindi was very involved with the case and, after learning about the auction and Eleanor’s story, kept in touch with Eleanor’s foster mom so she could follow Eleanor’s progress.

Mindi really thought the foster family would adopt Eleanor themselves because they loved her so much, but when she was posted for adoption, Mindi and her husband, Jason, applied immediately. They were just drawn to this sweet soul and her story.

Eleanor’s life changed forever when she became a part of Mindi and Jason’s family. On top of that, she became a special addition to Bailing Out Benji team where Eleanor has been known to help educate for better animal welfare laws.

Eleanor is only the second puppy mill survivor to actually join the Callison family, but they have rescued and fostered countless others. Eleanor is, however, the first non black lab mix to join the pack.

Mindi explained, “My husband and I have always saved black dogs because they are often overlooked in shelters and rescues. But adopting her reminded me (and reminds me every day) that I am fighting to end puppy mills so no dog ever has to suffer like she did.”

Mindi believes that every dog is unique no matter the breed or background and Eleanor is no different. “She is a goofy, smiley girl that has some fears she is working through, but her zest for life is so clear, “ described Mindi.

After what Eleanor survived, it is obvious she will carry physical and emotional baggage for some time. Eleanor happens to be afraid of open spaces.

To help ease Eleanor’s fears, they take short walks in town where things are busier and louder to help her learn city life. And then they take long walks in the woods where it is quiet and she appears to be more at peace.

In the beginning, Eleanor was afraid to eat anywhere except their couch! In time, they slowly started moving her bowl to different spots like dog beds and now she is eating next to her buddy, Mose, on an elevated feeding station.

“We learned early on that Eleanor always looks for a “safe spot” before doing something scary. So, we strategically placed dogs beds around our home (in the kitchen, on our deck, etc), so Eleanor has a spot to sit that she feels safe and comfortable in while exploring. This helped her overcome a lot of fears very quickly and we are so proud of her,” said Mindi.

What would Eleanor tell humans?

“Do not buy a puppy without meeting the mom!”

Eleanor’s story has been viewed on Tik Tok and videos all over social media hundreds of millions of times. People cannot believe that anyone can be so cruel to a dog, but some of those people still don’t make the connection between pet stores and puppy mills. It was purchases from the public that kept her puppy mill owner in business.

In only six months, Eleanor has come such a long way. Her presence on social media is educating so many people on the cruel realities of puppy mills. She helps Mindi educate policy makers to end puppy mills.

Eleanor is truly a hero – who overcame so much and now goes on to teach others. “She overcame something that was so incredibly cruel and inhumane, but she still trusts humans. I think Eleanor has taught the world about resilience. This brave girl takes steps every single day to overcome her past trauma and is learning how to be a real dog,” Mindi expressed.

And while Eleanor is learning, Mindi learns from Eleanor. She has learned to wake up every morning and shake off the bad vibes from the past. Every day is a gift.

And this new life full of unconditional love, extra treats, soft beds and baskets of toys is surely the best gift Eleanor could have ever received for her birthday!

If you would like to donate in honor of Eleanor’s 6th Birthday and help Bailing Out Benji keep fighting to end puppy mills, you can do that here.

”Eleanor is proof that truly amazing dogs can come out of traumatic experiences. If you are looking to adopt a dog, please consider looking at the quiet dogs and the shy dogs. Their transformations that come after they feel love and safety is nothing short of a miracle to be a part of,” Mindi added.

Sweet Eleanor I am so happy you were rescued and found your way to the amazing life and family you have always deserved.

You can also follow Eleanor on Facebook and Instagram to watch her journey as she learns to navigate this new world.

Eleanor will also be a guest of honor at Bailing Out Benji’s Bark After Dark Gala. Click here to learn how you can meet Eleanor in person!

Just a reminder – if you would like to share your Puppy Mill Survivor’s story with our supporters, I would love to publish it on Tails and Truths! Just email me at bmonroe@bailingoutbenji.com.

May 10, 2022May 10, 2022

2022 Horrible Hundred Puppy Mills

Bailing Out Benji is a nonprofit organization that researches the puppy mill industry and independently audits government health records, such as CVIs, to connect breeders to the businesses they sell through. All of the pet store connections below were done by our research team and must be cited or quoted as such.

If you would like to support our efforts, you can find ways to do that here.

Every year in May, the Humane Society of the United States publishes a list of 100 examples of problematic breeders and brokers in the country.

You can view the full details of their 2022 list here. Many of the facilities appeared on our Quarter 1 USDA violation report, which can be viewed here, along with the copies of the inspection reports. In the Humane Society’s report, they recount the USDA violations in great detail and also, at times, connect the breeders to pet stores. We highly suggest reading their report!

Below you will find the list of 2022 Horrible Hundred Puppy Mills that was collected by the HSUS and any connections to pet stores or online websites that we have obtained through CVIs.

We have listed all of the 2022 Horrible Hundred offenders in a short list, whether or not they sell to stores.

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Arkansas

1. Alta Madewell, M&M Toy Kennel. Fayetteville, Arkansas. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Pups N Stuff (Virginia), Petland Fredrica (Florida), Crosby Pet Center (Texas), and two locations of The Puppy Store (Utah),

2. Bill Nored, Dry Fork Kennel. Fayetteville, Arkansas. Dry Fork Kennels has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Fantastic Puppies FKA Puppy Boutique (Nevada), The Dog House (Connecticut), Puppy Avenue (Florida), Westchester Puppies and Kittens (New York), Luxury Puppies (New York), Puppy Avenue (Florida), Luxury Puppies (Florida), Honey Pets (Florida), Glamorous Puppies (Florida), Sunshine Puppies (Florida), Palm Beach Puppies (Florida), Reliable Grooming (New York), Tropical Pets (New York), King of Pet Grooming (Florida)

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Georgia

1. Buddy Johnson and Serena Johnson, J2 Kennel AKA J2 Pups, Quitman, Georgia.

2. Kathryn Barber, K-Bar Kennels. Patterson, Georgia. K-Bar Kennels has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2013.

3. Steven Wilson and Blaze Wilson, Wilson Puppies. Wray, Georgia.

4. Tonya Lewis, Tonya’s Tiny Companions. East Dublin, Georgia. Tonya’s Tiny Companions has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2021 and 2017.

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Indiana

1. Agne Tatro and Leo Tatro, Noah’s Puppies. This brokering facility owns their own pet store in Indiana, which relocated from Illinois.

2. Mervin Ramer. Argos, Indiana.

3. Patty Talcott. Hardinsburg, Indiana. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: The Dog House (Connecticut), Gentle Jungle (Connecticut), Puppy Avenue (Florida), Wet Kisses (Florida), Petland Fort Myers (Florida), Forever Love Puppies (Florida)

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Iowa

1. Anita Wikstrom, Unforgettable Schnauzers. Ames, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2021, and 2019.

2. Brian Felton. Centerville, Iowa. We have record of this facility selling to puppy broker Levi Graber of Blue Ribbon Puppies since 2020.

