72 Dogs and Puppies Removed from Loudonville Breeding Facility Following Criminal Investigation
By Kendall Jang, Staff Writer
A Loudonville commercial dog breeding operation with a history of animal welfare violations is under investigation after authorities removed 72 dogs and puppies from the property.
The Humane Society of Ashland County assisted in removing approximately 50 adult dogs and 22 puppies from Happy Mountain K9 Facility on August 27. According to local reporting, Daniel A. Miller, 64, was arrested following the response by Ashland County Sheriff’s Office deputies and faces charges of obstructing official business and falsification. The charges are accusations, and Miller is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has since begun the process of revoking the facility’s commercial breeder license. ODA confirmed that the dogs were safely transported to the Humane Society of Ashland County for care while awaiting adoption.
A History of Violations
The facility, which has also been associated with the names Happy Mountain Canine Facilities and Puppys R Us, previously appeared in the Humane Society of the United States’ 2019 and 2021 “Horrible Hundred” reports.
Inspections dating back to 2018 documented concerns including inadequate enclosure space, insufficient shelter, veterinary-care deficiencies, expired medications and puppies reportedly sold before eight weeks of age. Later inspections identified additional issues involving outdoor shelter, enrichment and recordkeeping.
The facility’s history raises important questions about how commercial breeders with repeated violations are allowed to continue operating.
Effective oversight requires more than identifying violations. Consistent inspections, meaningful enforcement and accountability are critical to protecting dogs before conditions escalate to the point that animals must be removed.
The criminal investigation remains ongoing, and ODA’s license-revocation process is underway. Ohio Animal Advocates will continue to follow the case as more information becomes available.
Take Action
1. Help hold puppy mill breeders accountable for animal abuse by completing our action alert for S.B. 232
2. For more information and resources on supporting legislation to protect dogs and puppies in mills, spread awareness about the plight of mill dogs, visit our Puppy Mills advocacy page.
3. Share this update and action alert with friends and family!
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