Rescuers are caring for one of the more than 500 dogs rescued from a commercial breeder in Iowa. | Facebook/Animal Rescue League of Iowa
Rescuers are caring for one of the more than 500 dogs rescued from a commercial breeder in Iowa. | Facebook/Animal Rescue League of Iowa
Multiple animal rescue groups in Iowa have saved more than 500 dogs from what rescuers described as "horrific conditions" at six different locations in southern Iowa owned by a commercial breeder.
Daniel Gingerich had a license to breed dogs from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that was issued October 2019, according to NBC News.
"'Hundreds of dogs rescued from USDA-licensed breeder in Iowa.' (And this is why people have issues with puppy mills and breeders — adopt don't shop)," Marissa Pherson, an animal lover, wrote in a Nov. 4 tweet.
NBC News reported that the U.S. Department of Justice accused Gingerich of multiple violations under the Animal Welfare Act two months ago.
USDA inspectors discovered dogs at the Maple Hill Kennel near Seymour were "in danger of starvation and death," according to Radio Iowa. Gingerich surrendered the dogs without fighting.
In a Facebook post, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa said the rescue was long and lasted for several days. The animal rescue group wrote that the dogs in their care are safe and receiving medical attention, but "their journey is just beginning." Some of the pregnant dogs that were rescued have since delivered puppies or gone into labor.
Alerts Sign-up