3. Bruce Hooyer, JKLM Farm AKA Shaggy Hill Farm. Sioux Center, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2020, 2019, and 2018.

4. Carolyn Anderson, Anderson’s Yorkies. Mason City, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred List during the following years: 2022 and 2020.

5. Charles Vogl, SCW Frenchies. Atlantic, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred List during the following years: 2022 and 2021.

6. Dennis Van Wyk and Donna Van Wyk, Prairie Lane Kennel. New Sharon, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred List during the following years: 2022 and 2018.

7. Helene Hamrick, Wolf Point Kennel. Ackworth, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

8. Henry Sommers, Happy Puppys. Cincinnati, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

9. Jake Kruse, K&E Kennels Inc DBA Kruse Farm Enterprises Inc. Salem, Iowa. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Petland Iowa City (Iowa), Petables Puppy Boutique (Pennsylvania), The Pet Warehouse (North Carolina), BFF Puppies (Florida), Petland Orlando East (Florida), Northern Aquarium Pets (New York), Petland Shavano Park (Texas), Puppy Palace (Nevada), Playful Pets (Pennsylvania), Petland Knoxville (Tennessee), Puppy Dreams (Texas), Pet Wonderland (Pennsylvania), Petland Wichita (Kansas), Glamorous Puppies (Florida), Groomingdalz of Mt Kisco (New York), Pawfinity and Beyond (New York), Northern Aquarium Pets (New York), Shake A Paw (New York), Texas Puppy Store (Texas), Noah’s Puppies (Illinois, now Indiana), Astoria Pets (New York), American Kennels (New York), Worldwide Puppies and Kittens (New York) , Pet and Aquatic Warehouse (Virginia), Petland Racine (Wisconsin), Petland Pensacola (Florida), Petland Fort Walton Beach (Florida), Petland Bolingbrook (Illinois, now closed), Petland Batavia (Illinois, now closed), Petland Hoffman (Illinois, now closed), Breeders Pick (Florida), Diamonds And Doggies (Florida), Fashionable Pets (New Jersey)

10. Ken Van Der Zwaag and Rhonda Van Der Zwaag, Van Der Zwaag German Shepherds. Hull, Iowa.

11. Larry Albrecht, Coldwater Kennel. Greene, Iowa. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Westchester Puppies (New York), Bronx Zoo-Rama Pets (New York), XO Pups (Virginia), Puppy Paradise (New York), Crosby Pet Center (New York), and Teacup Pup Corp (New York).

12. Lavern Nolt, Twin Birch. Charles City, Iowa.

13. Lloyd Yoder, Valleyview Premium Puppies. Riverside, Iowa. This facility is located on the same property as Loren Yoder, another 2022 Horrible Hundred Offender. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: The Puppy Experience (New York), and Brookside Pups (Pennsylvania).

14. Loren Yoder. Riverside Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2019. This facility is located on the same property as Lloyd Yoder, another 2022 Horrible Hundred Offender. Loren Yoder likely sells to the same pet stores that Lloyd Yoder does.

15. Menno Gingerich. Albia, Iowa.

16. Steve Kruse, Stonehenge Kennel. West Point, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2021, 2020 , 2017 , and 2016. Kruse used to sell to many stores directly, but has likely transitioned to selling through brokering companies to keep the facility names off of CVIs.

17. Woody Wiley. Cantril, Iowa.

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Kansas

1. Beth Johnson. Baxter Springs, Kansas.

2. Dorothy Stewart, Stewart Ranch and Dorothy’s Pet Shop. Chapman, Kansas. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2019, and 2018.

3. Krista Kirkwood, Kristas Poodles AKA Krista’s Quality AKC Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles. Bluff City, Kansas.

4. Joyce Cairns, Unicorn Kennels. Glasco, Kansas. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2020, 2019, and 2018. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Pup Slope (New York), Hey Pets (New York), American Kennels (New York), Astoria Pets (New York), Northern Aquarium Pets (New York), Puppies of Kendall (Florida), Puppy Secret (Florida), Royalty Puppies (Florida), Puppy Secret (Florida), Gorgeous Puppies (Florida), Nessy’s Puppies of Kendall (Florida), Palm Beach Puppies (Florida), Vanity Pups (New York), Glamorous Puppies (Florida), Puppies World of Miami (Florida), and Breeders Pick (Florida)

5. Mary Moore, D&M Kennel. Uniontown, Kansas. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Selmer’s Petland (New York) and Puppies of Westport (Connecticut).

6. MerryLou Gumm and Amy Gumm, Nightshades and Firestorm Border Collies. Douglass, Kansas.

7. Samuel Roman and Summer Roman. Tree of lIfe Kennels AKA Arise Up LLC. Conway Springs, Kansas. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2021.

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Michigan

1. Lori Shavalier, Up North Trading Co. Fremont, Michigan. We have record of this brokering facility receiving many shipments of puppies from Indiana breeders.

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Mississippi

1. Annette Eccles Down Home Dachshunds. McNeille or
Carriere, Mississippi.

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Missouri

1. Beverly Hargis, Hargis’ Sunshine Kennel. Hallsville, Missouri- This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2016 and 2013.

2. Brian Letsinger, Arrowhead Springs Kennel. Ava, Missouri. We have record of this facility supplying the following stores since 2020: Puppies N Love (Arizona) and Animal Kingdom (Arizona).

3. Carol Prothe and Gary Prothe, Carol’s Kennel. Urbana, Missouri. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2021 and 2015. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Puppies of Westport (Connecticut)

4. Cory Mincey, Puppy Love Kennel AKA Cory’s Cuties. Elkland, Missouri. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2020 and 2019.

5. Dawn Boyles, Atbay Kennels. Chula, Missouri. We have record of this facility selling puppies in 2021 to Iowa puppy broker Select Puppies.

6. Daniel R Borntreger, Monroe County Puppies AKA Mon Co Puppies. Madison, Missouri. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Yuppy Puppy (Pennsylvania), Puppy Paradise (New York), Petland Orlando South (Florida), The Puppy Store West Jordan (Utah), The Puppy Store Washington (Utah), The Puppy Store Vineyard (Utah), the Puppy Store Saratoga (Utah), Petland Shavano Park (Texas), Petland Katy (Texas), and Petland Frisco (Texas).

7. Donna Taber, Jet Kennels. Wasola, Missouri. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2016.

8. Duane Barnett, Barnett’s Incredible Puppies. Rocky Comfort, Missouri.

9.Edna Troyer and Elmer Troyer, Timber View Kennel. Clark, Missouri. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2020. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Selmer’s Petland (New York) , CT Breeder (Connecticut), Puppy Boutique (New York), Puppy Paradise (New York), Petland Katy (Texas) , Canine Corral (New York), Pet City Houston (Texas), Luxury Puppies (New York), Pet Warehouse (North Carolina), Petland Orlando South (Florida), Forever Love Puppies (Florida), Noah’s puppies (Indiana), Cedar Pet Supply (Utah), and The Puppy Store Vineyard (Utah).

