116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
PHOTOS: Investigators search dog breeding kennel for signs of neglect
Animal rescue groups gave the Jones County Sheriff's Office enough information to search a local breeding kennel for several hours today. They are investigating claims the Thunder Ridge dog kennel mistreats its animals.
The kennel's owner says that's simply not true. He claims animal rights groups are targeting him.
Investigators are still searching the kennel tonight on Highway 64 in Jones County, just west of Wyoming.
The Jones County Chief Deputy said they have gotten a number of calls to check on this kennel, but their animal welfare checks never resulted in charges. This time a formal, written complaint led to a nearly six hour search warrant.
As a veterinarian examined about 100 dogs at this Jones County kennel, animal rescue groups waited outside to check for signs of neglect or abuse.
One group says some of the dogs are dehydrated and have tooth problems and skin conditions.
"You can see it in my face, it's breaking me up to be here doing this and it's not because I'm psycho or crazy, it's because we love animals," said Sonia Brandley of Last Hope Animal Rescue Group.
Harold Buzz Powell owns this USDA-licensed kennel. He says he has been breeding dogs for 13 years and has never received a citation from the federal government. He says the rescue groups are unfairly targeting him.
"They think that every kennel is a puppy mill. Not all kennels are puppy mills. We strive to keep our kennel clean and are dogs are well taken care of," said dog breeder Harold Buzz Powell.
Powell says two of the four types of dogs he breeds are known to have skin conditions. And that some of the dogs need minor dental work.
Despite his arguing, officials let rescue groups take more than 30 dogs to another location, while authorities decide whether to file charges.
"We may have to give them back if the court deems that, and all that cost falls on the rescue group."
Powell says this operation is a waste of money because he believes he will get all of his dogs back.
"The dogs will be returned because there is no neglect, the dogs are well fed, well taken care of and well groomed,” said Powell.
The chief deputy said they will look over the veterinarian's report and then county attorney will then decide whether to file charges.
Since this is a USDA-licensed kennel, a representative from the federal government was also there today.
Claire Kellett, KCRG-TV
A Shiba Inu sits in a kennel waiting to be transported from 10750 Hwy 64, a residence outside of Wyoming in Jones County to Kirkwood Community College on Monday, March 15, 2010. A search warrant was issued this afternoon after reports said dogs had been neglected at this kennel. Two veterinarians were on the scene evaluating and over thirty dogs were taken to Kirkwood Community College by members of six different animal welfare groups where they will be assessed. Harold Buzz Powell is the owner of about 100 dogs at the kennel which breeds Shiba Inus, West Highland Terriors, Boston Terriers and Basenjis. (Julie Koehn/The Gazette)
Various dog kennels await the occupation of dogs at 10750 Hwy 64, a residence outside of Wyoming in Jones County on Monday, March 15, 2010. A search warrant was issued this afternoon after reports said dogs had been neglected at this kennel. Two veterinarians were on the scene evaluating and over thirty dogs were taken to Kirkwood Community College by members of six different animal welfare groups where they will be assessed. Harold Buzz Powell is the owner of about 100 dogs at the kennel which breeds Shiba Eiums, West Highland Terriors, Boston Terriers and Basenjis. (Julie Koehn/The Gazette)
Michele Hill of the Clinton Humane Society, places a Shiba Inu in a kennel at 10750 Hwy 64, a residence outside of Wyoming in Jones County on Monday, March 15, 2010. A search warrant was issued this afternoon after reports said dogs had been neglected at this kennel. Two veterinarians were on the scene evaluating the nearly 100 dogs and over thirty were taken to Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids by members of six different animal welfare groups, where they will be assessed. Harold Buzz Powell is the owner of the kennel which breeds Shiba Inus, West Highland Terriors, Boston Terriers and Basenjis. (Julie Koehn/The Gazette)
Members of various animal welfare groups give water to dogs as they are released from a kennel located at 10750 Hwy 64 outside of Wyoming in Jones County on Monday, March 15, 2010. A search warrant was issued this afternoon after reports said dogs had been neglected at this kennel. Two veterinarians were on the scene evaluating and over thirty dogs were taken to Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids where they will be assessed. Harold Buzz Powell is the owner of about 100 dogs at the kennel which breeds Shiba Eiums, West Highland Terriors, Boston Terriers and Basenjis. (Julie Koehn/The Gazette)
Daily Newsletters