Puppy mill operator has yet to pay $60,000 in state fines

The former Wayne County puppy mill operator who was forced to surrender more than 500 dogs last year has yet to pay $60,000 in state fines.

Last September, federal authorities took Daniel Gingerich, owner of Maple Hill Puppies, to civil court in an effort to shut down his rural Iowa dog-breeding operation. That effort culminated with Gingerich surrendering more than 500 dogs to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and agreeing to never again participate in a licensed business covered by the federal Animal Welfare Act.

About the same time the federal civil action was initiated, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship imposed $20,000 in administrative penalties against Gingerich and suspended his Iowa license for 60 days. Both the state and federal actions were based on more than 100 alleged violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

Late last year, the department imposed an additional $40,000 in fines against Gingerich based on the findings of inspectors who toured his facilities the same day the $20,000 fine was imposed.

Read more: https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/01/28/puppy-mill-operator-has-yet-to-pay-60000-in-state-fines/