Iowa-Based Group Publishes Puppy Mill Violations in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a troubling history with puppy mills, known for high-volume breeding operations where dogs often live in poor conditions without adequate care. The state is home to over 100 puppy mills, where more than 2,000 adult dogs are trapped in these facilities. Since 2013, Wisconsin has appeared on the "Horrible Hundred" list 21 times, highlighting its persistent issues with substandard breeding practices and animal conditions/treatment.

Between April 1st and June 30th, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cited 10 Wisconsin breeders for regulatory violations. These inspections, part of a quarterly review by the animal advocacy group Bailing Out Benji, based in Ames, Iowa, shed light on the ongoing issues within the state's breeding industry.

Here’s a closer look at the cited breeders and their violations:

1) Daniel Schrock (Hillsboro, WI)

Violation: Records (non-critical)
Date: June 28, 2024
Dogs/Puppies: 18 dogs, 23 puppies

2) David Kurtz, Hillside Kennel (Augusta, WI)

Violation: Veterinary care for dogs (non-critical)
Date: May 28, 2024
Dogs/Puppies: 77 dogs, 51 puppies
Note: This facility has sold dogs to a pet store in Indiana.

3) Elam Allgyer (Darlington, WI)

Violations: Time and method of identification, housing facilities (non-critical)
Date: May 13, 2024
Dogs: 7 dogs

4) Ervin Miller, Marcus Miller, Anna May Miller, Country Road Kennel (Hillsboro, WI)

Violations: Attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, housing facilities, veterinary care for dogs (non-critical)
Date: April 17, 2024
Dogs/Puppies: 30 dogs, 28 puppies
Note: This facility has sold to a pet store in New York.

5) Fannie Troyer & Peter Troyer (Hillsboro, WI)

Violation: Housing facilities (non-critical)
Date: May 1, 2024
Dogs/Puppies: 16 dogs, 21 puppies

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6) Levi Borntrager (E) & Barbara Brontrager, Barbara’s Kennel (Augusta, WI)

Violation: Veterinary care for dogs (non-critical)
Date: May 1, 2024
Dogs/Puppies: 20 dogs, 19 puppies

7) Melvin Mishler & Marietta Mishler (Hillsboro, WI)

Violation: Exercise for dogs (non-critical)
Date: May 15, 2024
Dogs/Puppies: 23 dogs, 2 puppies
Note: This facility has sold to pet stores in Arizona and Washington.

8) Raymond Stutzman (Cadott, WI)

Violation: Veterinary care for dogs (non-critical)
Date: April 29, 2024
Dogs/Puppies: 15 dogs, 5 puppies

9) Samuel Yoder (Augusta, WI)

Violations: Time and method of identification, primary enclosures, veterinary care for dogs (non-critical)
Date: May 2, 2024
Dogs/Puppies: 21 dogs, 13 puppies

10) Sylvia Kurtz & William Kurtz, Valley Kennel AKA Barking Valley Kennel (Augusta, WI)

Sylvia Kurtz faced an administrative complaint for refusal to conduct an inspection on September 28, 2023, which led to the cancellation of her USDA license. William Kurtz is now licensed at the same address.
Dogs/Puppies: 144 dogs, 38 puppies

Wisconsin is not alone in facing issues with puppy mills. The recent report from Bailing Out Benji shows that kennels in a total of 16 states were cited for violations by the USDA between April 1st and June 30th.

Credit: Canva

The states with the highest number of violators were:

Ohio: 14 violations
Missouri: 11 violations
New York and Wisconsin: 10 violations each
Pennsylvania: 7 violations
Indiana: 6 violations
Iowa: 5 violations

Non-critical violations, while not immediately life-threatening, indicate ongoing neglect and insufficient care, leading to the deterioration of the animals' well-being over time. Repeated violations by several breeders reflect a systemic issue within the industry.

The advocacy group Bailing Out Benji emphasizes that purchasing a puppy from a pet store or an online seller that ships directly to you likely supports these puppy mills. The group urges potential pet owners to research breeders thoroughly and consider adoption from shelters or rescue organizations to avoid inadvertently supporting unethical breeding practices. For example, our partners at the Dubuque Regional Humane Society and our on-going Pet of the Week adoption spotlight.

Addressing the issue of puppy mills requires persistent public awareness and stricter enforcement of regulations. While the USDA's inspections and citations are steps in the right direction, community involvement and advocacy are crucial for driving change. For more information on how to identify and avoid puppy mills, and to support ongoing advocacy efforts, visit Bailing Out Benji's website and other animal welfare organizations.

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