Iowa is once again among the top states notorious for harboring problematic dog breeders, according to the Humane Society’s annual Horrible Hundred report. This initiative aims to shed light on dubious puppy breeding and dealing practices across the United States. Moreover, it hopes to encourage potential pet owners to adopt or ensure they purchase from thoroughly vetted breeders.
Iowa ranks second worst in Humane Society’s ‘Horrible Hundred’ report
In the latest report, Iowa was identified as having 15 dealers, making it the third state with the highest number of problematic puppy mills. This positions Iowa behind Ohio — which has 20 — and just ahead of Wisconsin with its 10 listed dealers. Some of these Iowa-based operations, such as Coldwater Kennel in Greene and Wolf Point Kennel in Ackworth, have made it to the Humane Society’s report due to concerns over their practices. Sunset Valley Farm, a recurrent name in previous reports, closed down following legal action that led to the rescue of around 130 dogs and the owner facing multiple charges of animal neglect.
The Humane Society utilizes extensive research, including scrutinizing hundreds of pages of governmental inspection records, to compile its annual list. However, they caution that the Horrible Hundred does not encapsulate the entirety of problematic breeders, largely because many mills operate without inspection, thus flying under the radar without official records of their conditions.
Missouri remains worst state in Humane Society’s ‘Horrible Hundred’
Topping the list for the twelfth consecutive year, Missouri is the worst offender with 23 dealers. This underlines a persistent issue in the state despite ongoing efforts to address problematic breeding operations. Notably, the report also points out that several dealers across the nation have engaged in selling puppies to Petland — the only major pet store chain still in the business of selling puppies.
The Horrible Hundred report is not just an attempt to name and shame but a concerted effort to drive change within the industry. Since its inception in 2013, the Humane Society’s reporting has led to the rescue of approximately 2,000 dogs and the closure of around 250 puppy mills.
