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Dogs Seized from USDA-Licensed Breeder in Iowa

Dogs found in horrific conditions were recently seized by Iowa law enforcement from a puppy mill operated by Wuanita Swedlund.Swedlund has a long history of harming dogs, but the USDA, which licenses her, has taken no action.In 2024, the ASPCA filed a lawsuit challenging the USDA practices that granted Swedlund a license.Law enforcement recently seized 32 dogs from an Iowa puppy mill. The commercial breeder, Wuanita Swedlund, is licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For more than a year, inspectors were unable to access her property to ensure she was meeting the minimum standards of care required by law. The seizure occurred after a federal court issued a restraining order against Swedlund, which finally allowed inspectors to gain entry. The reports and photographs taken by the USDA are horrific. They showed dogs kept in filthy cages without clean food or water, warehoused in the bathroom, garage and shed in high temperatures, covered in fleas, emaciated and lethargic. Iowa’s state veterinarian determined that the dogs’ condition was evidence of neglect, and they were seized by local law enforcement.The USDA could not have been surprised. Swedlund has a long history of severe animal welfare violations. She is also connected to one of the largest dog breeding schemes in the country.See Swedlund’s Connection to Steve KruseSteve Kruse, owner of one of the most prolific puppy mill operations in the country, exploited the law intended to protect breeding dogs. Kruse would designate space on his property, stock it with dogs and find someone to apply for a separate USDA license on that portion of his property. If they received too many violations, he would replace them with someone else and start over with a new, clean license. The USDA was aware of this scheme and allowed it to happen. Thousands of puppies were shipped to pet stores across the country.In 2019, Kruse hosted a breeder named Daniel Gingerich on one of his properties. There, Gingerich racked up over 200 animal welfare violations before being shut down and sentenced to jail for animal cruelty. Although 500 dogs were rescued as part of this case, the USDA permitted hundreds more to stay with Kruse.Kruse did this repeatedly. Swedlund was another of Kruse’s cohorts, beginning in 2023. There were already over 200 dogs on the property when Swedlund moved in.When the USDA licensed Swedlund in 2023, they documented animal welfare issues immediately — puppies were on flooring that allowed their legs to fall through, dogs were eating out of dirty feeders, and the facility was removing dogs’ dew claws and docking tails without veterinary approval. They gave her a license anyway.The violations continued, and the USDA took no action USDA continued to document violations and puppies that died as a result. Puppies died from the cold in a drafty outdoor barn. Swedlund told the USDA inspector she found another puppy’s bones in a cage and presumed the mother dog “ate her puppy.” An adult dog was able to break through a kennel divider and tore all the skin off a puppy’s leg. Dogs were found suffering from various injuries and illnesses, limping, with hernias or with diarrhea. Swedlund did not have records of veterinary care or basic information about where the dogs came from or where they had been sold. Inspectors noted Swedlund had over 150 dogs but not a single worker. Then, Swedlund started avoiding USDA inspectors. The USDA attempted to inspect the property five times, issuing a violation each time for failure to allow inspectors access.The USDA inspector responsible for Swedlund’s operation said, “Based on my observations and knowledge, [this] facility was one of the worst facilities I have inspected, particularly with respect to its AWA [Animal Welfare Act] noncompliance and high volume of animal deaths.”Though any of the violations documented over time by the USDA could have been grounds to revoke her license, they did not take any action.The ASPCA sent 10 complaints to the USDA about what was happening in Iowa, imploring them to revoke Swedlund’s license and remove her dogs. We also filed a federal lawsuit [PDF] against the USDA, challenging the very policies that licensed Swedlund and other Iowa puppy mills. That case remains pending.This situation is not an anomaly. The USDA makes it too easy to obtain a license and stay licensed, allowing violators stay in business year [PDF] after year [PDF].What You Can DoGoldie’s Act is federal legislation that would help protect dogs in puppy mills, strengthening USDA’s enforcement and requiring them to take action against violators.Please contact your members of Congress and urge them to cosponsor and help pass Goldie’s Act to save dogs who are suffering in puppy mills. Tags: Advocacy Center Animal Cruelty Puppy Mills

3 days ago•
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15,000 Vulnerable Animals Helped Through ASPCA’s Kitten Foster Program

