BOONE, Iowa—Boone County Sheriff Andy Godzicki has released information about his departments investigation in to a case involving a large number of dogs taken from a facility in Boone County:

On Friday September 22, 2023, a Boone County Sheriff’s Office Deputy went to a location in the 800 block of 170th St to do a welfare check on a missing female. At the same property the deputy noticed there were many dogs that appeared to be neglected. This property appeared to be what’s commonly referred to as a puppy mill. The conditions the deputy noted were reported to animal control authorities.

Representatives from the Iowa Department of Agriculture along with the Boone Area Humane Society and the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc arrived at the scene. An assessment of the facility was done by the Iowa Department of Agriculture. The facility owner cooperated and ultimately agreed to allow approximately 93 dogs to enter the care of the ARL and Boone Area Humane Society. Some dogs do still remain on scene and the facilities owner does continue to cooperate with authorities.

This case remains under investigation by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office. No determination has been made at this time regarding criminal charges.

(contributed press release, Boone County Sheriff’s Department)