Hunter
03/07/24
A Riverside commercial dog breeder has been charged with over three dozen counts of animal neglect after the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office was tipped off to inadequate conditions at his property.
According to a release from the Sheriff’s Department, they were tipped off to the situation by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship on August 24th in regards to animal welfare conditions at the Sunset Valley Farm, a commercial dog breeding facility owned by 62 year old Loren Yoder of Riverside.
During the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship inspection, a large number of dogs were discovered to be neglected. Yoder surrendered all of his 131 dogs to the care of Iowa City Animal Services. Thorough physical exams conducted by assisting veterinarians determined many dogs had developed conditions caused by failure to adequately care for the animals. These conditions then caused unjustified distress, suffering, and pain to the affected animals. Yoder subsequently surrendered his commercial breeding license.
On Wednesday, Yoder was arrested and charged with 5 serious misdemeanor counts of animal neglect, and 36 simple misdemeanor counts of animal neglect. If convicted on all counts, Yoder could be sentenced to up to 8 years in prison.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office investigation was assisted by Iowa City Animal Services, Johnson County Emergency Management, and the Johnson County Attorney’s Office.