WINONA COUNTY LARGE-SCALE DOG BREEDING FACILITIES

Below lists commercial dog breeding kennels operating in Winona County. Most of these breeders are located in Utica and St. Charles. County staff indicated that some kennels may no longer be operating. (However, a conditional use permit stays with the property, not owner, so a new owner can start up another breeding operation with the same permit.) There may be additional breeders operating in the county. 

In 2016, six of the breeding operations listed below approached the county board for permits. (They were already operating without permits in violation of law; the county board, in a split vote (3-2), granted all of them permits.) At that time, certain conditions were placed on these breeders. The concern is that the county has not provided measures to ensure compliance or to prioritize the welfare of the breeding dogs and puppies.

Factors to consider when reviewing permits:
  1. Some of the breeders in Utica and St. Charles move from property to property, making it difficult to know who operates what kennel. (A conditional use permit (CUP) stays with the land, not the owner if a property is sold. An interim use permit (IUP) would be terminated if the business is discontinued or the property is sold to an owner other than the petitioners. Only one breeder listed below has an IUP.)
  2. Permits vary. Not every breeder has the same conditions.
  3. Some breeders only use a PO Box as an address, making it difficult to verify the actual kennel location.
  4. Some breeders use a kennel name only, making it difficult to determine who owns and operates the kennel.
  5. Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs) are required for animals shipped across state lines. Some CVIs are posted below showing which breeder sold and shipped puppies to pet stores or brokers in other states. A veterinarian must sign each CVI prior to shipment. Signing the CVI does not guarantee the health or welfare of the animal; signing is to indicate that the animal does not show signs of infectious, contagious, and/or communicable disease.
  6. Some breeders do not have a federal USDA license, which would provide inspection reports, inventory county (number of dogs and puppies in the kennel), and enforcement actions to the public. The state license and local permit provide no data to the public.
  7. "Teachable moments" are cited. The USDA, in an illegal rule-making process, created teachable moments in order to transfer all violations from the official inspection reports to another form (called teachable moments), creating confusion. This was challenged in courts and changed. Due to this illegal process, true violations were difficult to track during this time period.

Learn more about the difference between permits and licenses.

Information provided is based on available data provided "as is" to the public. Good faith efforts have been made to allow for completeness, accuracy, and timeliness. See statement at end.

NAMES AND PERMITS

1. David A. Yoder and Alma A. Yoder
  • Location: 13570 Keller Drive, St Charles, MN;
    Parcel number 14.000.0680 
  • Winona County permit date: 09-03-2013. Local permit.
  • Owner: David A Yoder and Alma A Yoder.
    NOTE: The same address was also listed on CVIs with a kennel name as Skyline View LLC. CVIs show sales of puppies to Petland in Missouri and Petland in Florida.
  • Local animal limit: None.
  • USDA (federal) license: USDA license is 41-A-0486.
    - USDA inspection reports list a postal box, rather than the full address. 
    - As of 12-05-2023, inventory was 156 dogs and puppies (73 dogs and 83 puppies).
    - As of 08-17-21, per USDA: 122 dogs and puppies (80 adult dogs and 42 puppies); per USDA: 163 dogs and puppies (91 adult dogs and 72 puppies per 01-24-20 USDA inspection report).
    - 1 non-critical NCI cited on 10/16/2017.
    - Federal license provides kennel name only.
  • MN license: No similar person's name is listed on state breeder license list. But a "Skyline View LLC" is listed on the state breeder list.
  • Sales: Example of CVIs (at right) shows sales to Petlands in Florida and Missouri.
2. LaVern and Anna Mast
  • Location: 14055 County Road 35, Utica, MN
  • Winona County permit date: 2015; it appears this breeder took over the kennel from Miller, who took the kennel from Dan and Susie Yoder (the original petitioner). Conditional Use Permits stays with the property, not the owner which is why kennels keep flourishing.
    For permit, see link below under Millers.
  • Local animal limit: No limit on permit.
  • USDA (federal) license: 41-A-0514.
    - As per USDA inspection report, inventory count was 58 dogs and puppies (39 adult dogs and 19 puppies) as of 07-31-23.
    - Also attached at right is the license application to the USDA; there was a dispute as to number of animals.
  • MN license: LaVern and Anna Mast are listed on the state breeder license list.


