At the end of March 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) again suspended the license of Stonehenge Kennels in West Point, Iowa. More than 700 dogs were removed and have since been placed in both shelters and rescues across the United States.
Dogs suffering from injuries and sicknesses found during an inspection “was based on the agency’s conclusion the owner had willfully violated the Animal Welfare Act regulations and was failing to meet the minimum standards for licensing.”
According to KhakNews, Steve Kruse, the owner of the kennel, has had repeated license suspensions as well as ongoing violations throughout the years. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) stated in late February of this year, 199 dogs were “transferred to a puppy mill operated by Steve Kruse, and soon after, they were all euthanized by his veterinarians in a single day.” Widespread disease had reportedly spread through the kennel.
More than 30 rescue organizations have been helping these dogs. Many of the dogs still need to be cleared medically and emotionally before they are available for adoption. Meanwhile, most have been heading off to foster homes.
This weekend. 53 of the dogs were transported to Wagmor Pets Dog Rescue in Studio City hosting an adoption event in honor of National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day. There are lots of dogs just waiting for their new lives to begin; check here for some adorable faces.
According to Allie Bradshaw of A Friend of Jack Rescue in Denver, Colorado, 76 dogs arrived late this past week. The organization has found foster homes for 75 of the dogs. For more information how to adopt or foster, please click here.
Tails of Hope have been helping and the dogs are settling in with their foster families. They’re scared, confused, and unsure of how to live life outside of a breeding facility. Against all odds, they’re super sweet and slowly learning to trust their foster families. These dogs have a long road ahead until they are ready to find their forever homes; they need dental work, spay/neuter and more veterinary care. Please consider helping provide these dogs with the care they need before they find their forever families.
Updates on more shelters and rescues preparing to help these rescued dogs to be announced.
Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook for the latest animal related news.
WTF? 700+ dogs? I cannot type what I really want to say because it won’t be posted! AKC, USDA and many others are to blame for this horror! Here in Missouri we voted to stop these huge puppy mills and the elected republicans in Jefferson city ignored our vote and overturned it! So the suffering continues! States can stop this horror but they won’t because they do not care as long as money is being made!
PLEASE LET US KNOW IF, WHEN, AND WHERE DONATIONS ARE NEEDED!
I agree with Tamara, There are ways to curb this if people cared enough. We don’t need puppy mills.