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Jul 16, 2023

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Aug. 25, 2023 5:10 pm, Updated: Aug. 25, 2023 7:18 pm IOWA CITY — More than 100 dogs were surrendered this week to Iowa City Animal Services after an investigation of a dog breeder in rural Johnson

Aug. 25, 2023 5:10 pm, Updated: Aug. 25, 2023 7:18 pm

IOWA CITY — More than 100 dogs were surrendered this week to Iowa City Animal Services after an investigation of a dog breeder in rural Johnson County, according to a news release from Iowa City Animal Services.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship performed a random inspection Thursday at Sunset Valley Farm, 3027 540th St. SW near Riverside, which found the 131 dogs on the property were being kept in hot, dirty conditions, and many of the dogs were in a “state of distress.”

According to the report, the exhaust fan in the whelping building — where the dogs give birth — was not running when the unannounced inspection started. With the exhaust fan running, the indoor temperature was still 91 degrees Fahrenheit, with 64 percent humidity.

The whelping area was not clean, and nearly all the 16 female dogs and pups were found with matted coats and dirty fur, the report states.

The outdoor area for the dogs to exercise was “not kept in good repair, so as to safely contain the animals therein without injury,” the report states, adding that a golden retriever was loose at the time of the inspection.

The exercise area was covered with weeds and full of holes. Part of the yard enclosure was “damaged and bent with farm machinery,” the report stated.

Inspectors found no method of controlling flies in the whelping building or feeding areas, and there was an abundance of living and dead flies in both areas, according to the report.

Not enough personnel were on hand to care for 131 dogs, and documentation of worming protocols for the puppies was not completed, the report states.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship called the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office after the inspection, according to Don McDowell, the department’s communications director.

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Johnson County Sheriff Brad Kunkel said no arrests have been made, but the investigation at the dog breeding operation is ongoing.

Loren Yoder, the owner of the farm, was cited multiple times by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2022. A call to Yoder Friday afternoon requesting comment was not returned.

The dogs are currently being treated at the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, 3910 Napoleon Lane, Iowa City, and in other locations. They are being evaluated and are expected to be available for adoption at a later date, according to the release.

The shelter is requesting donations — see accompanying list — from the public to help handle the sudden increase of animals. The adoption center will be closed to walk-in traffic until Monday. An area outside the adoption center will be designated for donation drop-offs.

• Puppy food

• Adult dog food

• Bleach

• Dish soap

• Large breed harnesses

• Flea and tick prevention medication

• Cedar beddings

• Paper towels

• Garbage bags

• Poop scoopers

• 5-gallon buckets

• 1-gallon Ziplock bags

• Large trash can with lid

• Blankets

• Towels

• Water buckets

• Crocs footwear

Comments: (319) 398-8328; [email protected]