Kansas, Missouri found to be home to some of the worst puppy mills in the U.S.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Some of the worst puppy mills in the U.S. have been found in Kansas and Missouri, as sickly puppies were either sold to unsuspecting families or died in the care of the breeder.

On Thursday, April 24, the Humane World For Animals released its updated The Horrible Hundred 2025 report, which highlights 100 problemed puppy mills and breeders in the U.S. The report identified 4 of these mills in Kansas and a whopping 26 in Missouri.

The organization, which is formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States, said it publishes the report yearly to warn Americans about the most common problems at puppy mills. These are inhumane breeding facilities that often keep dogs constantly caged with little regard for their health or quality of life.

For the 13th straight year, the report found Missouri has the highest number of dealers with 26 listed operations. More than half of these breeders are licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Some are also linked to the American Kennel Club.

According to the report, at least 25 of the listed dealers have sold to Petland or affiliate stores. Petland is the only national chain of pet stores left in the U.S. that continues to sell puppies.

Kansas

• Chapman Creek Kennel, Minneapolis - According to the report, the kennel, which is owned and operated by Gayle Baker, was found to have sickly canines that severely lacked adequate proof of veterinary care. The “professional dog show breeder” is known to sell these dogs to Petland. Baker’s license was canceled in January 2025, however, it appears her license may still be active.
• Living Trust, La Harpe - The report revealed that state inspectors found underweight dogs with visible spines and pelvic bones at the operation owned by Joseph H. and Bernita M. Bernsten. During a January visit, two Great Danes were found to be emaciated. Kennel staff admitted their weight loss had been noticed, however, veterinary care had not been sought. At this time, temperatures remained well below freezing, which troubled inspectors. The pair is also known to sell these dogs to Petland.
• Bow Wow Mound Kennels, Burns - The operation, owned by Judy Koehn, failed multiple state inspections due to unsanitary conditions. Inspectors reported gagging due to the smell of the facility. The breeder was also found to have been feeding cat food to more than 330 dogs. A lack of adequate employees was also noted. According to the USDA, the facility has been cited for veterinary issues and other violations on and off for about a decade. Koehn is also known to sell these canines to Petland. This is the facility’s fourth appearance in the report.
• Pickett’s Puppies, Longton - State inspectors revealed that the operation, owned by Amanda and Greg Pickett, emitted such a strong odor that their nasal passages burned and they began to cough. The smell emanated from the building even before inspectors set foot inside. Despite the issues, the kennel still has an active USDA license. At the time, there were more than 50 canines on site. Violations for not properly identifying canines and missing dogs were also listed.

Missouri

• B&H Kennels, Dora - The report revealed that owner Vickie L. Burden has a listed history of dodging state inspections. She has continued to miss at least four more recent inspections. Even after outreach from state officials, Burden failed to be present for attempted inspections. Despite a litany of previous violations, including failure to seek veterinary care, and the most recent inspection being in March 2024, the facility continues to be licensed by the USDA. Burden has been known to sell these dogs to Petland.
• PugPekinPoo-Tzu, West Plains - AKC-linked breeder Maureen Butler has been fined for repeated violations, including dogs infested with lice and fleas as well as failure to remove a growing mass. The kennel has a decade-long history of sick and injured dogs. Despite this, more than 100 dogs remained in the facility as of early 2025. Butler has also failed to provide hands-on veterinary examinations as required by law. She has offered these dogs for sale on Puppies.com as her profile advertises her as a USDA-licensed breeder, even though she no longer has a USDA license. This shows the risk associated with purchasing pets online.
• Contented Puppies Paradise, El Dorado Springs - The report indicated that AKC-linked breeder Wilbur Byler received multiple warning letters of repeat violations for incomplete records on puppies who died in his care. Despite multiple yearly violations, the USDA has failed to cite Byler for any issues since 2022. Violations also included failure to keep up-to-date health records for the dogs in the facility and failure to seek veterinary care.
• Mar-Don Kennels, Chillicothe - According to the report, breeder Marsha Cox’s USDA license was revoked in 2011 due to “egregious repeat violations.” However, as of 2025, she remains in operation with more than 300 animals in concerning conditions. Cox was named as one of the original “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen” in a 2010 report on puppy mills. Her license was cancelled in 2011 after refusing access to inspectors and severe animal care problems. Dogs had been known to be left in temperatures below freezing without adequate protection. Dogs were found underweight and suffering from illness without the care of a veterinarian. Despite the violations, Cox remains licensed by the state.
• Culver Lane Kennel, Hartville - The report found a French bulldog displayed severe signs of illness but had not been taken to a veterinarian. The breeder, Sally Culver, is also known to sell her dogs to Petland. The shelter was previously cited for emaciated dogs and shivering puppies. This is Culver’s second time in the report.
• Hilltop Kennel, Jamesport - A report found the kennel’s owner, Freeman Detweiler, had no proof of vaccinations for canines. The kennel had also been caked in feces and was cited by state officials. However, the USDA noted nothing in its report despite a rule that dogs must be vaccinated. Detweiler has also been known to sell dogs to Petland.
• Indian Ridge Kennel, LLC, and I-R Kennels, Pleasant Hope - The massive facility, owned by Lorna Dismang, was found to have sold to Petland after receiving a direct violation from the USDA related to two bulldogs that had visible medical issues, but no veterinary care was sought. The USDA then allowed the facility to change its name and license number. At the time, there were more than 255 dogs on the property.
• C&J’s Happy Tails Kennel, Joplin - The kennel, owned by Janice Eminger, has been repeatedly reported for poor conditions with little or no penalties. Eminger’s USDA license had been revoked, but the kennel is still licensed by the state and offers puppies online. She was also listed on the Petland website as one of its breeders. A prospective buyer reported the facility after they were concerned about overcrowding and poor conditions. Despite a long history of apparent violations, the kennel continues to advertise online and on Facebook.