10. Ellen Roberts, Rocky Top K9s. West Plains, Missouri- This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, and 2015.

11. James Whatley and Alberta Whatley, Candy Coated Doxie AKA Hush Puppies. Mooresville, Missouri. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Puppy Love (Connecticut), Zoo Rama Pets (New York), NY Breeder (New York), NYC Breeders (New York), Astoria Pets (New York), American Kennels (New York), The Puppy Experience (New York), The Paw Palace (Arizona), Petland Bradenton (Florida), Puppy Secret (Florida), Crosby Pet Center (New York), Diamonds and Doggies (Florida) Forever Love Puppies and Grooming (Florida), The Pet Warehouse (North Carolina), and Pet City Houston (Texas).

12. Jered Smith and Summer Smith, Premier Puppies AKA Premies Puppies AKA Buy Puppies Today. West Plains, Missouri.

13. John Bontrager and Lizzie Bontrager. Clark, Missouri- We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Cedar Pet Supplies (Utah), The Puppy Store Vineyard (Utah), The Puppy Store West Jordan (Utah), The Puppy Store Washington (Utah), and the World Q Puppy (New York),

14. Jonas A. Miller, Country Lane Kennel. Clark, Missouri- We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: CT Breeder (Connecticut), Dog Academy (North Carolina), Family Pet Center (Virginia), Arcadia Pets (New York), Selmers Petland (New York), Westchester Puppies and Kittens (New York), NY Breeder (New York), Canine Corral (New York), Puppy Paradise (New York), NYC Breeders (New York), and Citipups (New York).

15. Kandy Hale, Kandy’s Puppies. Milan, Missouri. We have record of this facility regularly selling to Canton Trade Days AKA Dog Alley.

16. Kevin Beauchamp, Jerry Beauchamp and Linda Beauchamp, Beauchamp’s Puppy World. Lebanon, Missouri. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017 and 2016. We have record of this facility selling to Petland Wichita (Kansas) since 2020.

17. Kevin Harrison, Kevin’s Hilltop Kennels. Marceline, Missouri. We have record of this facility selling to The Puppy Boutique (New York) since 2020.

18. Leon Troyer and Esther Troyer, Pleasant Hill Kennels. Jamesport, Missouri. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Petland Webster (Texas), Petland Iowa City (Iowa), and puppy broker Levi Graber of Blue Ribbon Puppies.

19. Magdalena McGowan, Orchard Kennel. Cabool, Missouri.

20. Mary Ann Smith, Smith’s Kennel. Salem, Missouri. This facility appeared on the HSUS “Dirty Dozen” report, before they began creating the Horrible Hundred list. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Millionaire Mutts (California), Puppy Town (Nevada), Canine Corral (New York), Luxury Puppies (New York), Puppy Paradise (New York), Astoria Pets (New York), Westchester Puppies and Kittens (New York), The Left Paw (New York), OMG Enterprise (New York), Vanity Puppies (New York), Sue’s Pet Castle (Utah), Hey Pets (New York), Family Pet and Aquarium (New Hampshire), LI Puppy Sales (New York), Petland Topeka (Kansas) , The Paw Palace (Arizona), Ashley’s Lil Angels (Florida), Gorgeous Puppies (Florida), Heavenly Puppies (Florida), Palm Beach Puppies (Florida), Tiny Paws (Florida), Nessy’s Puppies of Kendall (Florida), Lil Rascals (Florida), Boutique Puppies (Texas), Forever Love Puppies and Kittens (Florida), Petland Katy (Texas), Petland Leon Valley (Texas), Petland Vineyard (Texas), It’s A Puppies World (Arizona), Glamorous Puppies (Florida), and Quality Doggies (Florida)

21. Maureen Butler, PugPekinPoo-Tzu. West Plains, Missouri. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2017 and 2015.

22. Mervin W. Yoder and Lizzie Yoder. Clark, Missouri. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Pet Aquatic Warehouse (Virginia), Astoria Pets (New York), and World Q Puppies (New York).

23. Noah Miller. Keytesville, Missouri. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Canine Corral (New York), Tea Cup Pups (New York), Puppy Paradise (New York), Sportsman’s Kennel (New York) and Luxury Puppies (New York).

24. Rachel Davis, Virgel Davis and Vickie Davis, Davis Kennel. Seymour, Missouri. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2015. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Westchester Puppies and Kittens (New York), OMG Enterprises (New York), LI Puppy Sales (New York), Luxury Puppies (New York), Manhattan Puppies (New York), The Left Paw (New York), Family Pet and Aquarium (New Hampshire), CT Breeder (Connecticut), Petland Topeka (Kansas), Puppy Town (Nevada), Sue’s Pet Castle (Utah), The Puppy Experience (New York), NY Breeder (New York), Hey Pets (New York), and Reliable Grooming (New York).

25. Sandra Kozlowski, Sho-Me Labradors. St. James, Missouri. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019.

26. Wendy Laymon AKA Wendy Faith Steffensmeier, Frenchie’s Puppies AKA A French Bulldog AKA Shadow Mountain Kennel. Rogersville, Missouri. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2019 and 2013. As well as the HSUS “Dirty Dozen” reports prior to the Horrible Hundred list.

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Nebraska

1. Clem Disterhaupt Jr, Ponca Creek Kennels. Spencer, Nebraska. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2021 and 2015.

2. Douglas Brosh and Mary Jane Brosh, Brosh’s Kennel. Pender, Nebraska. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2021 and 2015. We have record of this store selling to CT Breeder (Connecticut) in 2021.

3. Megan Mahlin, Flying High Aussies. Madison, Nebraska.

4. Wanda Reed, Wanda’s Little Pets. Wilcox, Nebraska. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2020.

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New Mexico

1. Frances Reed Higgins, Pampered Pet Care. Silver City, New Mexico.

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New York

1. Bridget Hewson ADK Puppy Patch Childwold, New York. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2021.

2. Classy Creations. Lyons, New York. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2018.

3. Crestwood Acres. Lyons, New York.

4. Curtis Martin and Joleen Martin (Jolene Martin), Summerset Farms. Seneca Falls, New York.This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2016.

5. Dorene Duffy and Marie Duffy, Lotta Spots Ranch. Livonia, New York.

6. Fronnie McClendon, Your Dream Puppy Acres. Rochester, New York.

7. Helen Camlakides, Sportsman’s Kennels. Manorville, New York. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2021.

8. James Leach, Leach Sheep and Goat Station. Martville, New York. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2021.

