2023 USDA Violations- Quarter 2

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

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

According to the USDA: An inspection report documents an inspector’s observations and professional assessments of compliance at facilities regulated under the AWA. Below we have compiled a list of all of the USDA dog breeders and brokers that have had violations in Quarter 2 of 2023.

This time period is from April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023.

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

Omitted from these violations are missed inspections, unless those missed inspections are habitual. 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 2023 Quarterly Violation Reports here.

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

This time period is from April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023.

Arkansas

Cedar Ridge Kennel Inc (25 adult dogs, 4 puppies). Booneville, Arkansas- At the time of their April 4, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Cedar Ridge Kennel received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to sheltered housing facilities and veterinary care for dogs. Cedar Ridge Kennel 4.4.23

Misty Means (22 adult dogs, 10 puppies). Ash Flat, Arkansas- At the time of their June 14, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Means received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and 2 non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification and records. Misty Means 6.14.23

Rex Lovelace, Puppy Palace (15 adult dogs, 9 puppies). Harrison, Arkansas- At the time of their May 2, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Lovelace received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to primary enclosures (3 dogs affected by violation). Rex Lovelace 5.2.23

Florida

Bruno Happy Dogs (14 adult dogs, 17 puppies). Southwest Ranches, Florida- At the time of their May 3, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Bruno Happy Dogs received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification and access and inspection of records and property. Bruno Happy Dogs 5.3.23

Gorilla Backs Kennel LLC (4 adult dogs). Lake Wales, Florida- At the time of their June 27, 2023, USDA new site inspection, Gorilla Backs Kennel received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification, access and inspection of records and property, and primary enclosures. Gorilla Backs Kennel LLC 6.27.23

Oksana Zhuchenko, SL Imports LLC AKA Kittens Up (4 kittens). Hollywood, Florida- At the time of their June 12, 2023, USDA routine inspection, SL Imports received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to contingency planning. SL Imports LLC 6.12.23

Illinois

Raymond Hostetler, Timber Acres (39 adult dogs, 23 puppies). Tuscola, Illinois- At the time of their June 13, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Hostetler received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (10 dogs affected by violation). This facility also had violations in 2022. We have records of this facility selling to a pet store in Connecticut. Raymond Hostetler 6.13.23

Indiana

Michael L. Weaver (61 adult dogs, 41 puppies). Goshen, Indiana- At the time of their May 31, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Weaver received 7 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, time and method of identification, records, primary enclosures, exercise for dogs, and veterinary care for dogs. Michael L. Weaver 5.31.23

Iowa

Annette Moeller (53 adult dogs, 155 puppies). West Point, Iowa- At the time of their May 10, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Moeller received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to primary enclosures. We have records of this facility selling to puppy selling pet stores in at least 3 states. Annette Moeller 5.10.23

Bethany Korver, Linda Korver, & Stanley Korver (27 adult dogs, 6 puppies). Orange City, Iowa- The Korvers also received 10 non-critical violations in Quarter 1 of 2023. At the time of their May 5, 2023, USDA routine inspection, the Korvers received 12 non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification, records, housing facilities, primary enclosures, veterinary care for dogs, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. We have records of this facility selling to a pet store in Nebraska. Bethany Korver, Linda Korver, Stanley Korver 5.5.23

David Grove, Glenda Grove, Eric Grove, & Adam Grove, Iowa Fox Creek Kennels (32 adult dogs, 11 puppies). Unionville, Iowa- At the time of their May 16, 2023, USDA routine inspection, the Groves received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to feeding. This facility had violations in 2022 and 2021. David Grove, Glenda Grove, Eric Grove, & Adam Grove 5.16.23

David Horning (111 adult dogs, 10 puppies). Ionia, Iowa- Horning received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations they received on February 28, 2023, and has since canceled their license. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 2 states. USDA Warning David Horning

Erwin Yoder, Yoder Kennel (33 adult dogs, 16 puppies). Bloomfield, Iowa- At the time of their May 31, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yoder received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 8 states. Erwin Yoder 5.31.23

Freeman Helmuth, Sunrise Kennels LLC (57 adult dogs, 33 puppies). Corydon, Iowa- At the time of their April 24, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Sunrise Kennels received 4 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, records, compatible grouping, and veterinary care for dogs. Sunrise Kennels LLC 4.24.23

Heath Meyers, Century Farm Puppies (225 adult dogs, 128 puppies). Grundy Center, Iowa- Meyers received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations they received on March 1, 2023. USDA Warning Heath Meyers

Henry Byler (49 adult dogs, 4 puppies). Seymour, Iowa- Byler also received a violation in Quarter 1 of 2023 for an attempted inspection. At the time of their April 17, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Byler received 4 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, housing facilities, and veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 7 states. Henry Byler 4.17.23

Kyle Holtkamp (61 adult dogs, 29 puppies). Donnellson, Iowa- Holtkamp also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2023. On June 13, 2023, Holtkamp received 1 non-critical violation for an attempted inspection. On June 27, 2023, Holtkamp received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, records, and veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 3 states. Kyle Holtkamp 6.27.23

Larry Albrecht, Coldwater Kennel (165 adult dogs, 81 puppies). Greene, Iowa- At the time of their June 28, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Albrecht received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, records, and veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 4 states. Larry Albrecht 6.28.23

Linda Mulder, Limi Je M Kennel (29 adult dogs, 13 puppies). Boyeden, Iowa- At the time of their May 3, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Mulder received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to veterinary care for dogs and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. This facility had not been inspected since 2021. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 2 states. Linda Mulder 5.3.23

Nancy Carlson & Thomas Carlson, New Designs Kennel (61 adult dogs, 15 puppies). Rockwell City, Iowa- At the time of their June 15, 2023, USDA routine inspection, the Carlsons received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to primary enclosures and veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 3 states. Nancy Carlson & Thomas Carlson 6.15.23

Nathan L. Miller (12 adult dogs, 1 puppy). Kalona, Iowa- At the time of their June 29, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Miller received 4 non-critical violations pertaining to outdoor housing facilities and veterinary care for dogs. Nathan L. Miller 6.29.23

Norman Hershberger & Steve Kaffman (23 adult dogs, 17 puppies). Hazleton, Iowa- At the time of their April 13, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Hershberger and Kaffman received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Norman Hershberger & Steve Kaffman 4.13.23

Steve Kruse, Stonehenge Kennel (435 adult dogs). West Point, Iowa- Kruse also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2023 and in 2022. At the time of their April 19, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Kruse received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (15 dogs affected by violation), and 1 non-critical violation pertaining to cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Has a long history of violations. On May 9, 2023, Kruse received 1 repeat direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (4 dogs affected by violation), and 1 non-critical violation pertaining to primary enclosures. Steve Kruse 4.19.23 Steve Kruse 5.9.23

Thomas Yoder & Willie Yoder (21 adult dogs, 16 puppies). Keosauqua, Iowa- At the time of their April 25, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Yoder received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities and primary enclosures. We have records of this facility selling to a pet store in Washington. Thomas Yoder & Willie Yoder 4.25.23

Toni Robbins, Taga Aussies (51 adult dogs, 25 puppies). Coon Rapids, Iowa- At the time of their April 13, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Robbins received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to watering (17 adult dogs and 13 puppies affected by violation). Toni Robbins 4.13.23

Kansas

Colleen Kincaid, Kincaid’s K9s (60 adult dogs, 21 puppies). Chanute, Kansas- At the time of their June 1, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Kincaid received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities and veterinary care for dogs. Kincaid has since canceled her license (48-A-2169). We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Nevada. Colleen Kincaid 6.1.23

Linda Kent (47 adult dogs, 25 puppies). Elgin, Kansas- At the time of their April 5, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Kent received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to records. Linda Kent 4.5.23

Mary Moore, D&M Kennel (228 adult dogs, 55 puppies). Uniontown, Kansas- Moore also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2023 and in 2022. During a USDA-focused inspection on May 2, 2023, Moore received 13 non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification, records, housing facilities, sheltered housing facilities, primary enclosures, feeding, cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control, employees, and veterinary care for dogs. During a routine inspection performed on May 2, 2023, Moore received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (14 dogs and 3 puppies affected by violation). During another focused inspection on May 3, 2023, Moore received 1 repeat direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (18 dogs affected by violation). On her May 4, 2023, focused inspection, Moore received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (1 dog affected by violation). On May 30, 2023, Moore received 14 non-critical violations most of which were repeat violations from previous inspections, and 2 direct violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (a repeat violation) and sheltered housing facilities. On May 31, 2023, Moore received 1 repeat direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. On June 22, 2023, Moore received 2 repeat non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification and records. Moore received a 21-Day suspension for violations received between May 25, 2022, and May 31, 2023. We have records of this facility selling to a pet store in Massachusetts and to the broker JAKS. Mary Moore 5.2.23 (1); Mary Moore 5.2.23; Mary Moore 5.3.23 ; Mary Moore 5.4.23 ; Mary Moore 5.30.23 (1) ; Mary Moore 5.30.23 ; Mary Moore 5.31.23 ; Mary Moore 6.22.23 ; 21 Day Suspension Mary Moore 6.5.2023

