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The Humane Society of the United States Exposes Gruesome Puppy Mill Conditions in Annual Horrible Hundred Report

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has unveiled its annual Horrible Hundred report, highlighting severe violations and troubling conditions at 100 puppy mills nationwide. HSUS researchers reviewed inspection records from state agencies and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The findings reveal distressing practices, such as at-home neuter surgeries conducted by an Iowa breeder (Squaw Creek Kennels), a Missouri mill where dogs died from lice infestations and untreated wounds (S-N-S Kennel), and an Oklahoma kennel infested with mice, causing dogs to ingest rodent feces with their food (Goodman’s Good-Dog). Shockingly, these breeders faced minimal to no penalties. This report aims to educate the public about the dire situations prevalent in many breeding operations across the country.

John Goodwin, senior director of the HSUS’s Stop Puppy Mills campaign said, “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 shows significant failures in USDA licensing and inspection practices. For instance, Missouri breeder Aaron Schwartz, who is USDA-licensed, had a disturbing record. After a complaint about a sick puppy that died shortly after purchase, investigators discovered multiple violations, including puppies testing positive for parvovirus and a 95-degree building housing dogs. Despite these findings, the USDA has not cited Schwartz for any violations in recent years. In Minnesota, breeder Ada Yoder received a USDA warning for puppies in an excessively hot kennel, yet continued the same violations. The USDA later issued a new license to Andy D. Yoder at the same address after Ada Yoder dropped her license.

Petland, operating puppy-selling stores in 23 states, sourced from several problematic breeders. For example, Rowe Eden Kennels in Indiana had its license revoked after refusing inspection, and Coldwater Kennel in Iowa faced delays in license renewal due to unsafe conditions.

Missouri tops the list for the highest number of dealers in the report, followed closely by Ohio, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The HSUS notes some states are underrepresented due to delays in responding to record requests.

The HSUS publishes this report annually to alert consumers about the pervasive issues in puppy mills and to advocate for stronger laws and humane enforcement. The organization urges potential pet parents to consider adopting from shelters or to visit breeders in person to ensure ethical practices.