Raymond Miller & John H. Miller (Dan and Susie Yoder)
  • City: Utica; Parcel number 14.000.0921 
  • Winona County permit date: 10-13-2015. Local permit.
  • Owner: It appears the breeder on this property has changed hands again. Most recent USDA report for this address show a LaVern and Anna Mast (see above). Prior to this a CVI showed Raymond Miller and John H. Miller listed at this parcel number. Prior to that the name was for Dan and Susie Yoder. 
  • Local animal limit: Appears to be no limit.
  • USDA (federal) license: Cancelled. A federal license listed for John H. Miller in Utica as 41-B-0285 (pre-license inspection conducted on 07-07-21) was cancelled. This was a Class B broker license, which means he could buy puppies from other breeders and broker them to pet stores.
    NOTE: There was a federal Class A breeder license to a John Henry Miller listed as 41-A-0496 at the same address; cancelled. For this breeder, per USDA: 92 dogs and puppies (50 adult dogs and 42 puppies) per 07-19-22 USDA inspection report. 75 dogs and puppies (53 adult dogs and 22 puppies) per 02-01-21 USDA inspection report. Per USDA: 116 dogs and puppies on 11-14-19 (64 adult dogs and 52 puppies). Teachable moment cited on 11/14/2019.
  • MN license: A "Miller, John Henry" is no longer listed on the state breeder list.
3. Menno Bontrager
NOTE: This breeder may be inactive. Unclear. It appears there is no state or federal license. State license required if business has ten or more adult intact animals and whose animals produce more than five litters of puppies per year.
  • Location: 13000 Keller Drive, City: St. Charles;
    Parcel number 14.000.1012 
  • Winona County permit date: 01-05-16. Local permit.
  • Owner: Appears to be Menno Bontrager.
  • Local animal limit: 50 adult dogs; unlimited puppies; unclear if still operating
  • USDA (federal) license: Cancelled USDA license (41-A-0485); at time of federal license in 10-12-16 had 66 dogs. Violations on inspection report, including a dog with a laceration and a dog with discharge from both eyes. Unknown if there is a new federal license.
  • MN license: No similar name listed on state breeder license list; but a kennel name (unknown) could be used.
4. Leroy Yoder and Anna Yoder
  • Location: 27768 Cemetary Road, Utica, MN;
    Parcel number 15.000.2641 
  • Winona County permit date: 01-05-16. Local permit. 
  • Owner: Appears to be Leroy Yoder. The name Pleasant View LLC is listed on CVIs with the same address. CVIs show sales to Petlands in Missouri and Florida. (CVIs at right are only a few examples of shipments.)
  • Local animal limit: 85 adult dogs (prior to local permit, breeder's animal count was over 300 dogs and puppies); unlimited puppies. USDA inspection of 01-17-23 showed an inventory count of 217 dogs and puppies (80 adult dogs and 137 puppies).
  • USDA (federal) license: "Pleasant View Kennel" with a St Charles postal box has a federal license: 41-A-0493. It was licensed under 41-A-0443, which was cancelled. No federal license listed under the name Leroy Yoder or Anna Yoder in Minnesota. Violations cited per past licenses:
    - 9/04/2014: 4 non-critical NCIs
    - 3/15/2016: 1 non-critical NCI
    - 7/12/2017: 2 teachable moments
    - 2/13/2018: 1 teachable moment
  • MN license: No similar person's name is listed on state breeder license list. If this breeding kennel is "Pleasant View Kennel", that name is listed on the state license list (see description below).
  • Sales: To pet stores in Florida and Missouri; see CVI examples at right.
NOTE: Animal Folks filed an animal cruelty complaint against this breeder in March 2012. A few of the many photos from this complaint are posted below; photos taken from USDA inspectors. Sheriff office and humane agent visited property but no action taken.
Photo 1 - Emaciated dog; could not stand up
Photo 2 - Dental disease; swollen gums
Photo 3 - Excessive matting; impairing sight
KENNEL NAME: Pleasant View Kennel LLC
  • City: Address listed on USDA license as of 01-26-2021 is a postal box. However, origin address listed on CVI was property in Utica, MN 55979, which is the same property as Leroy and Anna Yoder (see above). 
  • USDA (federal) license: Active. 41-A-0493; per USDA: 217 dogs and puppies (80 adult dogs and 137 puppies) per 01-17-23 USDA inspection report.
    ​189 dogs and puppies (73 adult dogs and 116 puppies per 01-26-21 USDA inspection report - see right) 
  • NOTE: Sometimes a breeder will only use a kennel name or list a po box.
5. Freeman E. Yoder and Ida C. Yoder (Menno Yoder and Lydia Yoder) - or Eli and Lydia Miller
  • Location: 17576 Sandstone Dr., Utica; Parcel number 15.000.2173 
  • Winona County permit date: 01-05-16. Local permit.
    NOTE: This kennel shows how confusing these kennels and permits are. The permit was listed for Menno Yoder and Lydia Yoder; names changed in recent CUP list by county. New breeder on this parcel number is Freeman E. Yoder and Ida C. Yoder. However, the name Eli and Lydia Miller at 17576 Sandstone (Utica, MN) also matched the parcel number. Local permit stays with property.
  • Owner: Appears to be Freeman E and Ida C Yoder.
  • Local animal limit: 50 adult dogs; unlimited puppies; unclear if still operating
  • USDA (federal) license: No federal license under this name. However, there is a federal license for Menno Yoder. See #11 below.
  • MN license: A Menno Yoder is listed on the state breeder license list.
6. Toby Detweiler and Barbara Detweiler
NOTE: This breeding facility no longer has a federal license which means they can no longer sell puppies to pet stores (if they have over 4 breeding females). Lack of a federal license means no data is available to the public about inspections, inventory counts, or enforcement actions. Unclear as to operational status.
  • Location: 13002 Keller Dr, St. Charles, MN;
    Parcel number 14.000.1010 
  • Winona County permit date: 01-05-16. Local permit. 
  • Owner: Appears to be Toby F Detweiler and Barbara A Detweiler. Kennel name is Hidden Hollow Kennel.
  • Local animal limit: 50 adult dogs; unlimited puppies
  • USDA (federal) license:
    - 41-A-0478 was cancelled on 11-06-23.
    - Per USDA: 58 dogs and puppies (9 adult dogs and 49 puppies) during USDA inspection on 11-06-23. 170 dogs/puppies (72 adult dogs and 98 puppies) per 03-01-21 USDA inspection report. Violations listed:
    - 6/24/2015: 1 non-critical NCI
    - 10/12/2016: 2 teachable moments
    - 10/24/2018: 1 non-critical NCI
  • MN license: "Hidden Hollow Kennel" is posted on state license list.
7. Jacob A. Shetler and Katie Ann M. Shetler (Henry Yoder)
  • Location: 27167 County Road 33, Utica, MN;
    Parcel number 15.000.2515 
  • Winona County permit date: 01-05-16. Local permit. 
    NOTE: This permit was granted to Henry E. Yoder and Annie Yoder in 2016 at the above parcel number; however, a recent CUP breeder list from the county shows the breeder is now listed as Jacob J. Shetler and Katie Ann M. Shetler. Local permit stays with property.
  • Owner: Appears to be Jake and Katie Shetler, Sunny Lane Kennel.
  • Local animal limit: 50 adult dogs; unlimited puppies
  • USDA (federal) license: Federal license is listed for Jacob A, Shetler and Katie Ann M. Shetler: 41-A-0509. Per USDA: 65 dogs and puppies (38 adult dogs and 27 puppies) as per 07-12-23 USDA inspection report. 51 dogs and puppies (36 adult dogs and 15 puppies) as per 06-13-22 USDA inspection report.
  • Federal license for Henry Yoder was at this same address: 41-A-0471; cancelled in 2022. Address: 16752 Sandstone Dr, Utica, MN. As of 12-05-23, inventory county was 75 dogs and puppies (51 dogs and 24 puppies). 84 dogs and puppies (50 adult dogs and 31 puppies) per 01-25-21 USDA inspection report.
  • MN license: No similar name of "Jacob Shetler" is listed on state breeder license list. But Sunny Lane Kennel is listed.
8. Ada A. Yoder
  • Location: 16081 Sandstone Dr., Utica, MN;
    Parcel number 15.000.2512 
  • Multiple addresses listed for name above — all in Utica.
  • Winona County permit date: 01-05-16. Local permit. 
  • Owner: Appears to be Ada A. Yoder and David J. Yoder
  • Local animal limit: 50 adult dogs; unlimited puppies
  • USDA (federal) license: 41-A-0506 but was cancelled on 01-03-24. New license with new owner name (Andy Yoder) is below. Per USDA:
    - 110 dogs and puppies (48 adult dogs and 62 puppies) as of 09-05-23 inspection report.
    - 107 dogs and puppies (47 adult dogs and 57 puppies) per 08-22-23 inspection report.
    - 104 dogs and puppies (45 adult dogs and 59 puppies) per 04-13-23 inspection report.
    - 81 dogs and puppies (49 adult dogs and 32 puppies per 09-08-20 inspection report.
  • NEW USDA license: 41-A-0515 for Andy D. Yoder. Same address. Pre-license on 09-29-23 with inventory count of 113 dogs and puppies (48 adult dogs and 65 puppies).

