The Humane Society of the United States has released its annual report highlighting 100 problem puppy mills.

Kansas tied for fourth-most, with seven puppy mills in the 2022 "Horrible Hundred" report. There were also seven in the 2021 report.

Kansas puppy mills appeared in the report for emaciated dogs, filthy living conditions, keeping dogs in bitter cold with only frozen water, sick and injured animals, dogs in cramped and stacked crates, and dead puppies. 

WASAB considers vote to ban Petland animal sales in Wichita 

In one example, the report said D and M Kennel in Uniontown was investigated for "major roach infestation and mice issue, strong feces and urine smell and dead puppies."

"...state inspector claimed the complaint was unfounded even though they witnessed a dog carrying a dead puppy during their visit, and the breeder admitted to tossing dead puppies into a field," the report states. 

Kansas breeders highlighted in the report:

  • Joyce Cairns aka Joyce Roperson-Cairns (formerly Unicorn Kennel) in Glasco
  • Merry Lou and Amy Gumm/Nightshades and Firestorm Border Collies in Douglass
  • Beth Johnson in Baxter Springs
  • Krista Kirkwood/Krista's Poodles aka Krista's Top Quality AKC Toy and Miniature Poodles in Bluff City
  • Mary Moore/D and M Kennel in Uniontown
  • Samuel and Summer Roman/Tree of Life Kennels aka Arise Up, LLC (formerly Doggy Tyme Kennel) in Conway Springs
  • Dorothy Stewart/Stewart Ranch in Chapman & Dorothy's Pet Shop in Junction City

Read more about the Kansas dealers here and scroll to page 26.

States with the most puppy dealers on the "Horrible Hundred":

  • Missouri - 26
  • Iowa - 17
  • New York - 12
  • Kansas, Wisconsin - 7
  • Pennsylvania, Texas - 5
  • Georgia, Nebraska - 4

The humane society said almost half of the 100 dealers in its report are repeat offenders who were listed in one or more prior reports.

"At least 11 of the dealers in this report have sold puppies to Petland, the largest chain of puppy-selling pet stores in the country, although it’s very likely that number is much higher," the report said.

HSUS spokesperson Kristen Peek said, "I think the most important message to come of the report this year is that puppy mills—even ones federal inspectors have flagged for filthy conditions, dogs dying without veterinary care and cruel practices—are still in business. If this is what we see in inspected facilities, imagine what conditions are like in operations that fly under the radar."