Raymond Aurand & Marlene Aurand, Aurand’s Kennel (20 adult dogs, 13 puppies, 8 cats, 10 kittens). Salina, Kansas- At the time of their April 25, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Aurand received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to records (13 puppies and 10 kittens affected by violation). We have records of this facility selling to a pet store in Connecticut. Raymond Aurand & Marlene Aurand 4.25.23

Minnesota

Ada Yoder (45 adult dogs, 59 puppies). Utica, Minnesota- At the time of their April 12, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yoder received 1 direct violation pertaining to sheltered housing facilities and 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Has not been inspected since 2021. Yoder received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations they received on April 12, 2023. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 3 states. Ada Yoder 4.12.23 ; USDA Warning Ada Yoder

Menno Yoder, Sunny Acres Kennel (41 adult dogs, 34 puppies). Saint Charles, Minnesota- At the time of their April 6, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yoder received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to primary enclosures and veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 4 states. Menno Yoder 4.6.23

Rebecca Stille & Tim Stille, Arias Friends (39 adult dogs, 9 puppies). Faribault, Minnesota- The Stilles also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2023. At the time of their June 14, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, the Stilles received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Rebecca Stille & Tim Stille 6.14.23

Missouri

Anthony Denney (4 adult dogs, 1 puppy). Spickard, Missouri- At the time of their June 12, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Denney received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities. Anthony Denney 6.12.23

Beverly Hargis, Hargis’ Sunshine Kennels (33 adult dogs, 21 puppies). Hallsville, Missouri- At the time of their June 30, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Hargis received 4 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, sheltered housing facilities, primary enclosures, and veterinary care for dogs. This facility also had violations in 2022. Beverly Hargis 6.30.23

Charles McGinnis & Debbi McGinnis, Monarchs Kennel (30 adult dogs, 9 puppies). Bolivar, Missouri- McGinnis also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2023. At the time of their April 11, 2023, USDA routine inspection, McGinnis received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to outdoor housing facilities (7 dogs affected by violation). Charles McGinnis & Debbi McGinnis 4.11.23

Cody Zimmerman (52 adult dogs, 13 puppies). Seymour, Missouri- Zimmerman received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations they received on March 17, 2023. USDA Warning Cody Zimmerman

David Calhoun (12 adult cats). Macomb, Missouri- At the time of their June 15, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Calhoun received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. David Calhoun 6.15.23

Debra Hopkins & Rex Hopkins, Colbyco Pomeranians (17 adult dogs, 2 puppies). Poplar Bluff, Missouri- At the time of their April 25, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Hopkins received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs (17 adult dogs affected by violation). This facility had not been inspected since 2021. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 2 states. Debra Hopkins & Rex Hopkins 4.25.23

Jalisha McIntire, Emily’s Morkies (21 adult dogs). Ellington, Missouri- At the time of their June 13, 2023, USDA routine inspection at site 2, McIntire received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification and records. Jalisha McIntire 6.13.23

Janice Eminger, C&J’s Happy Tails. Joplin, Missouri- For her violations of the AWA, Erminger has had her USDA license revoked. Decision and Order of License Revocation Janice Eminger

Joseph Hostetler, Hostetler’s Kennel (24 adult dogs, 11 puppies). Jamesport, Missouri- On May 11, 2023, Hostetler received 1 non-critical violation for an attempted inspection. He has since canceled his current USDA license (43-A-6744). We have records of this facility selling to Connecticut puppy selling pet stores and to the brokers JAKS and Southpaw. Joseph Hostetler 5.11.23

Joyce Walters, Select Pets (22 adult dogs, 13 puppies). Anderson, Missouri- On April 24, 2023, Walters received 1 repeat non-critical violation for an attempted inspection. Walters also received violations on February 9, 2023, and March 22, 2023, for attempted inspections. She was not inspected until June 8, 2023, when she did not receive any further violations. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in New Jersey. Joyce Walters 4.24.23

Kristina Jordan, Jordan Family Treasures (9 adult puppies, 8 puppies). Garden City, Missouri- At the time of their May 25, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Jordan received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. This facility has 3 previously canceled licenses. Kristina Jordan 5.25.23

Lamar Z. Martin, Howling Pines Kennel (30 adult dogs, 12 puppies). El Dorado Springs, Missouri- At the time of their May 24, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Martin received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Connecticut and to the broker Pinnacle Pet. Lamar Z. Martin 5.24.23

Levi J. Petersheim & Samuel Petersheim (54 adults, 56 puppies). Madison, Missouri- At the time of their April 21, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Petersheim received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and housing facilities ( 24 dogs affected by violation). We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 2 states. Levi J. Petersheim & Samuel Petersheim 4.21.23

Melvin E. Yoder (16 adult dogs, 11 puppies). Alexandria, Missouri- At the time of their May 17, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yoder received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification and housing facilities. Melvin E. Yoder 5.17.23

Randy Swartzentruber (65 adult dogs, 43 puppies). Halfway, Missouri- Swartzentruber received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations received on March 6, 2023. USDA Warning Randy Swartzentruber

Teresa Rauch, Ratepa Kennels (74 adult dogs, 78 puppies). Bolivar, Missouri- Rauch also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2023. At the time of their June 16, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Rauch received 1 repeat non-critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Connecticut and to the broker Pinnacle Pet. Teresa Rauch 6.16.23

Travis L. Smith (34 adult dogs, 11 puppies). West Plains, Missouri- At the time of their June 30, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Smith received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to outdoor housing facilities. Travis L. Smith 6.30.23

Nebraska

Heath Francke & Serenity Francke, Sand Creek Kennels and Sporting Dogs (69 adult dogs, 59 puppies). Newport, Nebraska- At the time of their April 6, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Francke received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities. This facility had not been inspected since 2021. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 5 states. Heath Francke & Serenity Francke 4.6.23

Peggy Shaw (96 adult dogs, 74 puppies). Wilber, Nebraska- At the time of their June 16, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Shaw received 2 direct violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and primary enclosures. Shaw also received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to primary enclosures. Peggy Shaw 6.16.23

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New Mexico

Cinda Moe (6 puppies). Roswell, New Mexico- At the time of their May 10, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Moe received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to records, contingency planning, and primary enclosures. Cinda Moe 5.10.23

New York

Elmer Stoltzfoos & Lena Mae Stoltzfoos, Puppy Love Kennel LLC (53 adult dogs, 57 puppies). Fort Plain, New York- At the time of their May 22, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Puppy Love Kennel received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities. Puppy Love Kennel LLC 5.22.23

Jonas Burkholder (26 adult dogs, 20 puppies). Rushville, New York- At the time of their May 5, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Burkholder received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities. Jonas Burkholder 5.5.23

Marshall Farms Group LTD (14060 adult dogs, 7586 puppies, 560 adult cats, 257 kittens). North Rose, New York- At the time of their May 15, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Marshall Farms Group received 1 critical violation pertaining to primary enclosures (1 deceased kitten affected by violation) and 1 non-critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. Has a long history of violations. On June 12, 2023, Marshall Farms Group LTD received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities and employees. Marshall Farms Group received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations received on May 15, 2023. This facility breeds for research facilities. Marshall Farms Group LTD 5.15.23 ; Marshall Farms Group LTD 6.12.23 ; USDA Warning Marshall Farms Group

Tiny Cuties JJP LLC (12 adult dogs). Long Island, New York- At the time of their May 25, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Tiny Cuties received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to records, housing facilities, and primary enclosures. Tiny Cuties JJP LLC 5.25.23

North Carolina

Lois Baker (47 adult dogs, 12 puppies). Andrews, North Carolina- At the time of their May 17, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Baker received 4 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, housing facilities, and sheltered housing facilities. This facility has a history of violations. Lois Baker 5.17.23

Ohio

Aaron Beachy, Hickory Lane Puppies (35 adult dogs, 13 puppies). Baltic, Ohio- At the time of their April 3, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Beachy received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Connecticut. Aaron Beachy 4.3.23

