NEW BLOOMFIELD — The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) released their annual Horrible Hundred report, which documents puppy mills by state.
The 65-page report details cruel living conditions dogs face throughout the country and Missouri continues for the sixth year in a row to have the largest number of these massive breed operations focused on profit over animal welfare.
Out of 23 puppy mills, two were listed in mid-Missouri and both were in Montgomery County.
According to the report, the puppy mill in Middletown is believed to be Heritage Farms Kennel. A state inspection report found two female Siberian Huskies were "very thin" with prominent spine and pelvic bones.
In Montgomery City the AKC-linked breeder Linda Kay Butler with High Point Kennel had repeated problems with veterinary care, several puppies in one litter died, and others had no record of vaccines or treatments. At its most recent available state inspection, the kennel had about 80 dogs and puppies. This was the fourth time High Point Kennel has been in the Horrible Hundred report.
Below is a map of where the Missouri puppy mills from the report are located. The cities with red pins had one puppy mill, green pins had two puppy mills and the purple pins are the two mid-Missouri locations.
According to the HSUS , the most significant difference in their 2018 report is the lack of names for many of the dealers in the report. It said that was because of redactions made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on its public Animal Welfare Act records. The redacted information conceals the subject of these records. In addition, the USDA confirmed to the Humane Society's researchers the agency has not revoked any dog breeder licenses since the publication of the last Horrible Hundred report in May 2017.
Approximately one-third of the breeders and dealers in this report are repeat offenders. A few of the dealers have appeared in all five of the Horrible Hundred reports and yet are still in business.
The HSUS stated for every kennel that has closed its doors since their last report, a new one has been added to the list. They said there will be no end to puppy mills until laws are stronger and the public refuses to buy puppies from pet stores, online sites or other sources that don't allow them to meet the breeder of their puppy.
To see the complete report, click here.
Editor's Note: The Humane Society report listed Heritage Farms Kennel as being in Middleton, not Middletown.