Latest news with #HorribleHundred
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania puppy mills cited in national nonprofit's annual report of violators
A dog at Wuanita Swedlund's kennels in Farmington, Iowa, as photographed by USDA inspectors. (USDA photo courtesy of Humane World for Animals) Pennsylvania is again ranked near the top of the list in the annual 'Horrible Hundred' tally of states with the most dog breeders and brokers cited by regulators. The nonprofit Humane World for Animals, formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States, recently published its 2025 installment of its annual Horrible Hundred report cataloging the most egregious regulatory violations as cited by state and federal inspectors of puppy mills. For the 13th year in a row, Missouri had the highest number of dealers in the report, with 26 different operators listed. Missouri was followed by Ohio, with 16 operators; Iowa, with 12, and New York and Pennsylvania, with 11 each. The breeders based in the commonwealth listed in the report are: Tina Berkstresser/Mountain Hideaway Kennel, Waterfall: This past January, the owners were each reportedly charged with at least 14 misdemeanors for 'failure to keep [the] kennel in sanitary and humane condition.' State inspection reports show the dog warden noted six different violations at the kennel, including issues with cleanliness, maintenance and bedding that was 'soiled and dirty with an unpleasant odor. State inspectors also found more violations at the kennel in March. Christian and Sallie Blank/Hilltop Kennel, Gap: In May 2024, the dog warden ordered a veterinary check on five dogs at the kennel due to their visible condition during the inspection. When inspectors returned six months later, they issued a citation after finding violations for issues such as inadequate temperature control and humidity levels. In 2023, the kennel had two separate verbal and written warnings. Israel B. Byler/Walnut Grove Kennel, Belleville: The owner received an official warning from the USDA in April 2024 due to an issue with an injured dog. The previous month, Byler had received a Direct violation after inspectors found a miniature poodle who was not putting weight on her leg. He admitted the dog had been injured after jumping off a grooming table two days prior, but had not received any treatment. Even after the warning, the USDA found another dog in need of veterinary care in September 2024. Reuben Esch/Mountain View Kennels, Howard: During state inspections in September and December of 2024, Esch received two citations. At the December visit, inspectors found matted dogs, two of whom were 'heavily matted.' At the September visit, inspectors found six different violations for issues such as high humidity readings, a ventilation system that was not running, and a lack of adequate veterinary care and record keeping. Elmer Fisher, Newport: Fisher failed three different state inspections within six months last year. The most recent one was in August 2024, during which inspectors noted eight different violations. Fisher had three other violations in May and March 2024 combined. The August violations were related to housing, ventilation and veterinary issues. Sam and Ben Kauffman/Chester View Kennel, formerly Sunny Slope Kennels, Honey Brook: The facility was previously called Sunny Slope Kennels. The operation was closed for enforcement reasons in 2010, but later reopened in 2012 and has had recurring issues since then. Most recently, the kennel was cited in late 2024 for enclosures 'that were caked with dirt and grime,' and one enclosure that was not large enough; it received a verbal and written warning. Issues in prior years included another written and verbal warning for keeping dogs in such dark buildings that it was difficult to check on the health of the dogs, and dirty, unsanitary and unsafe conditions. State officials found veterinary issues almost every year between 2013 and 2023. Elizabeth and John King/Sunrise Kennel, Narvon: State inspectors who visited Sunrise Kennel in April 2024 viewed 'several dogs with abnormal conditions' and made a referral to the Pennsylvania SPCA over their concerns. They also ordered veterinary examinations on three dogs. It was at least the sixth time in five years that veterinary checks were required at Sunrise Kennel. Veterinary checks were also ordered at least once in 2022, twice in 2021, and twice in 2020. Naomi King/Lucky Acres Kennel, Lititz: During a January inspection, dog wardens gave King a citation after finding unsanitary conditions for the third year in a row. She had already received a verbal and written warning at their previous visit in November 2024. At both visits, wardens found accumulations of excreta, and accumulations of hair, dirt and debris. King had also been found with similar issues in summer 2023, when wardens found food and/or water that was contaminated with feces, not just once, but at two visits in a row, as well accumulations of excreta, debris and hair in the dogs' enclosures and in other areas. Lavina Riehl/Springville Kennel, Kinzers: Springville Kennel has had recurring violations at its state inspections since at least 2019. In September 2024, the dog warden found 'water bowls to be contaminated with dead flies,' primary enclosures with hay/shavings that were 'saturated with feces and urine,' and accumulations of excreta, dirt and hair throughout the kennel. Lydia Stoltzfus/Oak Tree Kennel, Dry Run: Stoltzfus was issued a citation in spring 2024 after the dog warden found four violations related to issues such as a strong smell and 'an accumulation of dirt, feces and urine of many primary enclosures where dogs were being housed.' However, when the