This year, Iowa and Nebraska have both ranked in the nation's top 10 problematic puppy mills, according the Humane Society of the United States Horrible Hundred list.
Topping the list of the Horrible Hundred for the sixth year in a row is Missouri with the largest number of issue puppy mills.
Iowa ranks as third. Nebraska tied New York for sixth.
For the past six years, Humane Society has analyzed federal and state inspections provided by the USDA to compile the Horrible Hundred list of problematic puppy mills.
The report details a kennel in Ackworth, Iowa, where, "dogs had live maggots crawling in their food; dog’s feet were falling through gridded flooring; licensee received prior official warning from the USDA."
In Cincinatti, Iowa, USDA documents show, a kennel had a "Yorkie had foot swollen to twice its normal size; puppy had swollen eyelids with yellow discharge; bichon had open wound on her neck."
Documents show a breeder in Fort Calhoun who, "failed state inspection after inspector found rodent and insect infestations; feces not cleaned for five to seven days; dogs were only given fresh water “about twice a week.”
In Newport, Neb., the report says, inspectors at one breeding facility found "one puppy had a leg torn off, according to state report; owner euthanized 14 unwanted dogs and puppies, refusing offer to send them to rescues; some were euthanized only because of burrs stuck in their fur."
The organization says there are as many as 10,000 puppy mills in the U.S. and about a third of breeders listed in the Humane Society's report are "repeat offenders."
