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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.

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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 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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Dog Auctions

Dog auctions are a painful and despicable fact of life here in the Midwest, maybe not Iowa as much– but definitely our neighbors to the south. As I am sure you have all realized by now, the importance of educating as many people as I can about animal-related issues is my passion.  Dog auctions are certainly no different. They go on almost every weekend… Thousands of dogs are switching from owner to owner, never knowing the love that they deserve.  I recently went to an Iowa dog auction, please read my story here …. 

 

 

How many of you haven’t ever heard of dog auctions? Let me give you this scoop!  

Picture this…

Large rooms filled ceiling high with wire cages, stuffed full of dogs whose sole purpose in life  to make puppies.  I say “was” because by the time the dogs are brought to these auctions, they are unwanted by the owner for various reasons. The term for this is “cull”. These “culls”, more often than not, can’t even breed well anymore. Each dog is identified with a number tattooed on the inside of the ear, or the inner thigh. They are almost all purebreds of  every breed and the ever so popular “designer dog”. I should tell you that it is usually impossible to tell which breed it is because of the terrible health conditions. The fur is always grown out and matted, filled with ticks and clumps of blood. Not to mention the fact that the nails are so long the dogs can barely walk. The saddest part about all of this is, the rooms are usually so quiet because the dogs are too terrified to move, let alone bark. This is the first time a lot of them have ever been out of their usual cages. It all sounds like fiction, doesn’t it?

But what can we do to change this? The people who visit these types of auctions aren’t your run of the mill (no pun intended) dog customer. These are the other puppy mill owners that are either looking to get some new blood lines into their stock or the local rescues that go in to try and save as many as dogs as possible.

 Here are a few of my suggestions:

1. Boycott puppy mills.  This means never ever  ever buying a puppy from a pet store or from a website. If you want a dog, please please please go to your local shelter or rescue. They have so many dogs that need loving FURever homes! And so much of the public doesn’t even realize that over 35% of dogs in the shelters are purebred. Don’t believe me?! Try it… Go to petfinder.com and search for a breed, I am certain you will find just what you are looking for.

2. Talk to your veterinarian and let he/she know how you feel about dog auctions and puppy mills. Try to encourage him or her to take a public stance against them.  In my experience, the vets that are near these mills know exactly what is going on, and they almost always turn a blind eye to it. Each USDA breeder must have a veterinarian that looks over their dogs once a year… That means that with the 300+ puppy mills in this state, there are that many veterinarians on their payroll… Sad, isn’t it?

3. Share this blog with your friends… Share it on facebook, twitter, email it to your coworkers, link it to your blog– I don’t care! It is just so important that we reach as many people as possible with this message. I can talk and talk all day long, but I am almost always preaching to the choir. Until we can get our neighbors, coworkers, and friends to realize that buying a dog is bad for everyone then we all fail.

As always, comments are welcomed and appreciated. Please, if you have ever been to a dog auction, share your story. You can remain nameless, but it is just one more way for people to see that these things DO happen.

Horrible video that shows exactly what I am talking about… If we don’t stop these atrocities, who will?!

–Mindi

Teach your children how to behave with animals. Adopt a pet.
Don’t go buy one. Please. That’s a sin. Let’s get these puppy mills out of
business.

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They can’t all be that bad….

I had someone argue with me today about puppy mills…

His exact words were, “Not all puppy mills can be that bad, right?”

This frustrated me… Because this seemingly intelligent individual doesn’t even see the difference between a breeder and a puppy mill. This is why people get so frustrated with the word “puppy mill”. Half of them don’t understand what it means and the rest don’t use it properly. And this is also why so many people get offended and annoyed by animal welfare groups… SO let me clear things up a little bit.

Just because a person is a dog breeder, does not mean that they have a puppy mill. In my life, I have met so many wonderful breeders! In high school, I would help a family friend with his whelping. He only had two female dogs, Babe and Sierra, and he would only breed them once a year. These dogs were so loved. They lived in an air-conditioned building, they had outdoor runs and they were able to go out and run the fields while we did farm work. Every single day… And each of those puppies was equally loved. Randy only sold his dogs to the best homes. And he didn’t charge $600 for a “champion bloodline”, purebred puppy. No. He charged $150 with all shots, not to mention, each puppy could come back and train to be a hunting dog on his land. FOR FREE, with him as the teacher… We all cried each time a puppy left the house. That is what a good breeder means to me. Randy didn’t breed his dogs for the money. He bred them for the love of what he was doing. He had two amazing purebred german wire-haired pointers, and he wanted to keep their blood lines going.

