ASPCA Commends Wayne County Sheriff’s Office for Pursuing Criminal Charges Against Owner of Iowa Puppy Mill

SEYMOUR, IOWA–The ASPCA commends the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office for pursuing criminal charges against Daniel Gingerich following the rescue of more than 500 dogs and puppies living in horrific conditions under his care in Southern Iowa. The ASPCA is grateful to be in a position to assist the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in their efforts to bring these dogs to safety and are pleased to see Mr. Gingerich held responsible for the mistreatment of these dogs.

The ASPCA supported the Animal Rescue League of Iowa with operational planning, field removal, veterinary forensic exams, transport, and legal and investigative efforts, along with providing emergency sheltering, medical care, and behavioral treatment and enrichment for more than 40 of the rescued dogs. While the majority of the dogs have been adopted into new, loving homes, several remain in the ASPCA’s care as they receive specialized behavioral treatment for severe fear and under socialization. In addition, the ASPCA provided the Animal Rescue League of Iowa with a $100,000 grant to support their efforts to assist these dogs and other animal victims of cruelty.

One count of animal neglect against Mr. Gingerich relates to a Golden Retriever known as Goldie, who was found on one of Mr. Gingerich’s properties severely emaciated and sadly died in his care after enduring prolonged and extreme suffering. In December, on the heels of this rescue operation, a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers—Cindy Axne (D-IA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Susan Wild (D-PA) —introduced Goldie’s Act to ensure that no more animals meet the same awful fate in USDA-licensed commercial breeding facilities. If passed, Goldie’s Act would require inspectors to take welfare conditions seriously and help animals who are visibly suffering. It also would require meaningful penalties for violations, and conditions involving cruelty and neglect would be shared with local law enforcement. The ASPCA is grateful to Representatives Axne, Fitzpatrick, Quigley, Malliotakis, Wild, and Buchanan for introducing Goldie's Act to restore welfare to the Animal Welfare Act.