Aden D. Schlabach, Hillside Acres (31 adult dogs, 32 puppies). Fredericksburg, Ohio- At the time of their June 28, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Schlabach received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities and watering. This facility had not been inspected since 2021. Aden D. Schlabach 6.28.23

Andy Nisley, AD Mini Paws (64 adult dogs, 102 puppies). Baltic, Ohio- At the time of their April 21, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Nisley received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs (64 dogs affected by violation). Andy Nisley 4.21.23

Andy Nisley, Nunda Valley Kennels (46 adult dogs, 27 puppies). Howard, Ohio- At the time of their May 9, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Nisley received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. This facility also had violations in 2022. Andy Nisley (M) 5.9.23

Andy Yoder (M), A & E Kennel (33 adult dogs, 8 puppies). Sugarcreek, Ohio- At the time of their April 6, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yoder received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Andy Yoder 4.6.23

Atlee Barkman, Barkman’s Country Kennel (68 adult dogs, 36 puppies). Baltic, Ohio- At the time of their May 3, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Markman received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to records (17 adult dogs affected by violation). This facility also had violations in 2022. Atlee Barkman 5.3.23

Cozy Cove Puppies (30 adult dogs, 22 puppies). Millersburg, Ohio- At the time of their April 19, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Cozy Cove Puppies received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. This facility had not been inspected since 2020. Cozy Cove Puppies 4.19.23

David Weaver (39 adult dogs, 46 puppies). Millersburg, Ohio- At the time of their April 5, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Weaver received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (4 dogs affected by violation). Weaver also received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities. This facility had not been inspected since 2021. Weaver also received 1 non-critical violation on May 23, 2023, and 1 non-critical violation on June 8, 2023, for attempted inspections. Weaver received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations received on April 5, 2023. David Weaver 4.5.23 ; David Weaver 5.23.23; David Weaver 6.8.23 ; USDA Warning David Weaver

David R. Yoder, Waterfall Puppies (169 adult dogs, 135 puppies). Dundee, Ohio- Waterfall Puppies also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2023. At the time of their April 20, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Waterfall Puppies received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Connecticut. Waterfall Puppies 4.20.23

Eli Barkman, Stony Acres Kennel (10 adult dogs, 3 puppies). Baltic, Ohio- At the time of their April 18, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Barkman received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to records and veterinary care for dogs. This facility had not been inspected since 2020. Eli Barkman 4.18.23

Eli B. Miller, Homestead Puppies LLC (43 adult dogs, 27 puppies). Fresno, Ohio- At the time of their April 20, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Homestead Puppies received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Virginia. Homestead Puppies LLC 4.20.23

Eli D. Hostetler (39 adult dogs, 42 puppies). Holmesville, Ohio- At the time of their May 8, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Hostetler received 4 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities, outdoor housing facilities, and veterinary care for dogs. This facility had not been inspected since 2021. Eli D. Hostetler 5.8.23

Enos Shetler (36 adult dogs, 46 puppies). Fredericktown, Ohio- On May 1, 2023, during a USDA routine inspection, Shetler received 1 critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care that involved the death of 4 puppies. Shetler also received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs during this inspection. Shetler received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations received on May 1, 2023. Shetler has since canceled his license (31-A-0867). We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Connecticut and to the broker Preferred Canines. Enos Shetler 5.1.23 USDA Warning Enos Shetler

Freeman Beechy (25 adult dogs, 21 puppies). Hillsboro, Ohio- On April 25, 2023, Beechy received 2 non-critical violations for an attempted inspection and for moving locations without telling APHIS. Freeman Beechy 4.25.23

Jacob J. Miller (7 adult cats). Fredericksburg, Ohio- At the time of their June 15, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Miller received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Jacob J. Miller 6.15.23

Jacob Yoder, Hidden Valley Kennel (37 adult dogs, 56 puppies). Fresno, Ohio- At the time of their April 5, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yoder received 1 critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records of property. Yoder refused to allow inspection. Prior to this attempted inspection, Yoder had not been inspected since 2021. Jacob Yoder 4.5.23

Johnny Hostetler (21 adult dogs, 18 puppies). Howard, Ohio- At the time of their April 24, 2023, USDA attempted inspection, Hostetler received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records and property. During their May 3, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Hostetler received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities. Johnny Hostetler 4.24.23 Johnny Hostetler 5.3.23

John W. Schwartz. De Graff, Ohio- Schwartz received 2 non-critical violations on April 25, 2023, and May 24, 2023, for attempted inspections. He has since canceled his license (31-A-0879). John W. Schwartz 4.25.23 John W. Schwartz 5.24.23

Maple Springs Kennel (69 adult dogs, 99 puppies). Johnstown, Ohio- At the time of their May 10, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Maple Springs Kennel received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs (69 adult dogs affected by violation). Maple Springs Kennel 5.10.23

Marvin A. Yoder (13 adult dogs, 14 puppies). Baltic, Ohio- At the time of their April 10, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yoder received 1 critical violation pertaining to primary enclosures. Yoder received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations received on April 10, 2023. Marvin A. Yoder 4.10.23 USDA Warning Marvin A. Yoder

Marvin H. Yoder, Willow Lot Kennels (22 adult dogs, 3 puppies). Millersburg, Ohio- Yoder also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2023. At the time of their May 15, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yoder received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to feeding and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. This facility also had violations in 2022 and 2020. Marvin Yoder (H) 5.15.23

Marvin J. Miller & Emma Hostetler, Country Side Kennels. New Concord, Ohio- On April 27, 2023, Miller and Hostetler received 1 non-critical violation for an attempted inspection. They have not been inspected since 2020. Marvin J. Miller & Emma Hostetler 4.27.23

Mervin Hershberger (75 adult dogs, 38 puppies). Baltic, Ohio- At the time of their April 4, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Hershberger received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Connecticut and to the broker Preferred Canines. Mervin Hershberger 4.4.23

Mervin Raber (34 adult dogs, 7 puppies). Millersburg, Ohio- At the time of their May 6, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Raber received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. This facility had not been inspected since 2021. Mervin Raber 5.6.23

Mose Miller, Maple View Miller AKA Maple View Kennel (26 adult dogs and 35 puppies). Baltic, Ohio- At the time of their April 25, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Miller received 4 non-critical violations pertaining to contingency planning, housing facilities, veterinary care for dogs, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. On May 2, 2023, during another routine inspection, Miller received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (2 dogs affected by violation) and 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. On May 16, 2023, Miller received 1 non-critical violation for an attempted inspection. Miller received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations received on May 2, 2023. Mose Miller 4.25.23 ; Mose Miller 5.2.23 ; Mose Miller 5.16.23 ; USDA Warning Mose Miller

Mount Hope Auction Inc. Mt Hope, Ohio- Mount Hope Auction also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2023. At the time of their April 20, 2023, USDA-focused inspection, Mount Hope Auction received 1 repeat critical violation pertaining to procurement of dogs, cats, and other animals, and 1 non-critical violation pertaining to records. This facility also had violations in 2022. Mount Hope Auction Inc 4.20.23

Myron Yoder. Baltic, Ohio- At the time of their April 5, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yoder received 1 critical violation pertaining to access and inspection of records and property when he refused to allow inspection. At the time of their April 24, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yoder also received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (2 dogs affected by violation), and 6 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities, cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control, primary enclosures, and veterinary care for dogs. This facility had not been inspected since 2021. On May 2, 2023, Yoder received 1 non-critical violation for an attempted inspection. On May 25, 2023, Yoder received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and contingency planning. Myron Yoder 4.5.23 ; Myron Yoder 4.24.23 ; Myron Yoder 5.2.23 ; Myron Yoder 5.25.23

Puppy Blvd (23 adult dogs, 8 puppies). Dundee, Ohio- At the time of their April 20, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Puppy Blvd received 6 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, contingency planning, housing facilities, and veterinary care for dogs. On June 5, 2023, Puppy Blvd received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to records. This facility had violations in 2022. Puppy Blvd 4.20.23 Puppy Blvd 6.5.23

Q Test LTD (8 adult dogs). Columbus, Ohio- At the time of their May 10, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Q Test LTD received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to records. Q Test LTD 5.10.23

Reuben Hostetler (33 adult dogs, 18 puppies). Howard, Ohio- At the time of their April 3, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Hostetler received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities and veterinary care for dogs. Reuben Hostetler 4.3.23

