Horrific Conditions and Neglect at Iowa Dog Breeding Kennel: Multiple Violations Lead to Puppy Deaths and Animal Suffering

Executive Summary

A southern Iowa dog-breeding kennel, operating under the license of Wuanita Swedlund, has been cited for numerous violations by a federal inspector from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These violations include the deaths of six puppies due to inadequate shelter and care, improper storage of veterinary medications, unsanitary conditions, and incomplete record-keeping. No fines or penalties have been imposed in the case.

Detailed Findings

Puppy Deaths Due to Hypothermia

In December 2023, a French bulldog named Bethany gave birth to four puppies. Three of these puppies were found dead a week later due to exposure to cold temperatures. The inspector’s report indicated that a strong draft was felt in the enclosure where the puppies were kept, and the licensee, Swedlund, stated that the puppies must have gotten too cold and passed away. Despite this incident, the licensee had not taken adequate steps to correct the draft issue, leaving the remaining puppies at risk of hypothermia.

In a separate incident, three puppies born to a rottweiler named Roxina were found deceased due to excessive cooling. The inspector’s report suggests that the puppies may have gotten wet from Roxina’s grooming and subsequently succumbed to hypothermia.

Injury and Death of a Sheepdog Puppy

A sheepdog named Megan gave birth to five puppies in November 2023. One of these puppies was severely injured when a dog in a nearby enclosure chewed through the plastic board wall separating the enclosures. The injured puppy suffered extensive damage to a front leg, exposing the bone. Despite the severity of the injury, the licensee did not seek immediate veterinary attention, and the puppy had to be euthanized.

Cannibalistic Behavior and Missing Puppy

Megan’s remaining puppies were about a week old when one of them went missing. The licensee assumed that Megan had eaten the puppy, attributing this behavior to maternal cannibalism, which is considered abnormal and may indicate behavioral stress.

Neglected Medical Conditions

The inspection revealed several cases of neglected medical conditions among the dogs at the kennel. A male puppy born in November 2023 had an abnormal condition of the left rear leg, causing severe limping. A veterinarian recommended wrapping the leg for five days, but no additional veterinary care was provided, leaving the injury untreated.

A French bulldog was observed limping on its right rear leg, holding the leg up while walking. Despite the dog’s reluctance to move around, the licensee had not provided any veterinary treatment or contacted a veterinarian regarding the condition.

Another French bulldog had an abnormal foot condition with multiple layers of skin tissue and a growth between the toes. The condition had not been noticed, and no treatment was being provided.

Deficiencies in Veterinary Care

The kennel was not following its own program of veterinary care. In one instance, a French bulldog was received with lameness. The licensee did not provide any medications and only monitored the dog’s condition, with little to no improvement, until the time of inspection.

Inadequate Pest Control and Medication Storage

The facility lacked a proper pest control plan for rodents. Mouse feces were found in various locations, including on a cart containing medications, around a door, and on top of a microwave oven.

Veterinary medications were not being stored properly. Some items were expired, and others that required refrigeration were being stored in a nonworking refrigerator.

Microchip Identification Issues

The business was using microchips to identify dogs, but the inspector found that at least 16 dogs over the age of 16 weeks did not have readable microchips, making identification impossible.

Incomplete and Inaccurate Records

The kennel’s records were incomplete and inaccurate. One puppy was listed as “dead” when it had actually been euthanized, which should have been noted. Other federal records lacked information on how dogs were acquired. Additionally, the official record of disposition of dogs sent to other licensed facilities for breeding was not being filled out, and the name and address of the organization that bought four puppies in early December were not reported.

Regulatory and Legal Actions

State Inspections

State inspections conducted in October and December 2023 revealed additional issues at the kennel. These included a strong odor in some buildings, inadequate space for dogs with large litters, a buildup of feces in and around enclosures, and a lack of cleanliness.

Concerns were also raised regarding the number of personnel working at the kennel and the availability of a veterinarian. The attending veterinarian, Dr. Jerry Couchman, was located a significant distance from the kennel and had not examined dogs or been available when needed.

Potential Criminal Charges

Representatives of the animal-welfare organization Bailing Out Benji plan to file a complaint with the Van Buren County sheriff and county attorney, requesting that criminal charges be considered in the case.

Conclusion

The conditions at the dog-breeding kennel in Cantril, Iowa, as revealed by the USDA and state inspections, are deeply concerning and raise serious questions about the welfare of the animals in the facility’s care. Multiple violations involving the deaths of puppies, neglected medical conditions, unsanitary conditions, and incomplete record-keeping highlight the urgent need for corrective actions to ensure the well-being of the dogs. The potential criminal charges being considered add gravity to the situation and underscore the importance of accountability for those responsible for the animals’ care.