  • Multiple violations (direct and non-critical) cited for Ada Yoder. Two inspection reports: August 22, 2023 and  April 12, 2023.
    - 08/22/2023 inspection report, violations cited: "Temperature in the kennel was 85 degrees. After the inspector suggested it, the licensee set up a fan. Temp did not drop and topped at 92 degrees. The temperature stayed above 85 degrees the entire time. Also, licensee was not testing adult dogs for heartworm/fecal parasites."
    - 5/18/2023: Official Warning Notice of Alleged Violation
    - 04/12/2023 inspection report, violations cited: "the temperature in the kennel was approximately 91 degrees Fahrenheit. ...21 puppies in four enclosures were sprawled out and scattered...they were not huddled up close to each other the way a letter of puppies would normally be observed. This behavior indicates the puppies were too hot and uncomfortable." Other violation: "14 adult dogs were overdue on their distemper and parvo shot from a few days to a few months."


9. David D. Yoder Jr.
NOTE: Unknown if breeding operation is still operating. 
  • Location: 16075 Sandstone Drive, Utica.
  • USDA (federal) license: Federal license for David D. Yoder Jr was cancelled; license 41-A-0488. Per USDA: 69 dogs and puppies (37 adult dogs and 32 puppies per 11-26-19 USDA inspection report).
  • Examples of USDA inspection reports:
  • 11.26.2019 - violations cited: "Diagnosis of dog states 'necrotic wounds, hypthermia, dehydration, potential sepsis.' ... I [inspector] contacted the Attending Veterinarian. She stated that dog probably has these injuries 5-7 days before she saw the dog. ... She couldn't say for sure that the dog would have not been euthanized, but indicated the dog could have had a different outcome had the dog been brought to her sooner." 
  • 07.13.2017 - violations cited 
  • 12.19.2016 - violations cited 
  • MN license: No similar name listed on state breeder license list.