9. John David Shirk. Penn Yan, New York. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2020.

10. Rainbow Creek South. Butler, New York. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2020 and 2018.

11. Samuel Brubacker, Hilltop Country Kennels. Dundee, New York.

12. Twilight Valley Toys. Lyons, New York.

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North Carolina

1. Lois Baker. Anders, North Carolina.

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Ohio

1. Andy Nisley, Nunda Valley Kennels. Howard, Ohio.

2. Reuben M. Schlabach, Sharp Run Kennels AKA A 1 Bundles of Joy. Millersburg, Ohio.

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Oklahoma

1. Cynthia Paula Jack, Coal Creek Kennel. Stringtown, Oklahoma.

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Pennsylvania

1. Blanche S Plute. McDonald, Pennsylvania. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2019.

2. Bobbie Yoder, Little Mountain Doodles. Myerstown, Pennsylvania. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2021.

3. John King, Sunrise Kennel AKA Peaceful Pets. Narvon, Pennsylvania. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2019.

4. Margaret Graf, Eichenluft Working German Shepherds. Newville, Pennsylvania. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

5. Steve Musser and Kendra Musser, Treehouse Family Puppies. Jonestown, Pennsylvania.

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South Dakota

1. Vickie Hines, Lar-Kie Kennel. Woonsocket, South Dakota. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022, 2020 and 2014.

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Texas

1. Danya Bueno, Buenos Little Bulldogs. Andrews, Texas.

2. Lorraine Johnson, Johnson’s Call of the Wild. Killeen, Texas.

3. Patricia Fenton, T’s Chi’s Kennel. Daingerfield, Texas.

4. Robert Snyder, To-Ho-Wi Kennels. Quinlan, Texas.

5. Tiffany Harvey, Ace Deuce Ranch. Avery, Texas. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2017.

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Wisconsin

1. Amos Allgyer, Pawfect Paws. Platteville, Wisconsin. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2021. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: CT Breeder (Connecticut), Westchester Puppies and Kittens (New York), NY Breeder (New York), Wet Kisses (Florida), NYC Breeder (New York), Puppy Experience (New York), Puppies-Go-Round (Florida), Petland Fort Myers (Florida), Nessy’s Puppies (Florida), and Puppy World Miami (Florida),

2. Christy Bontrager and Eli Borntrager, Shady Valley Kennels. Tomah, Wisconsin.

3. Daniel A. Schrock. Hillsboro, Wisconsin. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Puppy Paws (New York) and Puppy City (New York).

4. Jesse Lambright and Timothy Lambright, Country Boy Kennels. Hillsboro, Wisconsin. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: 2022 and 2019- although the 2019 report was heavily redacted due to the USDA Blackout. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Puppy Paws (New York).

5. Joseph Hochstetler, Sideline Kennel. Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Pups Unlimited (New York) and they also sell puppies through Southpaw Pets, a Missouri puppy broker.

6. Moses Lee. Wilton, Wisconsin.

7. Vernon Bontrager, Grand Valley Kennels. Markesan, Wisconsin. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since 2020: Puppy City (New York), Petland Iowa City (Iowa), Pet City Baja (Colorado), and Pet City Chapel Hill (Colorado).

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Bailing Out Benji is a nonprofit organization that researches the puppy mill industry and independently audits government health records, such as CVIs, to connect breeders to the businesses they sell through. All of the pet store connections listed in this report were done by our research team and must be cited or quoted as such.

April 13, 2022November 10, 2022

2022 USDA Violations: Quarter 1

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

Omitted from these violations are missed inspections and teachable moments. 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 latest reporting on USDA violations in our Quarter 2 report and Quarter 3 report.

Quarter 1 : January 1 to March 31

Arizona

Shell Abbott and Ranelle Abbott. Maricopa, Arizona- At their March 22, 2022 inspection, Abbott received 2 USDA violations pertaining to access and inspection of records and property and housing facilities. Shell Abbott Ranelle Abbott 3.22.2022

Colorado

Alvin Mullett, High County Kennels. Monte Vista, Colorado- At their March 8, 2022 inspection, Mullett received 1 USDA violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. Alvin Mullett 3.8.2022

Illinois

Nathan Mast. Arthur, Illinois- At their January 12, 2022 inspection, Mast received 4 USDA violations pertaining to housing, cleaning, and veterinary care. Nathan Mast 1.12.2022

Raymond Hostetler, Timber Acres. Tuscola, Illinois- At their March 3, 2022 inspection, Hostetler received 2 USDA violations pertaining to housing facilities. Raymond Hostetler 3.3.2022

Teske Pet and Garden Center. Moline, Illinois- At their March 8, 2022 inspection, Teskes received 2 USDA violations pertaining to Procurement of dogs, cats, and other animals and veterinary care for dogs. Teskes 3.8.2022 To view where Teske’s gets their puppies from, click here.

Indiana

David Whetstone. Howe, Indiana- At their April 6, 2022 USDA inspection, Whetstone received 4 violations pertaining to time and method of identification, records, housing facilities, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. David Whetstone 4.6.2022

Emanuel Schwartz. Berne, Indiana- At the their April 12, 2022 USDA re-license inspection, Schwartz received 2 violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and housing facilities. Emanuel Schwartz 4.12.2022

Enos Miller, Pigeon River Pups AKA All Star Family Pets AKA Hoosier Canines. Shipshewana, Indiana- At their January 13, 2022 focused inspection, Miller had 4 USDA violations pertaining to record keeping, primary enclosures, feeding and veterinary care. Focused inspections are when USDA inspectors look at a limited scope of issues or previous violations. This usually means the dog count is lower and only shows the animals that were a part of the focused inspection.. Enos Miller Focused 1.13.2022 .

Envigo RMS, Inc. Indianapolis, Indiana- This research facility holds a Class A Breeder license. At their March 8, 2022 inspection, Envigo received 5 USDA violations- two of which were pertaining to direct animal care. Those violations included veterinary care, housing facilities, primary enclosures, and compatible groupings. Envigo RMS 3.8.2022

Melvin Otto and Wanda Otto. Lagrange, Indiana- At their January 20, 2022 inspection, the Ottos received 2 USDA violations pertaining to time and method of identification and veterinary care for dogs. Melvin Otto Wanda Otto 1.20.2022

Neal Ramer. Tippecanoe, Indiana- On their January 11, 2022 inspection, Ramer had 1 USDA violation pertaining to record keeping. Neal Ramer 1.11.2022

Patty Talcott. Hardinsburg, Indiana- On January 14, 2022 Talcott received an official warning from the USDA due to violations on their October 12, 2021 report. Patty Talcott USDA Warning – Patty Talcott 10.12.2021

Richard Lambright. Lagrange, Indiana- At their January 11,2022 inspection, Ramer had 2 USDA violations pertaining to veterinary care. Richard Lambright 1.11.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies through PuppySpot.