It is a sad fact that on the other end of the spectrum there are unethical breeders that many refer to as puppy mills. A puppy mill is a breeding facility that produces purebred (OR DESIGNER) puppies in large numbers. The puppies are sold either directly to the public via the Internet, newspaper ads, at the mill itself or sold to brokers and pet shops across the country. Puppy mills have long concerned the Humane Society of the United States, as well as many other animal welfare groups. The documented problems of puppy mills include over breeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor quality of food and shelter, lack of socialization with humans, overcrowded cages, and the killing of unwanted animals. To anyone that really cares about this, you can go to the USDA website and find any information on any USDA licensed breeder. You can see for yourself what it going on, like I have. The inspectors, although there aren’t enough of them to actually do their jobs, must take pictures of every thing that is against the code. These pictures are also able to be accessed by the public.

To the person that argued with me, I really hope that you are reading this… I want you to look up the Hunte Corporation in Missouri, or the Kruse family in West Point, Iowa. These are what puppy mills look like… Because I wrote about one of the bad mills I visited, doesn’t mean that there was only one bad mill. There are over 400 in Iowa. Some are worse than others. But I dare you to actually look into the world of a puppy mill dog. If you don’t want to believe the “propaganda” spread by animal welfare groups. I suggest that you Browse the USDA website and google the names I just gave you. Or go to this site: http://www.caps-web.org/ These are real people who go undercover to show people like you what is really going on. The videos aren’t altered, and the names aren’t changed. I really invite you into this and then I will gladly welcome your CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, after you are educated on this topic.

To the unwitting consumer, the situation frequently means buying a cute puppy from the store and then later facing an array of immediate veterinary problems or harboring genetically born diseases that do not appear until years later. The Humane Society of the United States strongly opposes the sale, through pet shops and similar outlets, of puppies and dogs from mass-breeding establishments. Even though I don’t feel like I need validation from anyone reading this… To the person that felt the need to argue with me about my one-sidedness… I suggest that you really do your research before you say that I am uneducated. Yes, I am very, very passionate about this, and no, passion is NOT a bad thing.

The way that we get things changed in this state is to use your voice, petition, protest, write your legislators, call your legislators, boycott things that you disagree with. I am not some silly girl with a pipe dream… I am a silly girl with 100,000 other silly Iowans that want the same thing as I do. Together we will help end the suffering that is going on in our state– Whether it be in puppy mills, the dog chained up next door, or the dog left in a hot car. Enough of us care about this and things will change. Because we are the change that we want to see in our state. By attending these free puppy mill presentations and spreading the word, we are changing the future. By asking our friend to think about adopting before buying, you are saving the life of that shelter dog. And by calling animal control when you see an animal that isn’t being treated humanely. All of these small acts do make a difference in the big picture.

To anyone that I have offended by my blog, I sincerely apologize. If you are a legitimate breeder and you are sick of getting labeled as a puppy mill, speak up! Do something about it! I suggest contacting the Iowa VCA. They want to hear from the legitimate breeders, because we are all fighting the same fight. No one is trying to take your rights away, we are just trying to give rights to the pets that you are keeping on your property. I have said it in previous posts, and I will gladly say it again. NOT ALL BREEDERS ARE BAD. Yes, I would always push for adoption. But as long as you are taking care of those animals in your care, then I have no qualms with your business…

As usual, I am always glad to hear your thoughts! Please leave me any comments

–Mindi

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Dyvig’s Pet Shoppe, Ames, Iowa

Dyvig’s Pet Shoppe in Ames, Iowa sells puppies from known puppy mills. 

As an animal lover, I am asking everyone reading this to please think twice before you shop at Dyvigs Pet Shoppe in Ames, Iowa. Every Saturday morning (and some other days)  animal lovers from central Iowa gather to educate the citizens of Ames about the pet store/puppy mill connection.  Dale Dyvig, owner of the pet store,  knowingly purchases his puppies from a “family breeder” in  the “Waterloo area”, or so he tells his customers… Century Farm Puppies is located in Grundy Center, Iowa and they are the definition of a puppy mill. Dyvig also forgot to mention that he also uses New Design Kennels in Rockwell City, Iowa.  As you can see below, the CFP breeder will even tell you that the puppies are not kept in the home! 

DyvigsCFP

The owner of the store and the employees have been feeding their customers that same line for over ten years. (The pet store here in Ames is not his first pet store, he has owned at least two more in recent decades- all while using the same breeders). Now is the time for people to learn the truth about where those puppies really come from. Keep in mind, when we talked with Dale before the protests began, he said that he had visited Century Farm Puppies and was okay with everything he saw.  Here is the handout Dale was giving his customers when the protests began.

CENTURY FARM PUPPIES, GRUNDY CENTER, IOWA

This is a direct excerpt from the Century Farm Puppies website. 

