(via the Iowa Capital Dispatch) – The Humane Society of the United States has released its annual “Horrible Hundred” report cataloging regulatory issues at 100 puppy mills nationwide, including 15 located in Iowa. One of the locations in the report is in Atlantic. The report says state inspectors in Dec., 2023, found at the Charles Vogl, SCW Frenchies, in Atlantic site, a strong odor of ammonia and waste, along with an excessive among of feces, at SCW Frenchies. During the same visit, inspectors also found unsafe structures, trash and clutter. The inspector noted that it seemed “several days” were passing without feces being removed from some areas.

Other sites in the report are located in Greene, Ackworth, Corydon, Sioux Center, Melvin, Orange City, Calamus, West Point, Grundy Center, Ogden, Cantril, Barnes City, New Sharon, and Riverside. The report is based on the findings of state and government inspectors. For the 12th year in a row, Missouri has the largest number of breeders in the report, followed by Ohio, Iowa and Wisconsin.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture cited a kennel run by Linda, Bethany and Stanley Korver in Orange City with 22 violations in 2023. The issues included dirty and unsafe conditions as well as inadequate veterinary care. (Photo by USDA officials, courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States)

John Goodwin, senior director of the Humane Society of the United States’ Stop Puppy Mills campaign, says “This report shows what life is really like for dogs and puppies in this cruel industry. Our report is the tip of the iceberg. As shocking as circumstances are in licensed puppy mills, there are many operations that aren’t inspected at all due to legal loopholes. It’s critical for the public to understand the full picture of where their puppies come from, and they won’t get that on a breeder’s website or in a pet store.”

The report also highlights practices at breeding operations endorsed by, or tied to, the American Kennel Club.