On Monday, May 2, the Humane Society of the United States released their annual Horrible Hundred report of the worst puppy mills in the country, and Iowa has landed in the top three. With 15 violations, Iowa is second only to Missouri with a total of 30. The report lists documented cases of inhumane conditions found by USDA inspectors during visits to these dog-breeding locations. The major violations were not just found in small, mom-and-pop type businesses. According to the Humane Society, one AKC “Breeder of Merit” and six breeders to the Hunte Corporation also appeared on this list. In Iowa, dogs were found injured, matted with feces and filth, exposed to bitter cold temperatures and denied basic, proper veterinarian care. Two local breeders in our region made the report. Lindy and Kevin Aschinger of K & L Kennels in Westside are named repeat offenders with six noncompliant inspection in 2015 and repeated problems with injured dogs. Also included on the list is Randy Stoen of Dows, who had shot and killed a dog and repeatedly threatened USDA inspectors. The full report can be found by following this link.