Iowa

Allen Stutzman, AE Kennels. Seymour, Iowa- At their March 7, 2022 inspection, Stutzman received 4 USDA violations pertaining to: attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care; sheltered housing facilities; and veterinary care for dogs. Allen Stutzman 3.7.2022

Brian Felton. Centerville, Iowa- At their January 26, 2020 inspection, Felton received 5 USDA violations. Those violations were pertaining to their outdoor housing facilities, feeding, and watering. Brian Felton 1.26.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies through the broker Blue Ribbon Puppies.

Carolyn Anderson, Anderson’s Yorkies. Mason City, Iowa- Anderson has received 16 USDA violations so far in 2022. These violations pertain to time and method of identification, record keeping, housing, primary enclosures, and attending veterinarian and veterinary care. Carolyn Anderson 2.8.2022– Carolyn Anderson 2.2.2022– Carolyn Anderson 1.25.2022. Anderson also received an official USDA warning due to these violations. Carolyn Anderson USDA Warning

David Grove, Glenda Grove, Eric Grove and Adam Grove, Iowa Fox Creek Kennels. Unionville, Iowa- At their March 14, 2022 inspection, the Groves received 4 USDA violations pertaining to: housing facilities; cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control; and veterinary care for dogs. Grove 3.14.2022

DJ Cobler and Melissa Cobler, Back Road Soul Puppies. Moravia, Iowa- At their March 8, 2022 inspection, the Coblers received 1 USDA violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Cobler 3.8.2022

Ethan Zumbach and Garry Zumbach, Zumbach Yorkies. Monticello, Iowa- At their February 16, 2022 inspection, the Zumbachs received 2 USDA violations pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Ethan Zumbach Garry Zumbach 2.16.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in New York, Florida and Texas.

Henry Sommers, Happy Puppys. Cincinnati, Iowa- At the time of their January 11, 2022 inspection, Sommers received 6 USDA violations, including one directly pertaining to animal care. These violations were pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, record keeping, housing facilities, veterinary care, cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping and pest control. Henry Sommers 1.11.2022

Holly Iben, Iben Family Puppies. Monticello, Iowa- At their February 3, 2022 inspection, the Ibens received 2 USDA violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and veterinary care, as well as time and method of identification. Holly Iben 2.3.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in New York, Colorado and Texas.

Jake Kruse, K&E Kennels. Salem, Iowa- At their January 19, 2022 USDA inspection, Kruse received 3 USDA violations. These violations were pertaining to housing facilities, cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping and pest control. Jake Kruse 1.19.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in at least 17 states across the country.

Jeff Denning, Denning Farms. Houghton, Iowa- At the time of their March 31, 2022 USDA inspection, Denning received 3 violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, primary enclosures and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Jeff Denning 3.31.2022

John Lengacher and Kristine Lengacher, Lengacher Kennels. Keosauqua, Iowa- At the time of their March 31, 2022 USDA inspection, Lengacher received 1 violation pertaining to watering. John Lengacher 3.31.2022

Julie Halverson. Monona, Iowa- At their March 4, 2022 inspection, Halverson received 6 USDA violations pertaining to: attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care; housing facilities; primary enclosures; cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control; and veterinary care for dogs. Julie Halverson 3.4.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies through the broker JAKS Puppies.

Kayla Mulder. George, Iowa- At their January 31, 2022 inspection, Mulder received 1 USDA violation. Those violations were pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. Kayla Mulder 1.31.2022

Larry Albrecht, Coldwater Kennel. Greene, Iowa- At their March 8, 2022 inspection, Albrecht received 3 USDA violations pertaining to primary enclosures, feeding and watering. Larry Albrecht 3.8.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in Connecticut, New York and Virginia.

Lavern Nolt. Charles City, Iowa- At their February 2, 2022 inspection, Nolt received 4 USDA violations. These violations pertained to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, record keeping, and primary enclosures. Lavern Nolt 2.2.2022

Loren Yoder. Riverside, Iowa- At their February 28, 2022 inspection, Yoder received 6 USDA violations pertaining to housing facilities, cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control, and veterinary care for dogs. Loren Yoder 2.28.2022

Linda Thompson, Rolinda Acres Country AKA Thompson’s Puppies. Waterville, Iowa- At their March 10, 2022 inspection, Thompson received 9 USDA violations, including 1 direct violation, pertaining to: attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care; time and method of identification, record keeping; housing facilities; exercise for dogs; feeding; and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Linda Thompson 3.10.2022

Lloyd Yoder, Valleyview Premium Puppies. Riverside, Iowa- So far in 2022, Yoder has received 21 USDA violations pertaining to: attending veterinarian and veterinary care; housing facilities, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control; requirements and application; record keeping; outdoor housing facilities; feeding; and veterinary care for dogs . Lloyd Yoder 2.28.2022 (1) ; Lloyd Yoder 2.28.2022 ; Lloyd Yoder 3.15.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in Texas and Virginia.

Lorelei Jennings, Paw Prints. Fertile, Iowa- At the time of their March 24, 2022 USDA inspection, Jennings received 1 violation pertaining to primary enclosures. Lorelei Jennings, 3.24.2022

Melinda Weimann, Wie Wag Kennels. Donnellson, Iowa- At their March 9, 2022 inspection, Wiemann received 1 USDA violation pertaining to housing facilities. Melinda Wiemann 3.9.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in Illinois and Iowa.

Menno Gingerich. Alba, Iowa- At their February 16, 2022 inspection, Gingerich received 4 USDA violations- including one that directly pertained to animal care and one critical violation. His violations were due to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and housing facilities. Menno Gingerich 2.16.2022. Menno Gingerich also received an official USDA warning due to these violations. Menno Gingerich USDA Warning

Steve Kruse, Stonehenge Kennels. West Point, Iowa- At the time of their last USDA inspection, Kruse received 2 violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and handling of animals. Steve Kruse 3.29.2022

Woody Wiley. Cantril, Iowa- At their February 17, 2022 inspection, Wiley received 4 USDA violations- one of which pertains to direct animal care. These violations included attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, record keeping, and exercise. Woody Wiley 2.17.2022. Woody Wiley also received an official USDA warning due to these violations. Woody Wiley USDA Warning

Kansas

Cindy Jensen and Richard Jensen. Neodesha, Kansas- At their February 10, 2022 inspection, the Jensens received 2 USDA violations pertaining to housing facilities and watering. Cindy Jensen Richard Jensen 2.10.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in at least six states.

Jenina Fortner, Paws-N-Claws. Abilene, Kansas- At the time of their March 24, 2022 USDA inspection, Fortner received 1 violation pertaining to cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Jenina Fortner, 3.24.2022

Jim Kramer, Auction House. Arcadia, Kansas- At their February 26, 2022 inspection, Kramer received 2 critical USDA violations pertaining to access and inspection of records and property and handling of animals. Jim Kramer 2.26.2022

Joyce Cairns, Unicorn Kennels. Glasco, Kansas- Cairns has received 5 direct USDA violations and 1 regular violation so far in 2022. These violations were pertaining to watering, attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, outdoor housing facilities cleaning, sanitization housekeeping and pest control. Joyce Cairns 1.5.2022 – Joyce Cairns 1.12.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in at least 4 states.