Dyvigs

Below is the most recent dog count from the USDA . As you can see, Century Farm Puppies has 155 adult dogs and 48 puppies. In recent years, they have had as many as 560 dogs on their property. While their numbers are dwindling, they still have far too many dogs in their care.  It should be stated that Dale Dyvig still used and approved of these breeders when they had all of those dogs and numerous violations. 

cfp (1)

Below are a few of the violations that they have had in the past which include: a build up of days old feces, on all of the flat surfaces of their buildings there was severe buildup of hair, dirt and other debris (which affected approximately 532 dogs at the time!!) Again, see for yourself. These are screenshots of the USDA reports.

 

cfp2

 

Century Farm Puppies has been downgrading in recent years due to public pressure and the fact that more people are “waking up” about puppy mills. In recent years they had over 500 adult dogs on their property, which is an insane amount of dogs to care for. Many people have criticized us for quoting previous USDA reports, please keep in mind that Dyvig’s Pet Shoppe has used this breeder for several years and has always known what is going on in the puppy mill. Here are some of their most recent numbers. 

DyvigsUSDAA local radio station decided to look into Century Farm Puppies, what they saw and heard there were very troubling. They were not only able to see inside of the “honeymoon suites”, but they confirmed that there were over 125 dogs living inside of the sundowner buildings within the metal barn, the barking was unbearable, and there was an overwhelming smell. Not only did this confirm to us that it is a puppy mill- but what the owner, Rex Meyers, said ON AIR about the puppies he sells to Dyvigs- “…we don’t sell Teddy Bears, so those I send to the pet store.  Because they’re a cheap dog. We’re known for Cavachons.  I’d rather sell Cavachons.” 

Straight from the breeder’s mouth. The dogs he sells to Dyvig’s Pet Shoppe are cheap. For more information on Century Farm Puppies, click here. 

 

 

NEW DESIGN KENNELS, ROCKWELL CITY, IOWA

Nancy and Tom Carlson of New Design Kennels are very deep in the puppy mill world. Not only do they have a huge puppy mill of their own, they run under TWO names so the public doesn’t see that they breed several breeds of dogs (New Design Kennel and Illusion Japanese Chin) but they sell their unwanted dogs at terrible dog auctions. Most recently, In May, Nancy and Tom helped out at another dog auction that I attended. These “reputable breeders” have no problem breeding dogs that aren’t healthy. If you read the article above, you will note that many of her dogs were missing teeth, eyes and had open wounds AT THE AUCTION! Below shows you an approximate number of dogs that she sells on her property and, below that, we highlight some of her violations. For more information on New Design Kennels, please click here. 

NDK2

newdesign

 

If the inspection reports aren’t bad enough. Look at how these dogs are forced to live. 

Please remember, that the owner of Dyvig’s Pet Shoppe has been to both of these places and approved of how these dogs are kept. I am not okay with how these animals are living… Are YOU? 

NDK

Sadly, Dyvig’s Pet Shoppe also buys their small animals from a large supplier of small animals.  Yes, there are small animal (and cat) mills too! 

ApetTransportMill.jpg

How can you help?

 

Call or stop in!

(515)233-5625 If you feel strongly enough (and are brave enough), contact him this way. Ask him directly about the puppies and the welfare of the  parent dogs.  We do not want to see a local business close down, instead we want the owner to choose a more humane business model by  either not selling puppies at all, or choosing to help shelter dogs instead! 

Visit us on Saturdays! 

A small group of us stands in front of the store every Saturday morning (the time varies) and Sunday afternoons , educating the citizens of Ames about the pet store/puppy mill connection. Whether you join us for the full two hours or just stop by to show you support, we would love to see you! You can find out when we are at the store, through our facebook page! 

THIS NEXT PART GOES FOR EVERYONE, IN EVERY CITY, IN EVERY STATE

Don’t give your business to pet stores that sell puppies and kitties. Pet overpopulation is a terrible problem in our country and only the consumers can help change that. If you are looking for a new pet PLEASE visit your local shelter. Over 35% of dogs in shelters are purebred, they are just overlooked. If you can’t find what you are looking for at your local shelter, please try www.petfinder.com It is a tremendously helpful site! You can search for ANY BREED anywhere. Don’t breed or buy while homeless pets die! 

 

 

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook  and help spread the word! 

“A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

 

 

Actual Dogs Sold from Dyvigs <—-> The “Sundowner Buildings” that the mill owners refer to as “honeymoon suites” There were three of these in one building at the mill.

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How much is that doggie in the window?

How many of you have walked by the pet store and saw the adorable puppy with big eyes and a wagging tail? The puppy that is just pawing at the glass for your attention. All of us animal lovers have such a hard time just walking away because we want to save them all.. Out comes the money, and there you have it- another pet store puppy is sold to the first person with $600.

