BOONE – Police stumbled upon an Iowa puppy mill and authorities quickly intervened to rescue over 90 malnourished, hurting dogs.
On Friday, September 22, 2023, a Boone County Sheriff’s Office Deputy went to a location in the 800 block of 170th Street to do a welfare check on a missing female. At the same property the deputy noticed there were many dogs that appeared to be neglected. This property appeared to be what’s commonly referred to as a puppy mill, police say. The conditions the deputy noted were reported to animal control authorities.
Representatives from the Iowa Department of Agriculture along with the Boone Area Humane Society and the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc., arrived at the scene. An assessment of the facility was done by the Iowa Department of Agriculture.
The facility owner cooperated and ultimately agreed to allow approximately 93 dogs to enter the care of the ARL and Boone Area Humane Society. Some dogs do still remain on scene and the facilities owner does continue to cooperate with authorities.
This case remains under investigation by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office. No determination has been made at this time regarding criminal charges.