dog warden returned weeks later, several issues remained, and Stoltzfus received a warning for concerns related to unsanitary conditions. The issues were not determined to be corrected until a third inspection in July 2024. Mary and Benuel Stoltzfus/Mountain Top Kennel, Stevens: During a February inspection, Mountain Top Kennel received a state citation due to matted dogs. Iit was the fourth citation in as many years. Last December, an inspection had resulted in a citation due to an overdue veterinary examination and other issues. The kennel also had had at least two prior warnings from the state. Issues noted in 2023 included dogs who had been reportedly hidden on other properties that had not been inspected, and the warden noted that 'when questioning the kennel owner about the dogs he owns he repeatedly made false statements about how many dogs he owned and their locations.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Iowa puppy mills cited in national nonprofit's annual report of violators
A dog at Wuanita Swedlund's kennels in Farmington, Iowa, as photographed by USDA inspectors. (USDA photo courtesy of Humane World for Animals) Iowa is again ranked near the top of the list in the annual 'Horrible Hundred' tally of states with the most dog breeders and brokers cited by regulators. The nonprofit Humane World for Animals, formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States, recently published its 2025 installment of its annual Horrible Hundred report cataloging the most egregious regulatory violations as cited by state and federal inspectors of puppy mills. For the 13th year in a row, Missouri had the highest number of dealers in the report, with 26 different operators listed. Missouri was followed by Ohio, with 16 operators; Iowa, with 12, and New York and Pennsylvania, with 11 each. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX More than half of the breeders in this year's report are USDA licensed, which means they can legally sell large numbers of puppies to pet stores and to online consumers they haven't met in person. Thirty-eight of the breeders in the report are repeat offenders who have been included in one or more of the 12 most recent reports. The Iowa breeders and the violations listed in the 2025 report are: Steve Kruse of Stonehenge Kennel in West Point: In 2024, after two license suspensions and after appearing in seven prior Horrible Hundred reports, this massive kennel was cited for additional violations. Inspectors noted that the inside of four food bowls were smeared with 'dried feces or a thick buildup of dark brown organic material.' Over the years, more than 140 sick or ailing dogs have been found at the kennel. Kruse received a 21-day suspension from the USDA in March 2023, and in 2021 at least 199 dogs were euthanized at the facility. Brian Lichirie in West Point: Lichirie is licensed to resell dogs bred by himself or by others to pet stores and other outlets. Sales records suggest he is closely linked to Steve Kruse of Stonehenge Kennel and another Iowa breeder, Wuanita Swedlund. A lawsuit filed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 2024 alleges the USDA has allowed dealers such as Kruse to 'launder' dogs through other dealers, such as Lichirie. A USDA inspection report dated May 30, 2024, indicates that the agency performed a special inspection to recheck four dogs at the kennel, although the reasons for that are unknown. A February 2025 USDA inspection indicates Lichirie had more than 300 animals at that time. Wuanita Swedlund of Farmington: In December 2024, USDA inspectors found a number of concerns at Swedlund's breeding operation, including a heavily matted dog, several dogs with no water, and an enclosure that was 'heavily contaminated with fecal material.' Swedlund's business was referenced in the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' lawsuit against the USDA after six of Swedlund's puppies died in the cold and she was neither fined nor penalized. Past violations at Swedlund's kennel include references to a dog that was able to enter an adjoining enclosure and partially eat a puppy that later had to be euthanized. Sherry and Steve Akers of Westwind Wheatens in Red Oak: This AKC-inspected breeder failed two consecutive state inspections in 2024. Inspectors reported two limping dogs, and issued violations for 17 heavily matted dogs, a 'very strong and nearly overwhelming' odor of animal waste, and unvaccinated animals. Robin Demmer of Demmer Doodles in Bernard: During a July 2024 inspection, state inspectors cited this business for four violations. Issues included unsanitary conditions and dogs in need of vaccines. The business also appeared to have acquired at least two litters of puppies from Wisconsin with no proof of vaccination. Julie Krause of The Buttercream Ranch in Algona: In October 2024, inspectors cited this establishment for selling 17 underage puppies and going more than a year with no visit by a veterinarian. Inspectors also reported some dogs had no medical records. Two visits by state inspectors in 2023 were cataloged as 'attempted,' indicating no one was present to let inspectors review the business. Heath 'Rex' Meyers of Century Farm Puppies in Grundy Center: Meyers received an official warning from the USDA in March 2025 after incurring a variety of violations in 2023 and 2024. Some of Meyers' recent USDA violations included a January 2025 violation for rodent feces around dog food. In 2024, the USDA reported two dogs were in need of veterinary care, including one which had a 5-inch long wound on her side and a 2-inch wound on her neck. The other dog was in such poor dental health that blood was visible in her mouth and she was 'reacting