While it is partly true that we saved this dog from a life unknown, at the same time,  we have  just supported a puppy mill. Almost every time someone buys a dog from a pet store or online, the dog has come from a home in which the parents are merely thought of as property.

The  fact is that in the US there are almost 10,000 puppy mills operating today. This means that there are hundreds of thousands of dogs bred in conditions that are completely appalling. These unfortunate dogs receive no human contact, no exercise or veterinary care and are often kept in tiny wire cages trapped in their own filth. Many of them, once rescued, are unable to walk properly when removed from their cage and placed on solid ground. The only concern of the puppy mill breeders is the bottom line profit they can make at the expense of the health, safety and disposition of their “product”. These mills do not have heat or air conditioning, so in the winters many of the dogs freeze to death, and in the summers, the dogs die from heat stroke.

Even more alarming is the fact that the ASPCA (who did a survey of 800 U.S. adults from across the US), the “vast majority of people surveyed -78% of them- told interviewers that they believe that puppies sold in pet stores come from such places as shelters, or private owners whose pet had litters, or they really had no idea where these animals came from.” That is just appalling to me! I can’t imagine that 78% of Americans have NO IDEA what a puppy mill is. This has got to change!

My goal with this post is not to use scare tactics to educate people. I just want to lay out the facts so I can raise awareness for the Pet Store/ Puppy mill connection. Education is the key. When people stop buying puppies in pet stores or through online internet ads, the puppy mill industry will no longer be in demand and the misery will end. Please join me in this fight.

How can you help right now?

NEVER EVER buy a dog. Whether it is directly from a breeder or online. You are putting money into the pockets of people who are helping the high numbers of euthanized pets each year in shelters.  Do you want a purebred dog? Well statistics show that 33% of dogs in shelters are actually purebred. AND most backyard breeders aren’t selling purebred puppies! You are dishing out $600 for an adorable APRI registered dog, and that means nothing! APRI is a national registry that only has the breeder send in a photo of the dog and they take a look at the face and body. Then they decide whether or not it is purebred. There are no blood tests done. APRI also doesn’t ask that you screen the dogs for genetic defects. ANY DECENT BREEDER always wants to know exactly where the dog is going. They will want references and proof that you can have the dog where you live.

ALWAYS ADOPT from an animal shelter or rescue. These pets are not “broken” or damaged. They are simply hearts that need to be loved. I have heard so many people say that they are worried about the behavioral problems and training of a shelter dog. This frustrates me. Who is going to need more training than an 8 week old puppy?

NEVER GIVE YOUR MONEY TO A PET STORE THAT SELLS PUPPIES OR KITTENS.  Not for an animal, not even for food, treats or toys. By giving this store your business and time, it is letting the owner believe that he is successful. It is important to let the owner know that you are offended that he/ she sells these animals and that your  money will never go to his business. I suggest that you write a letter (make sure it is decently respectful) that explains your reasoning for not going to their store anymore. If they feel as though their business is being threatened, they might just back down!

ALWAYS try to educate. If someone you know wants to buy a dog, please tell them what their money is really going to. Even if you “do the research” and you have “seen the parents”, you likely haven’t. So many mills today have adult dogs set aside that look pretty and healthy, so buyers are relieved to see where their puppies come from. What you aren’t seeing are the dogs stashed away in that barn 100 ft. to your left. IF you are hell-bent on getting a purebred dog, go to petfinder.com. You can search for any kind of dog and it won’t cost you nearly as much to adopt him/her as it would to buy.

**I want it to be said, again, that I do not hate all breeders. If you have a small operation and you take great care of your dogs, then I am happy to see you around. It isn’t my intention to make enemies with this. I am just trying to get the world to see that by purchasing a dog from a pet store, then you are aiding in the suffering of its parents. NOT ALL BREEDERS ARE THIS WAY. But the great breeders do not sell to pet stores. I strongly suggest you look at the USDA reports for the Hunte Corporation in Missouri and the Kruse family in West Point, Iowa. These are the breeders that need to be stopped. These are the ones that clearly put profit over the welfare of the animal. **

Again, thank you friends for always reading what I have to say. I always love to read your feedback (whether it is negative or positive). And please PLEASE share with your friends! It is so important to get this information out there! Email it to family, coworkers, facebook it, tweet it… I don’t care! I just want to someday live in a world where we “Adopt, Don’t Shop!” and where people never ask, “What is a puppy mill?”

Don’t forget to like us on facebook

For more information:

Designer Dogs  http://wp.me/p1xvZr-4h

Dyvig’s Pet Shoppe Ames, Iowa http://wp.me/p1xvZr-2w

–Mindi

“The purity of a person’s heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals”