FARMINGTON — Dozens of dogs were seized from an Iowa dog breeder after federal and state inspectors gained court-ordered access to the facility and reported numerous alleged animal welfare violations.
The U.S. Department of Justice said 32 dogs were seized Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from a dog breeding facility operated by Wuanita Swedlund in Farmington, Iowa. The dogs were placed in a local animal shelter.
The seizure came after the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa issued a temporary restraining order against Swedlund last week. Federal officials said the court order was based on allegations that Swedlund repeatedly refused to allow U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors to examine her facility, animals and records as required under the Animal Welfare Act.
According to the Justice Department, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service inspectors had allegedly tried seven times over the past 10 months to access the facility for routine inspections but were not allowed in.
Federal officials said the emergency court filing alleged a pattern of Animal Welfare Act violations at the breeding operation. The alleged violations included puppy deaths, failure to treat dogs with obvious injuries or medical conditions, enclosures covered in feces, and dogs being left without access to drinking water.
After the court granted the temporary restraining order, USDA inspectors and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship coordinated access to the facility. Federal officials said USDA inspectors cited Swedlund for dozens of additional alleged violations. Based on the concurrent inspection, the state obtained a search warrant and took possession of the animals.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division said the action was filed to ensure USDA inspectors could assess the care dogs were receiving at the Iowa facility.
“As a result of the district court’s order, federal and state inspectors found numerous AWA violations and moved 32 dogs to facilities that will give them the care they need,” Gustafson said.
USDA General Counsel Tyler Clarkson said the case shows the USDA and Justice Department working together to enforce the Animal Welfare Act.
The Animal Welfare Act sets federal standards for certain animal dealers, breeders, exhibitors, transporters and research facilities. Licensed dog breeders covered by the law are required to provide basic standards of care and allow federal inspections.
The Justice Department said USDA referred the matter based on concern about conditions at the facility. USDA’s APHIS is investigating the case for the federal government.
The allegations remain part of a pending federal civil matter, and Swedlund has not been convicted of a crime in connection with the Justice Department announcement.