(Radio Iowa) – Organizations that helped rescue hundreds of dogs from a southern Iowa breeding operation cited for animal welfare abuses say it’s time for quicker and more aggressive action against what some call puppy mills. Tom Colvin of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa says animals at facilities connected to dog breeder Daniel Gingerich clearly were in distress for months.  “We will continue to push for Iowa lawmakers and federal lawmakers to do right by these animals,” Colvin says.

The evacuation of 514 dogs and puppies began October 13th. The rescue was completed November 3rd. “All dogs are now safe, are being brought to health and have been given a second chance at life,” Colvin says.

Seventy-five people with 18 transport vehicles rescued dogs and puppies from facilities near Seymour, Lamoni, Davis City, Promise City and Hazelton. U-S-D-A inspectors found 190 animal welfare violations at the facilities. Gingerich is now permanently banned from breeding and selling dogs. Many of the rescued dogs are at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, while others have been placed with agencies as far away as Tennesee and Milwaukee.