Hawkeye Reporter

An Iowa dog breeder has had his license revoked and is facing $60,000 in fines for his treatment of about 500 dogs at a puppy mill, according to a report by The Gazette.

Maple Hill Puppies owner Daniel Gingerich, of Seymour, surrendered more than 500 dogs to the Animal Rescue League following a lawsuit in September brought on by the Department of Agriculture that resulted in $20,000 in fines. This was due to more than 100 alleged violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

Iowa Human Society State Director Preston Moore tweeted his disapproval calling the treatment of animals “horrific.”

“Horrific @USDA puppy mills are thriving in Iowa,” Moore tweeted on Nov. 10. "@MikeNaigIA moved @IADeptAg rules for dog breeders forward but #IAlegis must act to give IDALS inspectors authority to inspect USDA breeders and enforce Iowa's animal welfare rules. USDA breeders currently get a pass!”

Last week officials said Gingerich had still not paid or appealed the initial $20,000 fine and an additional $40,000 was imposed due to the findings of inspectors who toured his facilities.They found 300 dogs at one facility, and the house was deteriorating in many ways. The location was covered with feces and smelled like animal wast, The Gazette reported. There was old food and bedding where the dogs were being kept. Another building had 165 dogs and no record of vaccinations. Dogs were also found to be in bad shape, with one puppy showing difficulty breathing.

The Gazette added that in a visit by inspectors Oct. 13, Gingerich reportedly did not have medical records for many of the dogs. USDA seized 21 dogs due to “acute distress," some with bloody feces and another with a bulging eye.

Gingerich also kept 20 dogs outdoors with no roof or bedding in excessively cold temperatures at an unlicensed location. Not only was he fined the additional $40,000 but he also had his license to breed in Iowa revoked. He previously had agreed to discontinue breeding puppies.

USDA veterinary medical officer Heather Cole said she has never encountered someone with this level of noncompliance, the Gazette report stated.

Gingerich has a deadline of Friday, Nov. 19, to appeal or pay the fine, according to the Siouxland News. The American Rescue League and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are working to remove the 500 dogs from the facilities.