painfully,' inspectors said. In addition, some dogs had no water, and inspectors reported unsanitary conditions. Also in 2024, a female bichon was found with two of her toes trapped in the flooring of her kennel. After being freed, the dog was limping. Beverly and Douglas Prier of Rocky Valley Shelties and Douglas' Shepherds & Doods in Dyersville: During an inspection in June 2024, state inspectors found multiple violations, including kennel parts that were unsanitary or had sharp areas that could hurt the dogs. Inspectors also reported a lack of records to prove that veterinary care had been provided and that dogs were being adequately tracked when bought and sold. Terisa Steiber of Rockytopp Kennels in Lansing: USDA inspectors who visited Rockytopp Kennels in August 2024 found five violations. No veterinarian had visited the kennel in roughly 17 months, at least 72 dogs did not have up-to-date examinations, at least 25 dogs were overdue for rabies vaccinations, and conditions were unsanitary, with dirty walls and feeding receptacles. When inspectors tried to visit again in December 2024, they were denied access to the business. Rhonda Van Der Zwaag of Van Der Zwaag German Shepherds in Hull: In July 2024, Van der Zwaag failed a state inspection due to lack of proof that a veterinarian had visited the facility since September 2022. In 2022, state inspectors found that multiple puppies at this business had died of parvovirus and other causes, highlighting the need for regular veterinary oversight at the property. Ruthi Wheatley of Wheatley Kennels in Adair: A state inspector who visited Wheatley Kennels in January 2025 noted that 'the owner refused inspection [because] non-compliant issues from October 2024 have [not] been fixed,' adding, 'I talked with the owner and gave them a two-week plan to move the dogs to a new facility on the property since they are unable to bring the current facility into compliance.' Despite not being shown around the kennel, the inspector noted that 'While parking my car in the drive and going to the residence I observed one dog run approximately 20 feet by 20 feet … that was 90 to 95 percent covered in feces and urine. I told the owner what I saw in the run and she stated that [it] has not been cleaned [due] to the weather and other ongoing projects at the farm. We discussed the lack of ability to bring the facility into compliance and the options for housing areas on the property. The owners have another facility licensed as a commercial kennel on the property they are moving the commercial breeding dogs into and suspending the boarding activity to make room for the breeding animals.' Terry Yoder of BR's Dobermans in Riverside: In March 2025, it was reported that 17 dead dogs were found on the property of BR's Dobermans. Forty-nine dogs were seized, many of them in poor health, after an individual reported acquiring two sickly dogs from the kennel. The kennel had been inspected two months earlier and was deemed then to be in compliance with all regulations. Between summer 2024 and winter 2025, state inspectors were denied access to BR's Dobermans on three occasions and were unable to perform any inspections at the site. Earlier in 2024, inspectors reported excessive trash and clutter, mouse feces 'present on all surfaces throughout the facility,' enclosures that were 'coated in dirt, hair, feces and grime,' bad odors and more. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Axios
12-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Iowa breeders on list of problem puppy mills
A dozen Iowa dog breeders are in the most recent Humane Society "Horrible Hundred" report on problem puppy mills. The big picture: Although Iowa has recently led the nation in puppy mill violations, lawmakers have improved state regulations over the last several years, says Mindi Callison, founder of Bailing Out Benji, a local nonprofit that works to end puppy mills. A big problem, however, is a federal loophole that allows dog breeders to skirt state requirements, Callison says. Context: Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities known for trying to quickly churn out dogs, sometimes in poor conditions. Businesses included on the Horrible Hundred list were accused of such violations as cramped conditions and injured and sickly dogs that did not receive vet care. State of play: The 2025 Horrible Hundred report lists 12 Iowa breeders. For comparison, Kansas had four and Minnesota had one. Yes, but: In Iowa, requirements for licensing breeders are stricter than in some other states, potentially making violations seem more severe, Callison says. Iowa requires breeders to obtain a state license if they have four or more breeding females. Indiana requires a license only if a breeder has 20 females, Callison says. Texas, which had only seven breeders in the 2025 report, previously required breeders to have a license if they had 11 females, but that changed to five in 2024. The state could see more violations because more Iowa breeders need licenses. State of play: Iowa has a USDA loophole that is causing problems, Callison says. In 2020, Iowa set new rules outlining minimum standards of care for state-licensed breeders. But USDA-licensed breeders are exempt, per Iowa Capital Dispatch (ICD). Federally licensed breeders typically sell animals over state lines or work with third-party companies to sell their dogs, such as a pet store. There are "stark" differences between Iowa and USDA rules, per ICD. For example, Iowa requires breeders to remove dogs from their cages at least twice in a 24-hour period for exercise. The USDA does not. Zoom in: Steve Kruse, a USDA-licensed dog breeder in West Point, this year made the Horrible Hundred list for the eighth time, according to the 2025 report. Federal inspectors have cited Kruse for numerous violations, and the USDA suspended his license for 21 days in 2015 after the agency said he threw a bag containing two dead puppies at an inspector, according to ICD. An animal rights group filed a lawsuit against the USDA last year alleging the agency violated the Animal Welfare Act by automatically renewing Kruse's license, despite repeated offenses, per ICD. The USDA filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit in February. What's next: State bills that would have closed the USDA loophole died in the last legislative session.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Service to aid youth's mental health to expand across Ohio
DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced the expansion of an initiative helping youth and young adults deal with distress. On Monday, the governor announced that Mobile Response and Stabilization Services, or MRSS, will soon be available statewide. The MRSS teams are deployed to help people 20 and younger who are experiencing mental, emotional, or behavioral crises. Out of the 88 counties in Ohio, more than 50 currently have access to MRSS teams. That's about to change, meaning even more people will get support during a crisis. Intel developments explained for Ohio: Diving into new CEO's changes 'The expansion of MRSS is another way our state is investing in the mental health and well-being of our children, making sure we're giving every young Ohioan the opportunity to reach their full God-given potential,' DeWine said. By mid-summer, MRSS will be available to every Ohioan under 21 in the middle of a crisis. During a crisis, anyone can call 988 and a response team will come within 60 minutes to de-escalate the situation. This comes at no cost to the young person's family. 'MRSS provides exactly the kind of help and support a child in crisis needs,' DeWine said. 'It also reduces strain on other emergency services that may not even be appropriate in this kind of situation.' Teams include social workers, peer support, and other trained professionals who work with the young person and their family. Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director LeeAnne Cornyn said, 'Working directly with the family to kind of model those de-escalation techniques and make sure that we're engaging that young person in that family in a holistic safety plan so that they know exactly where to go, who to go to, when to go.' The announcement took place at Hopewell Elementary School in Dublin, where earlier this year, a teacher called 988 and got an MRSS team to the school when a student was having a behavioral crisis. Ohio once again ranks at No. 2 in 'Horrible Hundred' report for puppy mill violations Hopewell principal Susann Wittig said the student and their family are receiving ongoing care. 'Today, I'm happy to share that our student is thriving,' Wittig said. 'They are learning, growing and fully engaged in the classroom each day. Their family also reported that they've seen tremendous growth.' Cornyn said it's up to the young person and whoever is with them to decide whether the situation is a crisis. She said people can request a response team or a 988 operator will dispatch a team depending on the situation. 'We have truly set the bar very high, but that is because our children deserve it,' Cornyn said. Ohio is being split into 18 regions to make sure a MRSS team is able to respond within an hour. DeWine said the service will be statewide by July 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Yahoo
Ohio ranks No. 2 for most ‘problem puppy mills,' ‘puppy sellers' in the country
The state of Ohio has ranked No. 2 for the most 'problem puppy mills' and 'puppy sellers' in the United States, according to a report by the Humane World for Animals. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The nonprofit organization released its annual 'The Horrible Hundred Report' in April. TRENDING STORIES: 'She's a fighter;' Girl seriously injured after being crushed by tree during Easter celebration Son of Ohio megachurch leaders indicted on 27 counts related to sexual abuse involving a minor Pope Francis dies: Vatican releases cause of death The report aims to warn customers about problems at puppy mills and encourage stronger humane laws and law enforcement efforts. The nonprofit organization defines a puppy mill as 'an inhumane breeding facility where puppies are churned out for the pet trade,' according to the report. Ohio ranked No. 2 in the report with 16 problem puppy mills and puppy breeders. The 16 puppy mills listed in the report are in eastern Ohio, including Coshocton, Holmes, Muskingum, Richland, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties. These puppy mills received several violations for things like inadequate housing and care, incomplete health records, injuries and more. The report indicates that several of the Ohio puppy mills listed in this year's report have been included in previous reports. For more information on the Ohio puppy mills listed in the report, click here. Missouri ranks No. 1 in the report with 26 problem puppy mills. The other states included in the report include: Iowa at No. 3 New York and Pennsylvania tie for No. 4 & 5 Texas at No. 6 Kansas and Wisconsin tie for No. 7 & 8 Illinois and Oklahoma tie for No. 9 & 10 Nebraska at No. 11 Minnesota at No. 12 'Since we published our first Horrible Hundred report in 2013, at least 2,400 animals have been rescued from Horrible Hundred dealers who vastly downsized or shut down, and more than 250 puppy mills listed in the reports have closed,' the report said. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