Kentucky

Mahlon Schwartz. Ewing, Kentucky- At the time of their March 22, 2022 USDA inspection, Schwartz received 1 violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. Mahlon Schwartz 3.22.2022

Michigan

Alvin Yoder and Rosa Yoder. Clare, Michigan- At the time of their March 31, 2022 USDA inspection, Yoder received 1 violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Alvin Yoder 3.31.2022

Alvin Zehr and Irene Zehr. Hillsdale, Michigan- This facility received an Official USDA Warning due to violations stemming from their December 13, 2021 inspection. Zehr USDA Warning – Zehr 12.13.2021

Jesse Hochstedler. Colon, Michigan- At their January 12, 2022 inspection, Hochstedler received 2 USDA violations pertaining to housing facilities and veterinary care. Jesse Hochstedler 1.12.2022

Nathan Steury. Camden, Michigan- At the time of their March 29, 2022 USDA inspection, Steury received 1 violation pertaining to time and method of identification. Nathan Steury 3.29.2022

Reuben Miller and Linda Miller. Coldwater, Michigan- At their January 12, 2022 inspection, the Millers had 1 USDA violation pertaining to veterinary care. Reuben Miller Linda Miller 1.12.2022

Missouri

Brian Letsinger. Ava, MIssouri- On January 20, 2022, Letsinger received an official USDA warning due to violations on their November 17, 2021 inspection. Brian Letsinger USDA Warning – Brian Letsinger 11.17.2021

Candy Fields, Fields Farm. Green City, Missouri- At their March 8, 2022 inspection, Fields received 1 USDA violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. Candy FIelds 3.8.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in at least 7 states.

Carol Hays. Perry, Missouri- At the time of their March 31, 2022 USDA inspection, Hays received 1 violation pertaining to watering. Carol Hays 3.31.2022

Carol Prothe. Urbana, Missouri- At their March 2, 2022 inspection, Prothe received 1 USDA violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. Carol Prothe 3.2.2022

Chrissie Gingerich. Clark, Missouri- At their January 5, 2022 inspection, Gingerich received 3 USDA violations pertaining to record keeping, watering and veterinary care. Chrissie Gingerich 1.5.2022

Deborah Gay Earnest, Debco. Stover, Missouri- At their February 7, 2022 inspection, Debco received 1 USDA violation pertaining to outdoor housing. Debco 2.7.2022

Edna Troyer and Elmer Troyer, Timber View Kennel. Clark, Missouri- At their February 15, 2022 inspection, the Troyers received 6 USDA violations. These were pertaining to housing facilities, sheltered housing, outdoor housing, primary enclosures, watering, and veterinary care. Edna Troyer Elmer Troyer 2.15.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in at least 6 states.

Ellen Roberts, Rocky Top K-9s . West Plains, Missouri- At their January 19, 2022 inspection, Roberts received 5 USDA violations. Those violations were pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, outdoor housing facilities, primary enclosures and veterinary care. Ellen Roberts 1.19.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in Florida.

Elmer Yoder, Highway M Kennels. Moberly, Missouri– At the time of their March 23, 2022 USDA inspection, Yoder received 2 violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and records. Elmer Yoder 3.23.2022

Jered Smith and Summer Smith, Premies Puppies AKA Premier Puppies AKA Buy Puppies Today. West Plains, Missouri- At their January 18, 2022 inspection, the Smiths received 2 USDA violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and housing facilities. Jered Smith Summer Smith 1.18.2022

John Bontrager and Lizzie Bontrager. Clark, Missouri- At their January 12, 2022 inspection, the Bontragers received 3 USDA violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, primary enclosures and watering. John Bontrager Lizzie Bontrager 1.12.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in Utah.

Jonas Miller, Country Lane Kennel. Clark, Missouri- At their March 1, 2022 inspection, Miller received 3 USDA violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and housing facilities. Jonas Miller 3.1.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in at least 4 states.

Karen Hubbard, Karen’s Kennel. Gainesville, Missouri- At their January 25, 2022 USDA inspection, Hubbard received 1 USDA violation pertaining to veterinary care. Karen Hubbard 1.25.2022

Kenneth Orrell, Pug NS Ville USA. Bolivar, Missouri- At their January 10, 2022 inspection, Orrell received 4 USDA violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, record keeping, primary enclosures, and feeding. Kenneth Orrell 1.10.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in New York.

Mervin Yoder and Lizzie Yoder. Clark, Missouri- At their January 26, 2022 inspection, the Yoders received 2 USDA violations pertaining to housing and veterinary care. Mervin Yoder Lizzie Yoder 1.26.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Monica Dodson, E Z Duz It Kennel. Purdy, Missouri- At their February 8, 2022 inspection, Dodson received 3 USDA violations pertaining to housing, cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping and pest control, and veterinary care. Monica Dodson 2.8.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in Florida.

Petie Schwartz, Lake Hill Kennel. Collins, Missouri- At their March 7, 2022 inspection, Schwartz received 1 USDA violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. Petie Schwartz 3.7.2022

Rachel Davis, Vickie Davis and Virgel Davis, Davis Kennel. Seymour, Missouri- On February 11, 2022 this facility received an official USDA warning due to violations stemming from their December 7, 2021 inspection. Davis Kennel USDA Warning – Davis Kennel 12.7.2021 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in at least 5 states.

Toba Miller, Millers Kennel. Clark, Missouri- At the time of their March 16, 2022 USDA inspection, Miller received 1 violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Toba Miller 3.16.2022

New Mexico

Frances Reed Higgins, Pampered Pet Care. Silver City, New Mexico- At the time of their March 9, 2022 USDA inspection, Higgins received 3 violations pertaining to primary enclosures. Frances Reed Higgins 3.9.2022

New York

Classy Creations. Lyons, New York- At their March 1, 2022 inspection, Classy Creations received 3 USDA violations pertaining to housing facilities, veterinary care and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Classy Creations 3.1.2022

Earl Ray Nolt. Dundee, New York- At their January 20, 2022 USDA inspection, Nolt received 1 USDA violation pertaining to veterinary care. Earl Ray Nolt 1.20.2022

Samuel Brubacker, Hilltop Country Kennel. Dundee, New York- At their January 20, 2022 inspection, Brubacker received 3 USDA violations pertaining to sheltered housing facilities, primary enclosures and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Samuel Brubacker 1.20.2022

Twilight Valley Toys. Lyons, New York- At their March 8, 2022 inspection, T.V. Toys received 2 USDA violations pertaining to feeding and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Twilight Valley Toys 3.8.2022

Ohio

Andy Nisley. Howard, Ohio- Nisley received an Official USDA Warning on January 20, 2022 due to violations stemming from their November 18, 2021 inspection. Andy Nisley USDA Warning – Andy Nisley 11.18.2021

Marvin Yoder, Willow Lot Kennels. Millersburg, Ohio- At their January 10, 2022 inspection, Yoder received 2 USDA violations pertaining to housing facilities and watering. Marvin Yoder 1.10.2022

Tri Star Pets. Millersburg, Ohio- At their February 14, 2022 inspection, Tri Star Pets received 1 USDA violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. Tri Star Pets 2.14.2022

Ura Gingerich. Loudonville, Ohio- On March 2, 2022 a USDA inspector arrived at Gingerich’s facility to confirm that they were conducting AWA regulated activity without a license. Ura Gingerich 3.2.2022.