Today, July 10, is National Kitten Day and in honor of the holiday, we are thrilled to announce a significant achievement of caring for 15,000 kittens through the ASPCA Kitten Foster Program in Los Angeles. This program relies on the generosity of foster caregivers who provide lifesaving care to kittens in need. This milestone comes during the height of feline breeding season, also known as kitten season, a time of year when shelters nationwide are overwhelmed with vulnerable, newborn cats.The 15,000th kitten, Juno, was brought into the Los Angeles County Animal Care Center, Baldwin Park by a Good Samaritan. At roughly three months old, this partially blind kitten was in need of medical support. To get the care she needed, the Animal Care Center requested our help. After being transferred into our care, Juno was put into a foster home, where her foster caregiver provided unwavering support. Now, Juno is thriving in her foster home and has even been paired with a helper kitten to help her navigate the world with limited vision. Our staff is currently monitoring her eyes, which may require surgery to help prevent further infection and relieve any potential pain.“Every kitten deserves a chance to thrive,” said Hella Tyler, director of foster care for the Los Angeles feline programs. “Reaching 15,000 kittens rescued through our Los Angeles Foster Program is more than a milestone, it’s 15,000 toe beans and little heart beats that have been given hope, care and the opportunity for a brighter future. This is all made possible by our incredible dedication of our foster volunteers and community — we are so grateful!” Right now, our Los Angeles Foster Program is in urgent need of specialized foster caregivers, willing to help care for sick kittens or provide frequent bottle-feeding. Learn more about how you can foster kittens in Los Angeles! Alternatively, if you’re in New York City and want to foster kittens, get more information here or find a shelter near you. Tags: ASPCA Adoption Center Los Angeles Initiative

4 days ago•
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“Every Night We Don’t Adopt Is Another Night in the Shelter” — How Dina Found Her New Family

