Seven Months of Suffering: PETA Pushes for Justice in Iowa Puppy Mill Case
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 3, 2024
Contact:
Nicole Perreira 202-483-7382
In a shocking revelation that has left animal lovers across the nation reeling, a newly released federal report uncovers the heartbreaking neglect faced by a dog named Atlas at a breeding facility owned by Ben and Malinda Beiler in Mifflin, Iowa. For an astonishing seven months, Atlas was denied essential veterinary care for severe dental issues. PETA is taking immediate action, urging Iowa County District Attorney Zachary Leigh to launch a thorough investigation and hold accountable those responsible for this egregious neglect.
According to the damning findings from October 15, a federal veterinarian discovered Atlas’ teeth covered in tartar, with one dangerously loose tooth. This was after the Beilers had been explicitly instructed by another veterinarian to provide dental care back in March—a simple request they failed to follow up on. The veterinarian’s report stressed that “[d]ental problems left untreated can cause dogs to be unhealthy and cause discomfort.” But the horrors don’t end there; the report also highlighted unsafe enclosures with sharp edges, expired medications given to dogs, and the tragic sale of a just 7-week-old puppy, ripping her away from her mother and vital nutrition. Alarmingly, a previous report from 2023 revealed that the Beilers had no identification tags for their 60 adult dogs.
“Heartbreaking stories like that of Atlas unveil the grim reality of puppy mills, where animals are treated as mere commodities, stripped of the care they deserve,” stated PETA Vice President of Legal Advocacy, Daniel Paden. “We urge Iowa County authorities to take decisive action against those responsible and call on the public to adopt their pets from shelters rather than supporting breeders or pet stores that perpetuate this cycle of suffering.”
While PETA seeks justice under state law—since the federal inspections provide no real penalties for such violations—the message remains clear: animals deserve compassion and protection. As one of PETA’s core beliefs states, “animals are not ours to abuse in any way.” To learn more about kindness toward animals, PETA offers free Empathy Kits that provide valuable insights into animal welfare. For further information, visit PETA.org or follow us on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
PETA’s letter to Leigh follows.
December 3, 2024
The Honorable Zachary P. Leigh
Iowa County District Attorney
Dear Mr. Leigh:
I trust this letter finds you in good spirits. I am reaching out to formally request that your office, alongside the appropriate law enforcement agency, conduct a thorough investigation and, where fitting, pursue criminal charges against those involved in the neglect of animals at a breeding facility run by Ben and Malinda Beiler at 299 Bromley Rd. in the Town of Mifflin. It is vital that investigators visit this facility accompanied by a veterinarian knowledgeable in canine welfare to assess the needs of the approximately 31 dogs housed there.
On October 15, a USDA veterinarian reported that Atlas, a dachshund, required urgent dental care, with his teeth coated in tartar and one loose tooth. Alarmingly, this issue had been flagged seven months prior, yet the Beilers had not even scheduled an appointment. As the USDA veterinarian emphasized, “Dental problems left untreated can cause dogs to be unhealthy and cause discomfort.” Furthermore, the inspection revealed that the dogs were exposed to dangerous and sharp edges in their enclosures—conditions that could result in injury.
These violations may fall under Wisconsin Statute §§ 951.02 and 951.14, which mandate that animal enclosures be “structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury.”
Additionally, inspections revealed that the Beilers had administered expired medications and had shockingly sold a 7-week-old puppy. In July 2023, they were found to lack identification tags for the 60 adult dogs under their care.
The USDA provides no assistance or relief for animals found in such dire situations, and violations reported carry neither criminal nor civil penalties, leaving a gaping hole in animal protection laws. If you require further information about these findings, please refer to the USDA’s contact information here. Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter.
Sincerely,
Daniel Paden
Vice President of Legal Advocacy