Oklahoma

Cynthia Paula Jack, Coal Creek Kennel. Stringtown, Oklahoma– At their February 10, 2022 inspection, Jack received 6 USDA violations, including 3 direct violations, pertaining to: attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care; record keeping; housing facilities; cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control; and veterinary care for dogs. Cynthia Paula Jack 2.10.2022 . Cynthia Paula Jack also received an official USDA warning due to these violations. Cynthia Paula Jack USDA Warning

Tamara Blackoak Skinner, PomPered Biewers. Cleveland, Oklahoma- At the time of their March 28, 2022 USDA inspection, Blackoak Skinner received 1 direct violation pertaining to watering. Tamara Blackoak Skinner 3.28.2022

Pennsylvania

Daniel Stoltzfus, School Lane Kennel. Gap, Pennsylvania- At their March 9, 2022 inspection, Stoltzfus received 1 USDA violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Daniel Stoltzfus 3.9.2022

Jacob Stoltzfus, Sunrise Kennel. Doylesburg, Pennsylvania- At their January 4, 2022 inspection, Stoltzfus received 1 USDA violation pertaining to housing facilities, general. Jacob Stoltzfus 1.4.2022

John Stoltzfus, Pondlea Puppies. New Holland, Pennsylvania- At their March 2022 inspection, Stoltzfus received 1 USDA violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. John Stoltzfus 3.9.2022

Levi Stoltzfus. Manheim, Pennsylvania- At their February 28, 2022 inspection, Stoltzfus received 1 USDA violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Levi Stoltzfus 2.28.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in Virginia.

Marlin Sauder, Rocky Ridge Kennel. Denver, Pennsylvania- At their January 19, 2022 inspection, Sauder received 1 USDA violation pertaining to Veterinary care for dogs. Marlin Sauder 1.19.2022

Sadie Riehl and Marvin Riehl, Premier Pups AKA Fill-In-The-Gap Pets AKA Infinity Pups. Gap, Pennsylvania- At their March 31, 2022 USDA inspection, Riehl received 2 violations pertaining to records. Sadie Riehl 3.31.2022

South Carolina

Siberia Husky Kennel. Hamer, South Carolina- At their February 14, 2022 inspection, Siberia Kennel received 1 USDA violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Siberia Husky Kennel 2.14.2022

Texas

Cephas Kropf, Southland Puppies. Itasca, Texas- At their February 18, 2022 inspection, Southland Puppies received 2 USDA violations pertaining to housing facilities and feeding. Southland Puppies 2.18.2022

Wisconsin

Amos Allgyer. Platteville, Wisconsin- At their January 5, 2022 inspection, Allgyer received 2 USDA violations pertaining to time and method of identification and record keeping. Amos Allgyer 1.5.2022 This facility sells puppies to pet stores in at least six states.

Ben Beiler. Platteville, Wisconsin- At their January 11, 2022 inspection, Beiler received 5 USDA violations pertaining to: attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care; time and method of identification; record keeping; housing facilities and veterinary care for dogs. Ben Beiler 1.11.2022

Benjamin Lambright. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At their March 7, 2022 inspection, Lambright received 2 USDA violations pertaining to identification and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Benjamin Lambright 3.7.2022

Christy Bontrager and Eli Bontrager, Shady Valley Kennels. Tomah, Wisconsin- The Bontragers received an official USDA warning after violations stemming from their December 15, 2021 inspection. Shady Valley Kennels USDA Warning – Shady Valley Kennels 12.15.2021

David Bontrager. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At their January 4, 2022 inspection, Bontrager received 2 USDA violations pertaining to primary enclosures and veterinary care for dogs. David Bontrager 1.4.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in Minnesota.

David Miller. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At their February 28, 2022 inspection, Miller received 1 USDA violation pertaining to primary enclosures. David Miller 2.28.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in Minnesota.

Jesse Lambright and Timothy Lambright. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At their January 10, 2022 inspection, Lambright received 2 USDA violations pertaining to housing facilities and veterinary care for dogs. Jesse Lambright 1.10.2022

Joseph Hochstetler, Sideline Kennel. Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin- At their March 14, 2022 inspection, Hochstetler received 1 USDA violation pertaining to housing facilities. Joseph Hochstetler 3.14.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in Connecticut. Hochstetler also received an official USDA warning due to violations stemming from their December 13, 2021 inspection. Joseph Hochstetler USDA Warning – Joseph Hochstetler 12.13.2021

Miriam Hoover and Raymond Hoover, Farm House Kennel. Stanley, Wisconsin- At their March 2, 2022 inspection, Hoover received 5 USDA violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, method of identification, record keeping, exercise, and veterinary care for dogs. Miriam Hoover 3.2.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in Iowa.

Philip Bontrager. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At their January 26, 2022 inspection, Bontrager received 1 USDA violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Philip Bontrager 1.26.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in Minnesota and through broker JAKS puppies.

Samuel Beiler. Platteville, Wisconsin- At their January 6, 2022 inspection, Beiler received 1 USDA violation pertaining to cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Samuel Beiler 1.6.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies to pet stores in Kansas and Iowa.

Sylvia Kurtz and William Kurtz, Valley Kennel. Augusta, Wisconsin- At their March 29, 2022 USDA inspection, Kurtz received 1 violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. Sylvia Kurtz 3.29.2022

Timothy Schwartz. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At their February 28, 2022 inspection, Schwartz received 2 USDA violations pertaining to watering and veterinary care for dogs. Timothy Schwartz 2.28.2022

Titus Yoder. Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At their February 8, 2022 inspection, Yoder received 3 USDA violations pertaining to method of identification, record keeping and primary enclosures. Titus Yoder 2.8.2022 We have record of this facility selling puppies through broker JAKS puppies.

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September 29, 2021September 29, 2021

USDA files lawsuit against Daniel Gingerich

BREAKING: IOWA PUPPY MILL SUED BY THE USDA FOR 120+ VIOLATIONS IN 2021

For media inquiries contact:

Mindi Callison, mindi@bailingoutbenji.com

In August 2021, Bailing Out Benji first reported that Daniel Gingerich of Seymour, Iowa had received more than 89 federal violations that included dead and dying dogs at his breeding facility, “Maple Hill Puppies”. Gingerich is licensed by the USDA (42-A-1632) and is registered with the State of Iowa ( IA-11571).