• Goedke’s Great Danes, Carrollton - Inspectors listed several concerns about dogs with lacerations and limps in a previous inspection. The breeder, Amy Goedke, did receive a fee and warning for the violations and admitted she had never called the vet. Between December 2023 and August 2024, Goedke failed to allow investigators to inspect the facility on multiple occasions. Multiple records revealed that “dogs had been injured or killed when other dogs in the facility had escaped their enclosures.” The kennel has a troubling history as it failed four different state inspections in 2022 and was cited on multiple occasions after puppies died without a recorded date or explanation. This is Goedke’s second time on the report.
• Hubbard’s Kennel, Amsterdam - The report indicated that the breeder, Wesley J. Hubbard, was verbally abusive to grieving puppy buyers and inspectors after a puppy died. The family received a sickly puppy from the facility, which ultimately had to be euthanized. Hubbard allegedly threatened to sue the family when they reported the death to him. State officials documented filthy conditions as Hubbard continues to advertise the kennel on social media. The kennel has a history of violations due to a lack of information on puppies that have died in Hubbard’s care. In January, Hubbard said he intended to cancel his license; however, as recently as April 9, 2025, he continues to advertise himself as a licensed breeder on Facebook.
• Maxanita’s Kennel, Drexel - Breeder Juanita Kimbrough was found to have kept dogs in the freezing cold with no protection. She received an official warning for repeat violations; however, the USDA failed to document any issues and has not visited the facility since 2023. Kimbrough was found to have sold these dogs to Petland. Violations were also given to her for selling dogs with no records of vaccinations.
• Missouri White Tail Labradors, Springfield and Mount Vernon - State inspectors said they uncovered two unlicensed facilities. Multiple violations for dogs kept in the freezing cold, dogs without access to water, excessive feces and more were cited. The facilities, owned and operated by Angela Kostron, had previously been denied a license. After a complaint about a sick puppy Kostron sold, it was found that she had continued to breed dogs. She was found to have harbored more than 50 dogs at an unlicensed location with unacceptable conditions. Investigators also found she had brought pregnant dogs to a children’s daycare she operates in Springfield and birthed them there. She failed a pre-license inspection in early 2025 for a lack of proof of vaccinations and vet exams. The safety of children in Kostron’s care has also been brought into question, as children could have been exposed to unvaccinated canines. As of April 9, it remains unknown if Kostron ever obtained a license. However, the kennel still has an active website and Facebook page. She continues to offer puppies for sale with delivery, even shipping, which is illegal without a USDA license.
• Tenderheart Kennel, Silex - USDA inspectors said they recently cited violations for flies “too numerous to count” as well as a recurring issue with rodent feces near the food storage at a facility that houses more than 100 canines. The facility, owned and operated by Sharon and Hubert Lavy, was also cited for an incomplete veterinary plan. The Lavys were issued a “teachable moment” notice in 2021; however, no changes were made.
• Monarch Kennel, Bolivar - The report revealed that AKC-linked breeders Charles and Debbi McGinnis had several issues during half a dozen USDA inspections within a 15-month period. The McGinnis’ had been warned in years past that dogs are required to have an adequate amount of space and shelter from the weather. However, the couple failed to meet total compliance in all inspections. The kennel continues to claim on its Facebook page that it has raised AKC puppies since 1991.

