Scores of dogs removed from breeder; others found dead

RIVERSIDE — Animal rescue staff and volunteers last week removed 49 dogs from a property near Riverside where the Washington County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on suspicion that the owner had violated animal care laws.

The dogs were removed from BR’s Dobermans, a business operated by Terry Yoder about a mile and a half south of Riverside.

The staff and volunteers from PAWS, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Iowa City Animal Shelter, and the State of Iowa Certified Veterinarian also removed 17 deceased dogs.

A copy of a warrant filed with the Washington County Clerk of Court on Tuesday said police had reason to believe Yoder may be in violation of laws involving neglect, abuse, torture and rabies vaccinations, although no charges were announced as of Wednesday morning.

A veterinarian’s memo attached to the warrant’s inventory said the animal conditions at the site were “unacceptable,” reporting corpses found on the property, poor ventilation, a lack of outdoor access, evidence of ear cropping, unstable floors and fences, and “feces on almost all flooring.”

PAWS & More Shelter Director Amber Talbot said 16 of the rescues were housed with her organization in Washington, where they’ll remain while any pending legal actions against Yoder play out.

She said the animals, which are occupying most of the shelter’s space for dogs, can’t be adopted. Talbot added that several animals previously housed at PAWS were sent to foster homes or other groups to make space for the newer rescues in Washington.

“It can take several months, so it does put a strain on the organization,” she said. “We took really the maximum that we can hold, and … it’s very difficult because we’re on hold, and we can’t do anything with the animals.”

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa, in a news release published Tuesday, gave a grim account of the scene.

“In one particularly heartbreaking moment, we discovered a sick mama dog kenneled alone in cold room that was so dark we had to use our phone lights to see,” said the press release. “We were told that all the pups in her most recent litter had died. Our hearts hurt for her as she walked quietly into the daylight to our rescue vehicle.”

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in an email that “multiple Doberman breed canines were humanely removed from the business,” but declined to comment further on the case.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com