Reuben M. Schlabach, Sharp Run Kennel AKA A 1 Bundle of Joy (55 adult dogs, 48 puppies). Millersburg, Ohio- At the time of their May 1, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Schlabach received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, veterinary care for dogs, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. This facility had not been inspected since 2021 when he also received 3 non-critical violations. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Virginia. Reuben Schlabach 5.1.23

Reuben Troyer (30 adult dogs, 14 puppies). Baltic, Ohio- At the time of their May 8, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Troyer received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. Reuben Troyer 5.8.23

Sunrise Pups LLC (67 puppies). Ostrander, Ohio- Sunrise Pups also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2023. At the time of their April 18, 2023, USDA re-license inspection, Sunrise Pups received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to contingency planning, primary enclosures, and exercise for dogs. Sunrise Pups LLC 4.18.23

Sycamore Rise Puppies (31 adult dogs, 8 puppies). Sugarcreek, Ohio- At the time of their May 11, 2023, Sycamore Rise Puppies received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities. This facility had not been inspected since 2021. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Connecticut and to the broker Nichols Pups. Sycamore Rise Puppies 5.11.23

Sylvia Yoder (7 adult dogs, 13 puppies). Somerset, Ohio- At the time of their April 24, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yoder received 7 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, records, housing facilities, primary enclosures, and veterinary care for dogs. Recently licensed in 2022. On May 9, 2023, during a routine inspection, Yoder received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. Yoder received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations received on May 9, 2023. Sylvia Yoder 4.24.23 ; Sylvia Yoder 5.9.23 ; USDA Warning Sylvia Yoder

Vernon E. Yoder (116 adult dogs, 63 puppies). Millersburg, Ohio- At the time of their May 25, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yoder received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs (42 dogs affected by violation). Vernon Yoder 5.25.23

Wayne Burkholder (29 adult dogs, 7 puppies). Baltic, Ohio- At the time of their May 5, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Burkholder received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. This facility had not been inspected since 2021. Wayne Burkholder 5.5.23

Oklahoma

Angela Weaver. Howe, Oklahoma- On May 10, 2023, Weaver received 1 non-critical violation for an attempted inspection. She has received 3 other non-critical violations for 3 other attempted inspections in 2023, and 1 more in December of 2022. Angela Weaver 5.10.23

John Gregory McKee, Heartland Puppies. Cordell, Oklahoma- On May 12, 2023, and June 5, 2023, McKee received 2 total non-critical violations for attempted inspections. John Gregory McKee 5.12.23 John Gregory McKee 6.5.23

Jose Rojas, Sugar Bulldogs LLC (27 adult dogs, 6 puppies). Collinsville, Oklahoma- At the time of their April 6, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Sugar Bulldogs received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to primary enclosures. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Arizona. Sugar Bulldogs LLC 4.6.23

Laura Williams. Howe, Oklahoma- On May 10, 2023, Williams received 1 non-critical violation for an attempted inspection. This facility had not been inspected since 2021. Laura Williams 5.10.23

Martin Blum & Cory Blum (21 adult dogs, 14 puppies). Copan, Oklahoma- At the time of their June 7, 2023, USDA routine inspection, the Blums received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to housing facilities. Martin Blum & Cory Blum 6.7.23

Pennsylvania

Benjamin Stoltzfus, Breezy Hollow Acres (52 adult dogs, 55 puppies). Orrstown, Pennsylvania- At the time of their May 22, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Stoltzfus received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to primary enclosures. Benjamin Stoltzfus 5.22.23

Berry Patch Puppies LLC (18 adult dogs, 31 puppies). Honey Brook, Pennsylvania- At the time of their June 8, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Berry Patch Puppies received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to records. Berry Patch Puppies LLC 6.8.23

Crist Lapp, Meadow View Kennel (79 adult dogs, 11 puppies). Ronks, Pennsylvania- Lapp received 1 non-critical violation on April 13, 2023, for an attempted inspection. At the time of their May 18, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Lapp received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to contingency planning. Crist Lapp 4.13.23 Crist Lapp 5.18.23

Dan Lapp, Laurel Ridge Kennel (20 adult dogs, 11 puppies, this facility also has 1869 guinea pigs). Montgomery, Pennsylvania- At the time of their April 6, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Lapp received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to records. This facility had a violation in 2022. Dan Lapp 4.6.23

Elmer Z. Zook, Elmer Zook Kennel (63 adult dogs, 58 puppies). Ephrata, Pennsylvania- At the time of their May 15, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Zook received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to watering. Elmer Z. Zook 5.15.23

Hope Wadel, Hopefull Kennels (111 adult dogs, 74 puppies). Doylesburg, Pennsylvania- At the time of their May 2, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Hopefull Kennels received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to primary enclosures. Hopefull Kennels 5.2.23

Texas

Kristin White, Duane White, & Lena White, B.E.W Yorkies (62 adult dogs, 32 puppies). Clarksville, Texas- At the time of their May 3, 2023, USDA routine inspection, White received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. The last verified veterinarian visit was on 1-16-2021. Kristin White, Duane White, & Lena White 5.3.23

Patricia Bingham (11 adult cats, 16 kittens, 22 leopard cats). Alvin, Texas- Bingham also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2023 which included 5 direct and 17 non-critical violations. At the time of their June 9, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Bingham received 2 repeat critical violations pertaining to requirements and application, and attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (2 deceased and 2 ill leopard cubs affected by violation). Bingham also received 1 repeat direct violation on June 9, 2023, pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. On June 12, 2023, Bingham received 1 repeat direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and 4 non-critical violations pertaining to records, primary enclosures, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. This facility also had violations in 2022 and our organization publicly called for the local sheriff to investigate this facility for animal neglect. Patricia Bingham 6.9.23 (1) ; Patricia Bingham 6.9.23 ; Patricia Bingham 6.12.23 (1) ; Patricia Bingham 6.12.23

Pet City Houston Inc (78 puppies). Houston, Texas- At the time of their April 17, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Pet City Houston received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and primary enclosures (3 puppies affected by violation). To view the facilities Pet City buys from, click here. Pet City Houston Inc 4.17.23

Virginia

Elena Mikirtichev & Andrey Mikirtichev (8 adult dogs, 72 cats, 23 kittens). North Chesterfield, Virginia- The Mikirtichevs also received violations in Quarter 1 of 2023. At the time of their April 3, 2023, USDA routine inspection, the Mikirtichevs received 1 critical violation pertaining to primary enclosures, 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and 12 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, housing facilities, sheltered housing facilities, outdoor housing facilities, primary enclosures, cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control, employees, and veterinary care for dogs. On April 19, 2023, the Mikirtichevs received 1 repeat direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and 2 repeat non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care and primary enclosures. Elena Mikirtichev & Andrey Mikirtichev 4.3.23 Elena Mikirtichev & Andrey Mikirtichev 4.19.23

Samuel J. King (21 adult dogs, 26 puppies). Farmville, Virginia- King also received a violation in Quarter 1 of 2023. On April 24, 2023, King received another non-critical violation for an attempted inspection. At the time of their May 17, 2023, USDA routine inspection, King received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification and contingency planning. Samuel J. King 4.24.23 Samuel J. King 5.17.23

Wisconsin

Amos Allgyer, Pawfect Puppies (22 adult puppies, 15 puppies). Platteville, Wisconsin- At the time of their May 16, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Allgyer received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (7 dogs affected by violation) and 3 non-critical violations pertaining to form of official tag, records, veterinary care for dogs. Allgyer received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations received on May 16, 2023. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 7 states. This facility also had violations in 2022. Amos Allgyer 5.16.23 USDA Warning Amos Allgyer

Atlee Miller (21 adult dogs, 28 puppies). Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At the time of their June 12, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Miller received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to records, sheltered housing facilities, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Atlee Miller 6.12.23

Daniel Ray Miller (51 adult dogs, 62 puppies). Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At the time of their May 22, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Miller received 5 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, minimum age requirements, primary enclosures, veterinary care for dogs, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. This facility had not been inspected since 2021. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in Nevada and to the broker JAKS. Daniel Ray Miller 5.22.23

Daniel S. Borntrager (25 adult dogs, 18 puppies). Augusta, Wisconsin- At the time of their April 4, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Borntrager received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to primary enclosures and veterinary care for dogs. Daniel S. Borntrager 4.4.23

Ervin Miller, Marcus Miller, & Anna May Miller (46 adult dogs, 8 puppies). Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At the time of their June 5, 2023, USDA routine inspection, the Millers received 5 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities, veterinary care for dogs, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Ervin Miller, Marcus Miller, & Anna May Miller 6.5.23

