Humane Society names Missouri as worst state for puppy mills

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Humane Society of the United States has released a report revealing Missouri as the top state for puppy mills for 2024.

Missouri has several repeat offenders on the “ Horrible Hundred 2024 ” list, including kennels in West Plains, Niangua, Bolivar, and more.

In total, 23 puppy mills in Missouri were identified in the report.

Below is a list of puppy mills in our coverage area that were named in the report:

• Jet Kennels in Wasola in Ozark County was reported for repeatedly keeping dogs in poor condition, leaving them thin with matted fur and severe untreated dental diseases. This is the kennel’s fourth time on the list.
• S-N-S Kennel in Seymour was reported after a dog died from a lice infestation, at least four dogs died from fighting, and several puppies died from hypoglycemia.
• Schwartz’s Kennel in Dallas County was reported after several puppies died and two puppies who were sold to a broker had to be euthanized due to parvovirus. The state found that two entire litters of puppies had died in the kennel’s care. Investigators found dogs being kept in a 95-degree building because, according to the breeder, they were Amish and didn’t use electricity.
• Rocky Top K-9s in West Plains were reported for keeping dogs in filthy conditions, making it difficult for them to walk around without stepping in feces and other grime. This is the breeder’s 9th time in the report.
• Ratepa Kennels in Bolivar was reported after dogs were found wet and filthy in cold weather and with their fur matted and covered in feces.
• Price’s Pets in Niangua was reported after dogs were found to be kept in rusty, stacked cages, some in poor condition. Some of the dogs were found to be thin and have scabby skin. The breeder has been in the report two previous times.
• Monarchs Kennel in Bolivar was reported for puppies living in filthy conditions so that they could not take a step without walking in feces. Puppies were also kept without adequate protection from the cold, and one dog showed signs of intense thirst. This is the breeder’s second time in the report.
• Jenkins Kennel in West Plains was reported for inadequately housing dogs and keeping them with matted fur.
• Twin Springs Kennel in Vanzant in Douglas County was reported for keeping puppies in a building that was 97 degrees. This was the breeder’s second time in the report.
• PugPekinPoo-Tzu in West Plains was reported for not providing vet exams for dogs and having a history of injured and sick dogs. This is the breeder’s 4th time in the report.
• B&H Kennels in Dora in Ozark County was reported for dodging five inspections in a row.
• S&S Kennel in Ava was reported for selling puppies in a parking lot without a license. This is the breeder’s second time in the report.

The report is assembled annually by researchers with the Humane Society of the United States as they look through federal and state inspection records for citations and instances of animal suffering, according to a press release.

Cody Atkinson, the Missouri State Director for the Humane Society of the United States said that prosecuting breeders for these violations can be difficult.

“Our laws on puppy mills are kind of a double-edged sword in that we do have pretty good oversight as far as being able to go in and inspect these facilities. Unfortunately, when they are found in some sort of violation, we have very little enforcement capabilities to dissuade them. The fiscal penalties or go all the way into shutting them down and revoking their license,” Atkinson said.

Atkinson detailed the process of becoming a licensed breeder in Missouri.

“Ultimately, what they do is register with our Department of Agriculture and if they want to sell in other states, they have to register with the USDA. But other than that, I believe it is the three intact females, meaning they have not been fixed. And that is our threshold for having to register with the state to become a licensed breeder in the state. Below that threshold, you can sell and breed dogs without any sort of license, more of a backyard or hobby breeder situation, but they are not licensed or inspected,” Atkinson said.

He offered advice to those looking for puppies in Missouri.

“Don’t buy online. Always, always, always go to that breeding operation and get a look for yourself at what is going on at that facility. Ask where those well-being pens are. Ask how the mother is. Ask a lot of questions,” Atkinson said.

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