Within weeks, the number of violations Gingerich received skyrocketed to more than 120, which were documented by the USDA inspector.

While these violations were ongoing, Gingerich sold puppies to private customers and more than 30 pet stores across the country. During the weeks that passed, no charges were pressed against Gingerich, although many of his violations broke Iowa’s animal cruelty and neglect code.

With a temporary 21 day suspension looming, no animals were confiscated by the State of Iowa or the USDA. Instead, Gingerich was allowed to auction off the majority of his dogs at an auction house in Missouri. One of the dogs who was purchased by a rescue at the dog auction had been documented to have had a home-surgery performed by Gingerich wherein her uterus was removed, artificially inseminated and sewed back up with fishing line- resulting in severe pyometra and infection.

Bailing Out Benji is forever grateful for Havaheart Rescue and their willingness to come forward with this story and file complaints on behalf of Eleanor.

USDA Lawsuit

This week, as Gingerich’s 21 day suspension was nearing its end, the USDA announced a federal lawsuit against Daniel Gingerich for his numerous violations, in what appears to be the first step to revoke his license permanently.

This 67 page complaint details Gingerich’s numerous violations. You can view the full document here: Daniel Gingerich USDA Complaint

According to the complaint:

“The gravity of the violations alleged in this complaint is great. They include the failure and/or refusal to provide access to APHIS inspectors for the purpose of conducting inspections to determine compliance with the Act, the Regulations, and the standards issued under the Act (9 C.F.R. Part 3) (Standards), repeated failures to: maintain records or forms that fully and correctly disclose the acquisition and disposition of animals; identify dogs and puppies; handle animals carefully; provide adequate veterinary care to animals, resulting in harm and death to those animals; and to provide adequate food, water, shelter, housing and sanitary living conditions to animals, resulting in harm to those animals.”

The USDA goes on to say that Gingerich “has not shown good faith” and refuses to provide the address for the additional illegal facilities he owns. It was noted that Gingerich was hiding dogs on at least 5 properties spread across Iowa. At this time, Bailing Out Benji has reason to believe that there are still animals on Gingerich’s numerous properties and those animals are in danger.

“We are very grateful for the USDA and the measures they seem to be taking to permanently revoke Daniel Gingerich’s license,” Mindi Callison of Bailing Out Benji said, “ However, we are very saddened that the Wayne County Sheriff and the State of Iowa have neglected to press animal cruelty or neglect charges against this person for their crimes against the animals. There could very well be animals still suffering on his various properties and our state needs to take action to rescue them and provide them with the care they deserve.”

Iowa’s animal cruelty and neglect code was updated in 2020 through HF737, The Community Pet and Protection Act. This law stopped short of making animal torture a first offense felony. Iowa is currently the only state in the nation where animal torture isn’t a first offense felony.

With the USDA stating that Gingerich’s refusal of veterinary care and adequate food, water, shelter, housing and sanitary conditions resulted in the ‘harm and death to those animals’, we firmly believe that charges need to be filed and our nonprofit will continue fighting to make sure that happens.

We will continue monitoring this situation and will keep the public updated on what is happening with this facility.

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September 6, 2021September 7, 2021

September 30th- National Puppy Mill Survivor Day

This day was created in September 2021 by Bailing Out Benji

In partnership with the National Day Archives, Bailing Out Benji has officially deemed September 30th as ‘National Puppy Mill Survivor Day’.

When is National Puppy Mill Survivor Day?

This day will take place on September 30th of each calendar year.

What is National Puppy Mill Survivor Day?

National Puppy Mill Survivor Day is a day to honor all of the dogs who were rescued from the puppy mill industry, as well as those who never found freedom.

Puppy Mill Survivor Day falls on the last day of Puppy Mill Awareness Month (September) and seeks to raise awareness about the connection between puppy mills and the pet stores and online websites they sell through.

Why is this day being celebrated or observed?

National Puppy Mill Survivor Day helps shine a light on the dogs who were rescued from the cruel puppy mill industry. It allows their adopted families to celebrate how far they have come and talk about what they endured.

These dogs were invisible victims for so many years and deserve to have their stories told to the world.

This day is also in observance of all of the dogs, cats, rabbits and other victims of the commercial breeding industry that never found freedom.

How should this day be celebrated or observed?

We suggest celebrating by posting photos of your puppy mill survivor and sharing their story on all forms of social media using the hashtags:

#NationalPuppyMillSurvivorDay

#EndPuppyMills

#BailingOutBenji

You can also tag the rescue you adopted them from and tag Bailing Out Benji as a way that the public can get involved to help end this cruel industry. You can also provide resources for education about what puppy mills are.

What is a puppy mill?

Where do pet stores and websites get their puppies?

How is the USDA involved?

How can I help?

Where can I learn more?

This day was created in September 2021 by Bailing Out Benji

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If you want to learn more about becoming a volunteer with Bailing Out Benji, click here.

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You can view our previous reporting on USDA violations in our Quarter 1 report here and our latest reporting on Quarter 3 here.

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Meet Buck

**Just a reminder – if you would like to share your Puppy Mill Survivor’s story with our supporters, I would love to publish it on Tails and Truths! Just email me at bmonroe@bailingoutbenji.com.**

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©Bailing Out Benji 2022

All research and information was done by Bailing Out Benji and must be cited as such when shared or quoted!

To view the rest of our research, click here.

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Michigan

Minnesota

Missouri

Ohio

Pennsylvania

South Dakota

Wisconsin

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**Just a reminder – if you would like to share your Puppy Mill Survivor’s story with our supporters, I would love to publish it on Tails and Truths! Just email me at bmonroe@bailingoutbenji.com.**

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You can view our latest reporting on USDA violations in our Quarter 2 report and Quarter 3 report.

Quarter 1 : January 1 to March 31

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BREAKING: IOWA PUPPY MILL SUED BY THE USDA FOR 120+ VIOLATIONS IN 2021

Share this:

In partnership with the National Day Archives, Bailing Out Benji has officially deemed September 30th as ‘National Puppy Mill Survivor Day’.

When is National Puppy Mill Survivor Day?

What is National Puppy Mill Survivor Day?

Why is this day being celebrated or observed?

How should this day be celebrated or observed?

Share this:

Just a reminder – if you would like to share your Puppy Mill Survivor’s story with our supporters, I would love to publish it on Tails and Truths! Just email me at bmonroe@bailingoutbenji.com.

Just a reminder – if you would like to share your Puppy Mill Survivor’s story with our supporters, I would love to publish it on Tails and Truths! Just email me at bmonroe@bailingoutbenji.com.