Fannie Troyer (12 adult dogs, 17 puppies). Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At the time of their May 15, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Troyer received 5 non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification, housing facilities, and veterinary care for dogs. This facility had not been inspected since 2021. Fannie Troyer 5.15.23

John H. Beiler (31 adult dogs, 14 puppies). Platteville, Wisconsin- At the time of their May 8, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Beiler received 4 non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification, records, and housing facilities. This facility had not been inspected since 2021. John H. Beiler 5.8.23

Junior Yutzy (34 adult dogs, 19 puppies). Hillsboro, Wisconsin- Yutzy also received a violation in Quarter 1 of 2023. At the time of their June 14, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Yutzy received 3 non-critical violations pertaining to time and method of identification, records, and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Junior Yutzy 6.14.23

Katrina Smith & Wes Smith, Sunset Ridge Puppies (13 adult dogs, 13 puppies). Boyceville, Wisconsin- At the time of their May 8, 2023, USDA routine inspection, the Smiths received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to contingency planning. Katrina Smith & Wes Smith 5.8.23

Levi E. Borntrager, Barbara’s Kennel (19 adult dogs, 13 puppies). Augusta, Wisconsin- At the time of their April 4, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Borntrager received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. Levi E. Borntrager 4.4.23

Martha Schrock & Joseph Schrock (29 adult dogs, 2 puppies). Fairchild, Wisconsin- At the time of their April 5, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Schrock received 5 non-critical violations pertaining to housing facilities, Cleaning, sanitization housekeeping, and pest control, and veterinary care for dogs. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 2 states. Martha Schrock & Joseph Schrock 4.5.23

Melvin Mishler (18 adult dogs, 32 puppies). Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At the time of their April 25, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Mishler received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to time and method of identification. Melvin Mishler 4.25.23

Nathan Miller (15 adult dogs, 5 puppies). Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At the time of their May 1, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Miller received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to time and method of identification. Nathan Miller 5.1.23

Nathan Otto (15 adult dogs, 7 puppies). Hillsboro, Wisconsin- At the time of their June 9, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Otto received 2 non-critical violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and veterinary care for dogs. Nathan Otto 6.9.23

Raymond J. Stutzman (15 adult dogs, 3 puppies). Cadott, Wisconsin- At the time of their May 31, 2023, USDA routine inspection at site 2, Stutzman received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care. This facility had not been inspected since 2021. Raymond J. Stutzman 5.31.23

Samuel Beiler (40 adult dogs, 14 puppies). Platteville, Wisconsin- At the time of their June 5, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Beiler received 1 non-critical violation pertaining to primary enclosures. This facility had violations in 2022. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 3 states. Samuel Beiler 6.5.23

Simeon (Sim) Lapp ( 17 adult dogs, 7 puppies). Darlington, Wisconsin- At the time of their April 20, 2023, USDA routine inspection, Lapp received 1 direct violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (1 deceased puppy and 1 other puppy affected by violation), and 1 non-critical violation pertaining to records. This facility had not been inspected since 2021. Lapp received an Official USDA Warning stemming from violations received on April 20, 2023. We have records of this facility selling to pet stores in at least 3 states. Simeon Lapp 4.20.23 USDA Warning Simeon Lapp

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January 10, 2016May 21, 2017

Iowa Puppy Mills by the Numbers

As an Iowan, I have always been proud to live in this state. The scenery is beautiful, and the people are amazing. I have always believed that there is no better place than here….

Since starting Bailing Out Benji in 2011, my eyes have been opened to the world of misery and torture in our own back yard. I had no idea that is Iowa is the SECOND WORST state in America when it comes to puppy mills, with over 250 puppy mills (and over 17,000 adult dogs trapped)! Since Bailing Out Benji was founded, the number of puppy mills in Iowa has dropped from over 400 to just over 250- which is fantastic news! But we have a long way to go… And we can’t do it without YOUR help!

In this article, I have included a few “fast facts” about Iowa puppy mills, so you can share and help us educate! We firmly believe that through education we can put an end to this industry!

Counties with the most puppy mills in Iowa

Sioux County (with 28!)

Lee County (With 21!)

Davis County (with 14!)

Lyon County (With 7!)

Worth County (With 7! )

Remember, these are just a few of the worst counties when it comes to puppy mills… It does not mean that they are the only counties with puppy mills and it doesn’t mean these are the puppy mills with the most number of dogs. If you are curious about puppy mills in your area, please contact us!

2015 Breeders with DIRECT USDA Violations.

In 2015 alone, there were 24 USDA inspections done that included direct violations of the Animal Welfare Act. A direct violation is one that puts an animal in immediate distress (illness, open wounds, inadequate cage size, etc)

Of those 24 inspections:

-5 USDA licensed breeders had more than one inspection last year with direct violations on each inspection

-1 USDA licensed breeder had three inspections done and had a direct violation on each

-25 direct violations were handed out in total.

Iowa USDA Licensed Breeders Make 2015 HSUS Horrible Hundred List

Each year, the Humane Society of the United States puts out their list of the worst puppy mill owners in the country, and each year Iowa makes the list! Sadly, in 2015 Iowa made quite the impact, with 11 puppy mills making the cut.

Puppy mills in the following counties made the list: Calhoun, Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Lee, Marion, Mitchell, Plymouth,Sioux, Van Buren.

These puppy mills alone have over 903 adult dogs trapped in their facilities and they are living in some of the worst conditions in the entire country. The HSUS does a “Horrible Hundred” list each year, and Iowa is always represented. Here are the links to the 2014 and 2013.

Iowa USDA Licensed Breeders with the Most Adult Dogs

The top five breeders in Iowa have overwhelming amounts of dogs. Totaling over 2,000 adult breeding dogs, these facilities have numerous violations and many have made the HSUS horrible hundred list in previous years.

Larry Albrecht- Coldwater Kennels, Butler County. Latest USDA Count- 261 adult dogs, 220 puppies.

J. Maasen- Sioux County. Latest USDA Count- 282 adult dogs, 158 puppies. THIS BREEDER MADE THE 2015 HORRIBLE HUNDRED PUPPY MILL LIST.

Marvin and Joanna Newswanger- Maple Tree Kennels, Chickasaw County. Latest USDA count- 331 adult dogs

Ed VanDoorn- Squaw Creek Kennels, Mahaska County. Latest USDA Count- 387 adult dogs, 152 puppies.

Steve Kruse- Stonehenge Kennels, Lee County. Latest USDA count- 823 adult dogs, 584 puppies. THIS BREEDER HAD FIVE INDIRECT VIOLATIONS ON THEIR LATEST INSPECTION.

IAPm

And Lastly, Iowa has over 10 pet stores that buy from puppy mills, but even more Iowa puppy mills shipping puppies to stores out of the state. For more information on them, please click here.

Bailing Out Benji is the only organization in Iowa that actively protests these pet stores and we would LOVE your help! Ames, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City are three cities that we host protests in each weekend. If you know of a pet store in your area that sells puppies, please contact us! We would love to help you educate the citizens in your town! Remember, Pet store puppies ARE puppy mill puppies: don’t buy the lies!

The dogs in the puppy mills need YOUR help today. Help us educate your family, friends and coworkers by sharing this article! With each new person learning about puppy mills, we are one step closer to putting an end to the industry altogether!

For more ways to help, please contact us!

— Mindi

** All Info is Current as of October 2015 and will be updated regularly**

And don’t forget to like us on facebook !!

October 18, 2013April 20, 2017

Iowa’s First Puppy Mill Awareness Billboard

What weighs 12 tons, is seen by tens of thousands of people a day, and is carrying Iowa’s first Puppy Mill billboard?

That’s right! The Cyride! All summer long the volunteers at Bailing Out Benji have been raising money to purchase Iowa’s first Puppy Mill Awareness Billboard and PSA!

This sign will be seen by the 33,000 students enrolled at Iowa State University, as well as the more than 30,000 Ames, Iowa residents. With 35% of the ISU students coming from other states, not to mention all of the international students who will be reading this message– this has the ability to be seen around the world. We are hoping that this ad will catch some wandering eyes and will educate them about where NOT to get their puppies.

Our ad has hit the city of Ames today, October 18, 2013 and will run for an entire year on two different buses. A close up of the ad shows our message (as you can see below). As you know, one of our passions at Bailing Out Benji is to educate the consumer about the pet store, puppy mill connection. We believe that if there is no longer a demand for puppies, then the supply will dwindle down. This ad is up and running just in time for the busiest period of the year for puppy mill and store owners…. The holidays. It is no secret that more puppies are purchased as gifts between November and the end of December. Can you help us end that? Spread the word that pet store puppies are puppy mill puppies.

