Lang
2/11/25
Iowa has some of the most puppy mill violations in the United States, according to research published by Iowa Capitol Dispatch.
The news organization cites statistics from the Iowa animal-welfare organization Bailing Out Benji showing that eight Iowa dog breeders were cited for regulatory violations in the fourth quarter of 2023, with Iowa again ranked as one of the states with the highest number of violators.
The number of violators resulted in Iowa placing third among all states — behind Ohio and Wisconsin — that had the highest number of violators in the fourth quarter.
The No. 1 violation cited by USDA inspections, nationally, in the fourth quarter of 2024 pertained to veterinary care for dogs, which accounted for 48% of all violations cited.
Among the 50 states, Iowa has the fourth-highest number of USDA-licensed pet breeders and brokers, with 263 such businesses now operating in the state.
A list of the violators can be found here: https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/02/07/iowa-puppy-mills-again-ranked-among-the-biggest-violators/?emci=1b632bca-99e5-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&emdi=2d32043d-14e6-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&ceid=80875