*/ After saying goodbye to their 14-year-old Dachshund, Kippy, last October, Barie-Lynne R. asked her family, “How are we going to live without a dog?”“There were no more daily walks,” said Barie-Lynne, who had adopted Kippy from Start II Animal Rescue in Englewood, New Jersey, 10 years before. “I had no reason to go anywhere. It was difficult. Having a dog is an essential part of our family.”In January, Barie-Lynne, who lives in the Riverdale area of the Bronx, and her five adult children began their search for a new dog.“Everyone realized it was a real loss,” she says. “We needed a dog in our home.” Even her son, A.Z., who lives overseas, weighed in, “because he wants a dog here when he comes back,” Barie-Lynne says.Her daughter, Surie, a volunteer at the ASPCA Adoption Center, told her mother about a dog named Dina.“Surie walked Dina routinely, and told me, ‘I think you should meet her,’” Barie-Lynne says. “After her walk, she told me Dina cried when she had to go back into the shelter. Of course, that tugged on my heartstrings.” Barie-Lynne and Dina at home.Barie-Lynne’s next question was, “When should we adopt?”Another daughter, Rifky, answered, “Mom, every night we don’t adopt is another night they have to stay in the shelter.”Rifky’s response inspired Barie-Lynne to act sooner rather than later.Rescue RefeedingLate on the night of October 23, 2025, an NYPD lieutenant found a young dog tied to a tree in Baisley Pond Park in Jamaica, Queens.The lieutenant took the emaciated dog, who appeared to be a Labrador Retriever-mix, to the Veterinary Emergency Group in Brooklyn, an ASPCA partner clinic that accepts animal cases during hours when the ASPCA is closed.The following day, the dog was transported to the ASPCA Animal Hospital. Dina was emaciated and weighed just 26 pounds at intake.Estimated to be 10-12 months old, the dog, called Dina, weighed just 26 pounds. Dr. Robert Reisman, the ASPCA’s supervisor of forensic sciences, conducted her initial examination and recalls that “she was weak from loss of muscle mass and mildly dehydrated.”Dina tested positive for hookworms and was treated for parasites. She also received antibiotics for a urinary tract infection.Without any video or microchip to link Dina to a possible owner, her case was closed. But Dina had a long way to go toward recovery. She was placed on a re-feeding diet, a routine step for underweight dogs to manage the transition from “survival metabolism” — using their own body tissue for nutrition — to a normal metabolism in which food can be ingested and absorbed.Dina’s diet was provided in small meals three times a day. After eight weeks, Dina weighed 36 pounds, a 38 increase from her intake weight. “This is far in excess of what a dog her age and size would normally gain,” Dr. Reisman said. “But her growth was compensatory; she had to make up for the period when she suffered from long-term inadequate nutrition.”Road to RecoveryOn November 13, Dina was transferred to the ASPCA’s Recovery Rehabilitation Center in Pawling, New York, a new facility dedicated to treating canine victims of abuse and neglect. Dina, who could be shy and was often stressed in her kennel, healed in an environment that offered regular play groups and oversized kennels with outdoor access. At the ASPCA’s Recovery Rehabilitation Center, Dina spent time with Kaitlin Cheek, an animal behavior expert.Kaitlin Cheek, senior manager of animal behavior, spent time with Dina daily, typically during playgroups or office time.“Dina enjoyed her toys and making new dog friends,” says Kaitlin. “She also loved spending time with people.”Kaitlin notes that Dina was an “exuberant” greeter in her kennel, jumping and barking excitedly whenever people approached. Dina exhibited her love of playing ball at the ASPCA’s Recovery Rehabilitation Center.“We worked hard to reinforce keeping all four paws on the floor and not barking,” Kaitlin explains. “When the weather permitted, we took Dina outdoors, where she loved to chase other dogs and be chased.”Dina was spayed on December 10 and transferred back to the ASPCA Adoption Center on January 6, 2026.An Adoption AmbassadorAfter applying to adopt Dina on Wednesday, January 14, Barie-Lynne spoke with Alex Casiano, an admissions and placement specialist.“I love all of our pups, but Dina definitely has a special place in my heart,” says Alex, adding that Dina warmed up quickly to him and his colleagues and tolerated being dressed in a pink tutu. Dina at the ASPCA, sporting a pink tutu, and at home with Barie-Lynne.Barie-Lynne, who adopted Dina on January 18, seconds Dina’s good-natured behavior.“She loves our dog run at Seton Park,” she says. “Everyone knows her.”Now close to 50 pounds, Dina is “much happier and more filled out.“She’s still that ball of energy we were told she was going to be, but she’s settled in and calmed down,” Barie-Lynne says. “As soon as I adopted her, I was walking and meeting people again. Dina is proof that there are some really great dogs at shelters and rescues.” Dina loves her local dog park. Right: With Rifky, Barie-Lynne and Surie at home with Dina.Her family echoes her sentiment.“Mom always said, you don't shop for a dog,” Surie says. “You go to the shelter and see which dogs are there, which ones need a home. Adopting was always a big part of us having a dog.”Says Rifky, “Having a dog emphasizes the importance of putting others before yourself. We always make sure our dog is fed before we eat dinner. When Dina needs to go for a walk, even if everyone's busy, someone will make time to take her. She’s a great addition to our family.” Whether indoors or outdoors, Dina loves to play ball. Tags: ASPCA Adoption Center Forensic Sciences Happy Tails NYC Cruelty Victims Rehabilitation Centers

5 days ago•
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Is There a Wedding in Your Future? Make a Special Gift or Start Your Own Fundraiser!

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s recent donation to charities ahead of their wedding has us feeling inspired — and we hope other brides and grooms are too! With the wedding bells still ringing, we wanted to remind our supporters and animal lovers alike that there are a few ways to make your big day have an even bigger impact!Many couples are choosing to make a charitable impact on behalf of their guests in lieu of traditional wedding favors. Couples can make a donation to the ASPCA and provide guests with special place cards noting that a gift has been made in their honor. Honorary giving through the ASPCA allows couples to celebrate their love and give back to animals, all while reflecting their personal values and creating a lasting impact that extends well beyond the wedding celebration itself.Another effective way to help the nation’s animals in honor of your special day is through social media fundraisers. Creating a Facebook or Instagram fundraiser is simple!Facebook has a guided setup to walk you through the process, and even allows you to add your own text, dedication and photo. Maybe you want to add a photo of your own adorable pet — you can customize it to your liking! Instagram has step-by-step instructions on how to set up your fundraiser and will even help you post a link to your fundraiser in your bio. Not the bride or groom? You can still have a big impact, too, by making a special gift in honor of the happy couple!On behalf of all the humans and animals at the ASPCA, congratulations! Thank you for making us a part of your big day! Tags: No Tag

6 days ago
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