Wondering who that cute yorkie is in the PSA? Her name is Scarlett Sunshine and she survived 5 years in a puppy mill. She and her pack have dedicated their lives to educating about puppy mills and we couldn’t think of a better way to honor her memory. I want to thank everyone that helped with this!

Please, head over to our facebook page and let us know your thoughts!! Would you like to see one of these ads in your neck of the woods?

August 29, 2013April 20, 2017

Vote with your Money– Help Stop Puppy Mills TODAY!

According to the Animal Rescue Corps, there are an estimated 15,000 puppy mills in the U.S. alone. I wanted to take a second and share with you one of the most important ways to combat puppy mills here in the United States and it is pretty simple….

DON’T SHOP AT PET STORES THAT SELL PUPPIES!!!

Pet Stores in the US — A visual of (most of) the pet stores in the US that choose to sell puppies

Ask that your family, friends and coworkers refrain from giving them business as well. I firmly believe that you vote with your money, and it is important to give support to those businesses that are doing it the right way! When we succeed in educating the consumer about the pet store/puppy mill connection, then the demand for these puppies will decrease. When the demand decreases, there won’t be a need to have as many breeding dogs.

To make this easy for you, I am providing a few links and suggestions on how to lend your support to the cause….

**Here is a list of all of the pet stores in the United States that have signed the HSUS Pet Store friendly pledge, and they have vowed to never sell puppies… TWO important things I want you to take away from this information…

1. If you know of a pet store that doesn’t sell puppies and isn’t listed, share the pledge with them and encourage them to add their name to the list!

2. If you know of pet stores that DO sell puppies, print off a copy of the pledge and either mail it to them or drop by… Encourage them to “adopt” a more humane business model by having adoptable animals in their store instead of retail puppies.

To see which stores have signed the pledge, click here

** Here is a link that shows you all of the pet stores that DO sell puppies. Again, there are two important things I want you to do with this information…

1. If you know of a pet store that DOES sell puppies and they aren’t on the list, help the ASPCA by adding them to the database. It is important to show the public which pet stores we shouldn’t support.

2. Do not give these pet stores your money in any way, shape or form. To purchase even treats, toys or food there is to show them that you are okay with the fact that they are selling puppies. And be sure to inform your local pet store that they could get your business- they just have to stop selling puppies!

To view the map of stores in your area, click here

** Here is a link of all of the pet store protests that are going on across the United States. This link is updated constantly and if you know of any other protests, reach out to me and I will add them to this database. If you see a protest in your area, stop by and show your support! Even if you can’t stop and stay the whole time, drive by and honk or wave! Give them the positive encouragement they deserve.

To view the list of ongoing protests, click here

** Finally, for YOU, the consumer… Add your name to the pledge to stop puppy mills. Promise to never buy choosing to adopt your next pet from a shelter or rescue, or by only purchasing a dog from a responsible breeder who will show you where your puppy was born and raised. To take the pledge, click here

Most importantly, don’t forget to join us at Bailing Out Benji!

Stay updated on the most recent news about puppy mills and other important animal issues!

June 7, 2013April 20, 2017

Pet Store Protests across the United States

Something I value above almost everything else is education… One amazing way to educate others about the plight of the dogs trapped in puppy mills is to join in on one of the many pet store protests going on in the country. These protests are peaceful, with the intent on educating the citizens in the community about the pet store/puppy mill connection. PLEASE consider joining in on a protest in your area and if you know of any more or want more info about the protests, private message me through Bailing Out Benji on facebook and I will update my list!

Want to know more about why we protest? Click here

Want to know more about what a puppy mill is? Click here

Protests held in Webster City, Iowa
Critter Nation

Arizona: Tempe. These protests go on every weekend! For more information, click here.

CONNECTICUT: Branford- All Pets Club… 467 East Main Street. Protests are held on Saturdays from 11:30- 1pm. To stay updated, click here.

CALIFORNIA: Riverside– Barkworks… 1299 Galleria at Tyler. Protests are held on Sundays from 12-2.

CALIFORNIA: Oceanside– Oceanside Puppy… 1906 Oceanside blvd 92054. Protests are held every Saturday from 1-3 pm!

COLORADO: Colorado Springs- Chapel Hills Mall.1710 Briargate Blvd. These protests occur monthly! To stay updated, click here.

COLORADO: Fort Collins- Pet City. To stay updated on these protests, click here

COLORADO: Littleton- Perfect Pets. 6840 S University Blvd. These protests occur every weekend! To stay updated, click here.

Florida: Sarasota- Petland. These protests occur monthly! To stay updated, click here.

IOWA: Ames- Dyvig’s Pet Shoppe Protests 412 Burnett Ave. These protests occur every Saturday and Sunday. To stay updated, click here.

IOWA: Cedar Rapids- Pet’s Playhouse. 151 Jacolyn Dr NW. . These protests occur every Saturday and Sunday! To stay updated, click here

IOWA: Iowa City- Petland. 1851 Lower Muscatine Rd. These protests occur every Saturday from 10a-12p To stay updated, click here

Protest in Illinois
Puppy Parlor

Protest at Citipups
Hosted By Puppy Mill Free NYC

ILLINOIS: Arlington Heights- Happiness is Pets. 15 W Golf Rd,. These protests occur weekly. To stay updated click here.

MAINE: Little Paws Protest 456 Payne RD. Saturdays at 12 EST. To stay updated, click here

MICHIGAN: Novi– Petland protest, Twelve Oaks Mall- 27500 Novi Road, Novi, Michigan. Saturdays from 12:00- 1:30. To stay updated, click here

MINNESOTA: St Paul– Petland,2123 Old Hudson Rd . To stay updated, click here

MISSOURI: St. Louis– Petland Protest 6131 Ronald Reagan Dr. Lake St. Louis. Every Saturday from 11-12:30

NEW YORK: New York City– Citipups Protest. Wednesday at 6pm, Thursdays from 5:30 PM until 8:30 PM and Saturdays at 3pm … 147 Eight Avenue, New York City. To stay updated, click here.

NEW YORK: White plains— New York Breeders Pet store, 45 TARRYTOWN ROAD…. Protests are Saturdays from 11a-2p. For more information, click here

NEW YORK: Sayville— Little Wonder’s Puppy Emporium, 15 Main St, Sayville, NY. There are protests each weekend! To stay updated, click here

Ohio: Toledo— The Family Puppy Store, every Saturday 11-1 on the corner of Monroe and Talmadge, Toledo. For more information click here.

Ohio: Youngtown—7401 Market Street, these protests occur monthly . For more information click here.

Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh— Petland Robinson, Robinson Town Centre
Park Manor Blvd, these occur monthly! . For more information click here.

For more information about what kinds of puppy mills sell to pet stores, click here

Protests hosted by Maine Citizens Against Puppy Mills

March 20, 2013April 20, 2017

Through the Eyes of a Child

I will admit, the muse that sparked this latest article was none other than my subscription to Netflix. I happened to be browsing my watch instantly options and was inundated with options for children’s movies, although it isn’t my particular genre of choice. As I am scrolling through all of these movies, I kept thinking to myself, “too sad” and “that one always makes me cry”.

What was I looking at, you ask?

The collection of Disney movies that are new to Netflix. Here I am, an adult, and I can’t bring myself to watch silly little kids movies because they are so sad and that got me thinking…. As we are watching these movies at a young age, do they have an impact on our choices as an adult? You always hear that violent games/movies are shaping our children, but is the opposite true? Looking back on some of my favorite childhood movies, I am horrified that more people haven’t realized how true some of these messages really are.

Paul McCartney, an avid animal welfare advocate and fellow vegan explains his loves of Disney films, “You could lose yourself in it, it’s a magical world, really. I just always loved that stuff as a kid.” McCartney also credits Disney films “Bambi” and “Lady and the Tramp” for teaching people the importance of animal welfare. McCartney says that it” taught us against cruelty to animals and made us sympathize so much with animals”. These movies “gave us a compassion” for animals. And that is completely true.

Below, you will find a list of movies that I have picked out because of the strong animal welfare theme that I got from them. By no means is it a complete list, and you don’t have to agree with every movie on there- but I want you to read through the list carefully. Look at the movies and think about you watching them and your kids/grand kids/nieces/nephews watching them. Ask yourself… Do movies help shape who we are as adults?