• Orchard Kennel, Cabool - Breeder Magdalena McGowan has been cited repeatedly in previous years for continued violations that include unclean water, enclosures that were too small for puppies, dirty conditions and more. When inspectors returned, they found some of the issues had been resolved, but not all. Lighting at the facility during this time was so poor that the dogs could not be easily observed. The kennel has also kept inspectors out of the facility on several occasions. This is McGowan’s second time on the report.
• Meeks Kennel, Caulfield - Inspectors listed concerns about a bulldog that had fight wounds and an emaciated Boston terrier. The breeder, Betty Meeks, claimed the dogs were being treated by a veterinarian but could not provide records of visits. The report indicated that the “facility’s program of veterinary care was inadequate” and did not correctly list the attending vet. At that time, there were nearly 100 dogs on the property.
• TLC Kennels, Sturgeon - State inspectors found recurring issues with unsanitary conditions at the puppy mill. The facility has also been known to sell to multiple Petland stores. According to the report, the USDA has failed to inspect the facility in two years. Sanitation issues had been listed on the facility’s inspection in prior years as well. Violations at the state level go back to 2019, as dogs were not tested for contagious diseases. The facility’s owner, John J. Miller, has sold puppies to at least four different Petland stores. This is his fourth appearance on the report.
• Windsong Kennels, Pattonsburg - Breeders Keith and Shannon Plymell have been issued a four-page letter of warning for repeat violations. The kennel has a history of animal welfare concerns that stretches back to 2008. Windsong first appeared in the Missouri’s Dirty Dozen report in the fall of 2010. Most recently, inspectors found a lack of records on the dogs at the facility, no current program of veterinary care, no hands-on exams of the dogs, dirty food bowls and a lack of a current license. The kennel’s USDA license was cancelled in 2011 after more than 21 pages of violations accumulated between 2008 and 2011. The Plymells are repeat offenders, as this is their fifth time in the report.
• Ratepa Kennels, Bolivar - The state found that the breeder, Teresa Rauch, hid dogs at an unlicensed location. The USDA also found violations for a third straight year as state officials continue to question Rauch about tail docking that occurred without veterinary documentation or training. Unvaccinated and diseased canines have been well-documented at the facility. The kennel continues to offer puppies for sale online and on social media. As of April 2025, Rauch continues to be licensed by the USDA, but it appears her state license had lapsed for a second time. She is also known to sell puppies to PetCenter NJ, a Petland-owned store. This is her second time on the report.

• Rocky Top K-9s and Thunder River Pets, West Plains - Repeated issues with very thin nursing mother dogs were documented at the facility owned and operated by Ellen Roberts. Some puppies were emaciated, lethargic or sickly as the kennel recently dropped its USDA license and changed its name. However, Roberts continues to offer puppies for sale online. Dogs continue to be kept in dangerously poor conditions, despite an appearance in nine previous Horrible Hundred reports. Issues found at the kennel include a rodent infestation, animals that escaped from their enclosures, fighting dogs and more. Roberts’ website now redirects to Thunder River, which currently has puppies for sale. This is her 10th appearance in the report.

• Shamrock Hill, Canton - Inspectors recently found several dogs had been missing from the kennel owned and operated by Jon Stolarz. Concerns had been found during at least four previous inspections. Various dogs “left” the facility without any record of what happened to them, as other canines were sold to families without proof of vaccination. He has failed multiple inspections but was eventually given a license. Stolarz is a repeat offender, this is his second time on the report.
• Jet Kennels, Wasola - The USDA has found more than a dozen dogs in need of treatment at the facility owned and operated by Donna Taber. She later euthanized two of them instead of opting for treatment and gave many others away. Severe violations have been recorded for the last decade. She has since dropped her USDA license; however, her state license remains valid until 2026. Violations, both state and federal, stretch back to 2014. Taber is a repeat offender as this is her fifth appearance on the list.
• Wynter Knights Kennel & Grooming LLC, Stockton - The report revealed that state photographs showed disturbing conditions at the facility self self-described by owner Sarah Walbron as AKC affiliated. Some dogs were found to have been fed raw deer heads and bloody jawbones. Walborn was referred to the Attorney General’s Office for potential legal action. The Missouri Department of Conservation urged the AG to seek an injunctive order and penalties against Walborn in January. After the request was sent, state officials continued to find new violations. As of March, it appears her state license may have lapsed, but she still has an active website as a self-described “dog breeder of AKC and ACA Alaskan Malamutes.” She specifically claims that her dogs “are fed a good quality diet.” Photographs taken by state inspectors showed many disturbing conditions, too numerous to mention.

• Price’s Pets, Niangua - The USDA recently found thin puppies with scabs and large areas of flaky skin at the repeat offender, Marjorie Walker’s, facility. This was the second time in a year that emaciated animals were found in her care, but no penalties were applied. Other issues included stacked cages made of rusty metal. As of April, it appeared the USDA had not been back to check on the 115 animals in Walker’s care. This is her fourth appearance on the report.
• Hidden Valley Farms, Greencastle - Breeder Brenda Walter has received five official warnings from the state since 2022, however, USDA inspectors documented nothing. State inspectors said they found a bleeding dog not adequately treated by a veterinarian and a dog that had been emaciated during a prior visit had vanished. Walter’s violations stretch back to at least 2007. She is known to sell her dogs to Petland. As of April 2025, it appears the USA has not cited Walter for any of her violations since 2017. This is her fourth appearance on the report.
• Weatherly Dachshunds, Hermitage - Inspectors said they found a doc with an open wound that had never been taken to a veterinarian under the care of Chiquita Weatherly. The dog had reportedly been bitten by a snake just days before. Other issues include mouse feces and grime found throughout the facility. An official letter of warning was issued by the Missouri Department of Agriculture. As of March 2025, she no longer appears active on the state’s license list, however, her website was updated in April with new puppies for sale.

Organization leaders noted that some states are under-represented in the report, however, this does not mean there are no problem puppy mills in other states. These states either do not inspect commercial dog breeders, have chosen not to enforce laws or have failed to respond to public records requests.

To read the list in its entirety, click HERE.

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