A Farmington dog breeder is once again drawing national attention over alleged violations tied to puppy mill operations.
According to a report released Monday by Humane World for Animals and covered by Iowa Capital Dispatch, Wuanita Swedlund has been named to the group’s annual “Horrible Hundred” list for the third time. The report highlights 100 dog breeders across the country cited for regulatory issues.
State and federal inspectors have reportedly been unable to access Swedlund’s facility during six separate attempts between June of 2025 and January of this year. Just before those denied inspections, officials documented repeated violations in May of 2025, including unsanitary conditions and a buildup of feces.
In February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued an official warning after continued refusals to allow inspections. The last time federal inspectors were able to enter the facility, in December of 2024, they reported finding a heavily matted dog, multiple dogs without water, and enclosures contaminated with fecal material. Those findings also placed Swedlund on last year’s list.
The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports Swedlund’s operation has also been referenced in a pending lawsuit filed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals against the USDA, alleging a lack of enforcement. The lawsuit claims six puppies died in cold conditions at the facility without penalties being issued.
Past inspection reports have also cited injured animals and other serious concerns, including a case where a dog accessed and partially consumed a puppy in a neighboring enclosure. Inspectors have also raised concerns about possible “puppy laundering,” or the sale of dogs bred by other operations with violation histories.
Humane World for Animals says its annual report is meant to raise awareness about conditions in commercial breeding facilities. In a statement, the group says puppy mills will continue to operate as long as there is consumer demand.
Swedlund is one of five Iowa breeders named in this year’s report, alongside operations in Kiron, Afton, Toronto, and Joice.