Some examples of Disney Movies that have a strong animal welfare theme:

“Bambi”– Bambi’s mother is shot by a hunter (and is later shot himself during a man-made fire)
“Dumbo”–Dumbo’s mother is put into chains in the circus
“101 Dalmations”– Cruella De Vil wants to kill the puppies and turn them into fur coats
“Fox and the Hound”– Fox hunting and trapping
“The Shaggy Dog”– The 2006 version is all about animal testing in the pharmaceutical world.
“The Aristocats”– Touches on the stray animal problem, as well as overpopulation.
“Finding Nemo”– Fish from the Ocean are put into a tiny aquarium and dream about escape.
“AirBud” “Snow Buddies”– the puppies from these movies now show up in commercials that talk about adoption.
“Homeward Bound”– Focuses highly on the feelings of animals and the dangers of them becoming lost

Here are a few other examples of movies that aren’t necessarily “Disney” or about animals:

“Free Willy”– Strong message about wild animals belonging in the wild.
“Wall-E”– Has a clear message about pollution and our everyday choices.
“Paulie”– A bird escapes from an animal testing lab and finds a best friend in a human.
“Babe”– Starts off with his mother being slaughtered.
“The Lorax”– Speaking for the trees, this movie is about our environmental impact.
“Chicken Run”– Focuses on a band of chickens that are intent on escaping their death on the farm.
“Rio”– the last blue macaw plucked from his life in the wild.
“Madagascar”– Animals in zoos wanting to escape back to the wild.
“Ferngully: The Last Rainforest”– The magical inhabitants of a rainforest called FernGully fight to save their home that is threatened by logging and a polluting force of destruction

In these movies, we are giving a voice to the animals and showing our children that they do have feelings. We are teaching our children from a very young age that the choices we make can directly affect the lives of others. Of course, many who are opposed to the “AR” movement would find this idea to be brainwashing. Do you think the movies are teaching our children to feel compassion for animals? Do you think that they have any impact on our future? I feel that these are the movies that spark instant discussions with children. Watching alone won’t necessarily teach them, but the discussions that follow will. Thanks, in large part, to my Aunt Becky, who not only owned all of these movies but watched them with me constantly, I can look back and understand why I am the person that I am today.

What are your thoughts? Do these movies in anyway impact our choices as an adult? Or was it simply good writing on the part of the filmmakers?

If this article sparked your interest about teaching animal welfare to children, please be sure to click on this link and get a list of books that will help teach your child in an age appropriate manner.

And don’t forget to “like” Bailing Out Benji on Facebook!

December 3, 2011

Teacup Puppies– All the rage

I am so amazed at the number of people who are looking to buy “Teacup Puppies.” For those people searching for teacup puppies and running across my blog, PLEASE read it entirely. You need to hear the truth behind this non-breed and not what the pet stores and breeders want you to hear!

I have said it before and I will say it again– Pets are NOT something that you order online like a purse. They are NOT another accessory that you can carry around. They are living beings that require love and care.

_________________________________________

The Breeding Behind Teacup Puppies.

Sure, these puppies look adorable and, rightly so- they are! But let’s look behind the curtain for a second. Most females are bred on the ninth through the fifteenth day of their heat cycles. Eggs can be fertilized for up to 72 hours after any of these breeding’s. Therefore, it is possible to have puppies conceived up to a week or so younger than the puppies first conceived in a litter. However, when the first puppies conceived are mature and ready to be born, labor starts and all the puppies will be born, no matter when they were fertilized. What all of this means is, you are buying a puppy that was born prematurely. Those of you that have had premature children (or know of any), you know that they need extra care. However, in these breeding facilities, the puppies are treated just like any other and are taken from their parents far too early.

Then, the female premature puppy is bred with the male premature puppy… The cycle just goes on and on and on.

As you can imagine, there is a laundry list of health problems that can arise from this type of breeding. Some of the issues that may be encountered are both genetic and congenital in these tiny babies and the list is a long one.

Genetic Defects

* High Risk of open fontanels– (soft spot from the cranial bone not forming),

*Portosystemic shunts (PSS- abnormal vessel that allows blood to bypass the liver. As a result the blood is not cleansed by one of the bodies filters: the liver.),

*hypoglycemia- a syndrome that occurs primarily in toy breeds between 6 and 12 weeks of age. Puppies with a severe drop in blood sugar develop seizures or become stuporous and go into a coma. Death can follow.

*Cardiac problems-

*Distorted teeth- in all of the breeding that has occurred, these “teacup” or “toy” breeds do not have teeth that have evolved to fit inside of their mouths.

* Luxating patellas- A genetic disease that cause the kneecap to dislocate and move freely around the leg.

*Seizures

*Collapsing trachea- Their bones are so fragile that they break so easily!

*Hydroencephaly- In easier terms it can be referred to as “water on the brain”. A very serious disease that can cause trauma, strokes and death.

*blindness

*Digestive problems- this causes diabetes and other health issues.

*Fragile Bones- Their bones are so weak that they can be broken by simply jumping off of the couch.

**Problems such as respiratory problems can remain or worsen throughout their lives. These puppies are so fragile that most do not live more than a few years.

____________________________________________________________________

I will say it again… TEACUP or TOY DOGS are not an actual breed! If you see a breeder or a pet store that offers these types of dogs RUN THE OTHER WAY! I firmly believe that all dogs deserve love, but if you choose to buy dogs from pet stores or from breeders, you are only showing them that there is a demand. These small breed dogs are very overpopulated in the shelters. Just look at California: hundreds of Chihuahuas are being put to sleep because they were bought as accessories and not forever family members!

If you want a small breed dog, look on petfinder.com and search for a small dog. It is that simple. You can pay a small fee as opposed to paying thousands of dollars.

Before I end this, I want to say one more thing. Many people mistakenly believe small dogs like Chihuahuas are safe for children because they won’t pose a threat. Chihuahuas in particular are a poor choice for children because they have a tendency to be snippy and protective. Small children can also unintentionally hurt a tiny dog. A teacup dog is even more vulnerable and can easily be harmed or even killed by dropping it or mishandling it, falling on it, or stepping on it. Instead, the small breed dog is ideally placed in an adult home with someone who will dote on it, such as a senior citizen or person who works from home.

Don’t fall for the teacup yorkies, toy chihuahuas, or teacup maltese… They will only cost you thousands of dollars in veterinary costs down the road.

If you like what you read, please “like” our facebook page! 🙂

–Mindi

“ADOPT DON’T SHOP!”

Sources

October 11, 2011April 2, 2017

Designer Dogs = Expensive Mutts

Cavachons, Dorkies, Yorkipoos, Buggles, Goldendoodles, Cockapoos, Bowzers, Porkies, Baskimos, Puggles.

What do they all have in common?

They are all mutts… Really really really expensive mutts. By slapping the “designer dog” label on them, unscrupulous dog breeders and puppy mills are able to sell them at outrageous prices so the consumer feels like they are getting something “special” and “new”. When really, they are getting a high-priced mutt, that more than likely isn’t recognized by the AKC.

Some even tell buyers that these new “breeds” like yorkiepoos, buggles or jugs will be recognized by the AKC some day very soon. But people in the market for a new puppy need to realize that a cute name doesn’t turn a mongrel into a purebred. If you fall for the hype, you could pay more for a mutt than you would for a registered, guaranteed purebred.

Creating a New Breed Using Existing Dog Breeds

Ever heard of a Chusky? Yeah, me neither, not until I started doing research for this article. According to many sites, I own an expensive “designer dog”. My beautiful dog Zeppelin is a 100% purebred Chusky (sarcasm very much intended) and I got him for the low, low sale price of $0. Had his previous, abusive owners known that, they wouldn’t have surrendered him into my care at no cost! This beautiful Chow-Husky mix is absolutely one of a kind, and he is just that… One of a kind. Which is why most designer breeds haven’t been accepted by the AKC. When two purebred dogs are put together, you don’t always know what is going to come out the other end. You can’t know which traits it is going to get! It is like breeding two people. You can’t possibly know if it is going to get dad’s work ethic, or mom’s artistic abilities.

Doodles are another hot, new breed — except they aren’t a breed, either. They are a mix of Poodles and Labradors or Golden Retrievers. Most doodles you see for sale are just first generation crosses of retriever to Poodle. They are mixed breeds! There is a puppy mill owner in Altoona, Iowa that will sell you a “GoldenDoodle” for $400, while the shelter down the road will adopt it to the right family for less than $100.

Another fun fact: The “oodles” of Poodle mixes like yorkiepoos, pekapoos, schnoodles (and so on) have absolutely no breeding standards, no club, no standardized breeding records, and no plan for the future–which means no AKC acceptance letters for these doggies. So what is the point? Why go to a pet store and spend $1000 on a designer mutt, when you can go to your local shelter or www.petfinder.com and find something that is just as adorable, SO much cheaper, and that is going home with all (or most) of its vet work done?

