Five Iowa dog breeders named in national 'Horrible Hundred' puppy mill report

An animal welfare organization has released its annual report identifying problem puppy mills across the nation, naming five Iowa-based dog breeders among the 2026 "Horrible Hundred" list of problematic breeding facilities.

Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the United States, published the report Monday highlighting regulatory violations documented at 100 dog breeding operations nationwide. More than 20 of those breeders have sold puppies to Petland, the largest chain of pet stores still operating in the United States.

The Iowa breeders included in the report are Ricky and Mary Brodersen of Mystical Cockers in Kiron (third consecutive year on the list); William Davenport of Afton; Ruth Ewoldt of Furkids in Toronto (second appearance); Kimberly Olson of Kimi's Precious Treasures in Joice; and Wuanita Swedlund of Farmington, Iowa.

State inspectors cited Brodersen's operation in August 2025 for recurring issues including buildup of hair, debris and feces below kennels and dogs without proper resting surfaces. Inspectors noted only one caretaker was cleaning approximately 60 enclosures daily, describing the conditions as "inadequate." Mary Brodersen was previously convicted of animal neglect in 2012 after raids netted 88 confiscated animals and five dead dogs, resulting in 44 convictions and 44 days in jail.

Davenport's facility was cited for inadequate medical records for dogs receiving treatment, missing puppies with no documentation of their whereabouts, and a record of six consecutive violations between July 2024 and November 2025. The USDA recently cancelled his license, though another license has appeared in the USDA database under the name BillieJo Davenport at a nearby address.

Ewoldt's Furkids operation was cited for flea infestations, puppies with giardia infections, and dogs with dirty ears being sold to customers. Inspectors previously warned Ewoldt in 2021 that the "odor and stench" at the facility was unbearable.

Olson was cited for selling puppies to unlicensed brokers and online sales without proper licensing. Swedlund's facility remains under scrutiny after inspectors were denied access six times between June 2025 and January 2026. A pending ASPCA lawsuit against the USDA cites Swedlund's operation for insufficient enforcement after six puppies died in the cold without penalty.

The report also documented conditions at Sandhills Dachshunds in Brewster, Nebraska, where inspectors found a dead dog in an outdoor kennel, apparently due to hypothermia, with the animal lacking bedding or adequate shelter.

"The Horrible Hundred report shows the public the abhorrent reality for dogs at puppy mills—including those that are licensed and inspected," said John Goodwin, senior managing director for puppy mills at Humane World for Animals. Goodwin urged consumers to avoid buying from commercial breeders and stores that sell puppies bred in mills.