On Thursday, August 24, Iowa City Animal Services assisted the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson County Emergency Management, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Last Hope Animal Rescue in an investigation at 3027 540th St. SW, Riverside. That incident remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.

As a result of the investigation, 131 dogs were surrendered to Iowa City Animal Services and are currently being treated at the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, 3910 Napoleon Lane, and other locations.

Public records show the property at the Riverside address belonging to Loren Yoder, a dog breeder who made the Humane Society’s annual list of the nation’s 100 worst dog breeders in 2022.  When inspected by the USDA that year, six violations were cited pertaining to housing issues, veterinary care, and cleanliness.

The News spoke to Johnson County Sheriff Brad Kunkel on Friday, August 25 about the incident, but he was unable to comment due to the ongoing criminal investigation.  At that time, “Nobody’s been arrested, and we haven’t filed any charges,” he said.

“I think the more important thing, which is really why the release was sent out [from the City of Iowa City], is just the shelter needs a lot of supplies,” he added.

Thanks to an outpouring of support, Animal Services has met demands for physical supplies such as food and cleaning products.  Community members interested in making a monetary donation can do so through the Friends of the Animal Center Foundation at facf.org.

Two of the surrendered dogs have tested positive for canine parvovirus, a highly contagious virus mainly affecting dogs. Those dogs are isolating for seven days as they receive treatment. As a precaution, animals previously in the Animal Service’s care are also being quarantined.  The Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center was closed through Tuesday, August 29 as the staff continues to respond to the surrendered dogs.  

The surrendered dogs continue to be evaluated and will be spayed or neutered in the coming weeks.  Animal Services anticipates some dogs being available for adoption in approximately two weeks. Those who are interested in providing foster homes are invited to fill out a questionnaire at PAWS & More in Washington or pawsandmorewashington.org/volunteer-foster.  

See story from Iowa Capital Dispatch for more details on this breaking story.