Here is my thought for the day… If rescues and shelters started putting these designer labels on their dogs, would they be adopted more quickly? I am really curious about what you think!

If you “like” this article, PLEASE “like” our facebook page 🙂

–Mindi

And as I always say… “Don’t Shop, Adopt!”

Want to know More? Read it here:

Shelter dogs aren’t broken!.

How much is that doggie in the window?.

Dyvig’s Pet Shoppe, Ames, Iowa… A store NOTORIOUS for selling Puppy Mill puppies.

October 7, 2011April 2, 2017

“Puppy” isn’t just an age

It is a learned behavior!

How many times have you seen a puppy nipping at hands, jumping all over the furniture and going to the bathroom where ever they please? How many times have you heard the excuse, “Oh she’s just a puppy…”

… Until that puppy is a giant black lab and her cute little antics aren’t so cute anymore.

What starts off as a cute puppy habit turns out to be supremely annoying. No one wants a dog that tears up your brand new heels! It’s never too early to start training your puppy. Just like raising children, whatever behavior is allowed from an early age, is a learned behavior your puppy will think is acceptable in to adulthood. It’s easier to teach your puppy from an early age what is acceptable behavior, and to nip bad behavior in the bud before it’s too late!

It is my belief that there are no bad dogs… only untrained dogs! And these dogs are more likely to end up in a shelter, because of their supposed “high maintenance”… Which means that they are more likely to wind up euthanized and that is something that no one wants for their pet!

My advice to you is to study up! Read dog training articles, read dog books and just educate yourself! Your dog gets all of their cues from you, even when you don’t know you are giving them! There are so many dog trainers out there and their whole job is to just help you get your puppy to listen. Even if you aren’t sure that you need one, call the trainer. Talk to them and tell them what is going on. They will tell you exactly what you need!

One trainer that I have been following on facebook is the Canine Connection LLC and it is in Dubuque, Iowa. I recommend them 100%. They follow my “positive reinforcement” beliefs and they do it all: puppy training, group classes, private classes, an in-home sessions! If you are in need of any training tips, please contact Canine Connection LLC 🙂 Also, feel free to “like” them on facebook! They are great about giving dog training tips!

Email	getconnected@mchsi.com
Phone	563-451-9177
Website	http://www.dubuquedogtraining.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/Canine-Connection-LLC/267614856976?ref=ts

Do you have any trainers that you recommend 100%? Please leave their info in the comment box! It doesn’t matter which state you are in! People ALL OVER need advice.

-Mindi

And don’t forget to “like” us on facebook! 🙂

Did you buy your puppy? Are you 100% sure the breeder you used is reputable?

Read here about puppy mills

Read here about my experience at a Dog Auction

October 2, 2011April 2, 2017

Is “Faux Fur” really that fake?

“I love animals and would NEVER wear real fur-

faux fur should be safe, right?”

Shockingly… no. There are many reports out there that claim that most garments claiming to be made of “faux fur” actually tested positive for dog fur. In one test, the Humane Society of the United States tested 25 different jackets and of that, 24 of them were not labeled correctly. 3 of them came from a domesticated type of dog, twenty came from a type of raccoon dog that is native to the Asian and northern European forests, and one of them was made from wolf fur. These “faux fur” products are no safer for consumers to use than actual fur coats. What is the difference, you ask? How do they get away with this?

Since the products are less than $150, no label is required to inform the public that it is made of actual fur. Most of these products came from China. There is a thriving dog- and cat-fur industry in Asia. Most of this fur is falsely labeled as “rabbit fur” or simply not labeled at all. Dog and cat skin is made into fur coats, fur figurines, and leather shoes, which are sold to unsuspecting consumers in America. Outraged? So am I. I have compiled a list of stores and brand names that take advantage of this loophole. Personally, I don’t even wear fake fur, but I want to educate consumers so they make an informed decision while shopping.

Department Stores that sell (sold) these products include: Macy’s, Burlington Coat Factory , J.C. Penney, Nordstroms, Younkers

Designers/ Brands include Sean John, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Andrew Marc’s MARC New York label, Marc Jacobs

Miss Leppert, a spokeswoman of the HSUS reported that “There is no suggestion that the retailers knew Chinese
suppliers were substituting dog pelts for fake and other types of fur. But they should know this. They are not properly policing
themselves on this issue. Millions of these animals are coming out of China and being passed off under the wrong labels all round the world. There is a lot more the big retailers could be doing. They have a responsibility for the products they bring to market.”

On a good note, both Tommy Hilfiger and Nordstom tried to handle this new information the best way they could. Hilfiger stopped selling the fur-trimmed coats immediately and said that they would look into the matter because they are concerned with the findings. While, Nordstrom called 62 of its customers who had bought waistcoats trimmed with dog fur and offered them a full refund.

However, an executive of Andrew Marc, disputed the HSUS findings and insisted that all fur on his coats labeled as raccoon contains “only farm-bred raccoon fur from Finland”… Ummm that still isn’t faux fur in my book!

Retail giants Macy’s and J.C. Penney were also discovered selling coats with raccoon dog fur labeled as raccoon. J.C. Penney initially removed the offending garments from its stores — but eventually had employees scratch out the ’raccoon’ label with black magic marker and put the coats back on the shelves. Macy’s, however immediately pulled the items from its shelves.

Burlington Coat Factory also pulled some coats with mislabeled fur from their shelves. Rap artist Sean “Diddy” Combs stopped producing and selling coats from his Sean John line that had raccoon dog fur, and rapper Jay-Z pulled coats with raccoon dog from his Rocawear label.

Another fun fact: Importing domestic dog and cat fur was outlawed in the United States in 2000. Intentionally importing and selling dog fur is a federal crime punishable by a $10,000 fine for each violation.

Don’t forget UGG boots. Yes, they are made from wool and (usually) the sheep are alive and shaved down humanely- however- after much investigation, it was proven that UGG boots are made from sheep that have been discarded because their wool isn’t good enough to sell. These animals are kept in awful conditions and, ultimately, slaughtered in very inhumane ways. I am NOT advocating that you go and buy the knock-offs though… Those shoes are made from the same raccoon-dog fur that I talked about above. These animals are beaten and skinned alive, after living their lives in tiny cages.

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As always, your comments are always welcome. And please share with your animal loving friends!

Click here for a list of companies that still test their products on animals

http://www.peta.org/b/thepetafiles/archive/tags/Uggs/default.aspx

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Counties with the most puppy mills in Iowa

2015 Breeders with DIRECT USDA Violations.

Iowa USDA Licensed Breeders Make 2015 HSUS Horrible Hundred List

Iowa USDA Licensed Breeders with the Most Adult Dogs

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What weighs 12 tons, is seen by tens of thousands of people a day, and is carrying Iowa’s first Puppy Mill billboard?

Please, head over to our facebook page and let us know your thoughts!! Would you like to see one of these ads in your neck of the woods?

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According to the Animal Rescue Corps, there are an estimated 15,000 puppy mills in the U.S. alone. I wanted to take a second and share with you one of the most important ways to combat puppy mills here in the United States and it is pretty simple….

DON’T SHOP AT PET STORES THAT SELL PUPPIES!!!

Most importantly, don’t forget to join us at Bailing Out Benji!

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For more information about what kinds of puppy mills sell to pet stores, click here

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I am so amazed at the number of people who are looking to buy “Teacup Puppies.” For those people searching for teacup puppies and running across my blog, PLEASE read it entirely. You need to hear the truth behind this non-breed and not what the pet stores and breeders want you to hear!

I have said it before and I will say it again– Pets are NOT something that you order online like a purse. They are NOT another accessory that you can carry around. They are living beings that require love and care.

_________________________________________

The Breeding Behind Teacup Puppies.

Genetic Defects

If you like what you read, please “like” our facebook page! 🙂

Share this:

Cavachons, Dorkies, Yorkipoos, Buggles, Goldendoodles, Cockapoos, Bowzers, Porkies, Baskimos, Puggles.

What do they all have in common?

Creating a New Breed Using Existing Dog Breeds

Here is my thought for the day… If rescues and shelters started putting these designer labels on their dogs, would they be adopted more quickly? I am really curious about what you think!

Want to know More? Read it here:

Share this:

It is a learned behavior!

Share this:

“I love animals and would NEVER wear real fur-

faux fur should be safe, right?”

Don’t forget to like us on facebook!

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