  • Another breeder with a different license operated at this location.
  • Prior license 41-A-0468 was cancelled. At that time (01-20-16), this breeder had 68 dogs and puppies (46 dogs and 22 puppies). Report cites harm to dogs: "Four dogs had problems with their eyes ... mucous discharge coming from both eyes...squinting. Eye problems can be painful."
  • MN license: No similar name listed on state breeder license list. But it could be listed under an unknown kennel name.
  • Sales: To Petland in Florida; CVI (at right) signed by Leroy Yoder
10. David A. Yoder (Windy Acres Kennels)
  • Location: P.O. Box 354, St. Charles, MN.
    NOTE: It is unclear if this is the same "David Yoder" listed under #1 above.
  • Breeder: David A. Yoder - known as Windy Acres Kennel. Because only a PO Box is listed in St. Charles, unable to confirm if this is the same Yoder as #1 (scroll above) and/or if this breeder is still operating.
  • Winona County permit date: unknown.
  • Local animal limit: unknown 
  • USDA (federal) license: Cancelled in 2016. Was 41-A-0473. At that time, this breeder had 175 dogs and puppies (106 adult dogs and 69 puppies). USDA inspection report from 04-19-16.
  • MN license: No similar name listed on state breeder license list.
11. Sandstone Valley LLC
NOTE: Unclear if facility is still operating. Due to postal box listed, unclear as to location. Federal license was cancelled so no data available to the public to confirm operations.
  • City: St. Charles (per USDA); postal box listed
  • Winona County permit date: unknown.
  • Local animal limit: unknown
  • USDA (federal) license: Cancelled. Was 41-A-0487; was active in 2016 and 2017.
  • Example of USDA inspection report dated 07-18-17. Note violations of veterinary care, sheltered housing, primary enclosures, and compatible grouping. (Violations occurred after local permit was granted; no indication that county was aware of these violations and harm to animals.) 
  • As cited: "One Golden Doodle died ... The dog stopped eating and had loose stool....He [breeder] did not document his observations, did not provide treatment for the dog, and did not contact the Attending Veterinarian. 
  • Also cited: "Most of the dogs...were panting pretty heavily. The temperature was 79 degrees and the windows were opened, but there wasn't much air flow going through the kennels. No fans were being used..."
  • Also cited: "Two dogs got into a fight and the Poodle broke its jaw...the Poodle required surgery and the lower half of the left side of his jaw had to be removed." 
  • MN license: No similar name listed on state breeder license list.
12. Menno E. Yoder (could be Sunny Acres Kennel)
  • Location: 13576 Keller Drive, St. Charles, MN; 
    Parcel number 14.000.0675 
  • Winona County permit date: 10-08-19. Local permit. 
  • Owner appears to be Menno E Yoder
  • Local animal limit: 75 adult dogs; unlimited puppies
  • USDA (federal) license: Active. 41-A-0472; per USDA: 86 dogs and puppies (41 adult dogs and 45 puppies) as per 05-24-23 USDA inspection report. 75 dogs and puppies (41 adult dogs and 34 puppies) per 04-06-23 USDA inspection report.
    35 adult dogs on 01-28-21 USDA inspection report.
    Multiple violations cited:
    - 11/14/2016: 2 teachable moments
    - 10/16/2017: 1 non-critical NCI - Unable to access records and propety
    - 4/6/2023: 3 non-critical NCIs, including:
    - Six puppies were in enclosures too small - "The enclosure they were in was short by 1,090 square inches." Cage space requirements ensure that the dogs have enough room to move about freely within their enclosures.
    - A "complete physical exam from head to tail for each dog has not been completed by the Attending Veterinarian since December 2021."
    - "The licenses stated he vaccinated all adult dogs for distemper and parvo in September of 2022, but he has no documentation showing that."
  • MN license: The names Menno Yoder and Sunny Acres Kennel are listed on the state breeder license list.
  • Sales: To Pooches of Naples pet store in Florida (CVI at right); 2022.
13. Elmer A Yoder, Martha M Yoder, and Henry Yoder
  • Location: 16752 Sandstone Drive, Utica, MN; 
    Parcel number 15.000.2370 
  • Winona County permit date: 05.11.21. Local permit. (Also lists Henry Yoder.)
    ​NOTE: It appears the property address was listed as 16752 Sandstone Drive in Utica but the CVIs and USDA inspection reports show an address as 27167 Cty Rd 33 in Utica. A July 2022 USDA inspection report shows a new site inspection at the Sandstone address.
  • Owner: Appears to be Elmer A and Martha M Yoder and Henry Yoder.
  • Local animal limit: 50 adult dogs; unlimited puppies. Jan 25 2021 USDA report shows 50 adult dogs and 34 puppies.
  • USDA (federal) license: New license: 41-A-0512.
    - As of 12-05-23, inventory count was 75 dogs and puppies (51 dogs and 24 puppies). Federal license used to be 41-A-0471 (listed under the name Henry Yoder): shows that it was cancelled. See below.
    - However, a new site inspection had been conducted on 07-25-22 by the USDA at the same Utica address. See report at right.
    - 61 dogs and puppies (41 adult dogs and 20 puppies) as per 07-25-22 USDA inspection report.
    - Violations cited under former federal license (41-A-0471):
    - 1016/2017: 1 critical NCI - unable to access records and propety
    - 11/14/2016: 1 teachable moment
  • MN license: No state license with this name. It could be listed under an unknown kennel name.
  • Sales: CVIs show shipments to pet stores in Florida.
14. Erickson Family Shady Maple
NOTE: Without a federal license, operational status of the breeding operation is unclear, such as number of dogs, inspection reports, and enforcement actions. No state license is listed. Local permit provides no data to the public.
  • City: Lewiston; Parcel number 16.000.1720  
  • Winona County permit date: 04.10.18. Local permit. 
  • Local animal limit: 50 adult dogs or 20 adult dogs (differs on county permit); unlimited puppies
  • USDA (federal) license: No federal license listed. 
  • MN license: No similar name listed on state breeder license list. (State license is only required if total number of adult intact dogs meets state commercial breeder definition.)
NOTE: Erickson Family Shady Maple - Petition for a new permit
  • Erickson Shady Maple / Greg Erickson applied for a new permit. Request for permit was heard by the County Board on August 10, 2021. Permit was denied.
  • Erickson Shade Maple already has one local permit; see #14 above. Permit was denied due to confusion about other kennel on same property and if this kennel is in compliance with conditions of its current CUP.
15. Jenny and Tim Scharmer
NOTE: Without a federal license, operational status of the breeding operation is unclear, such as number of dogs, inspection reports, and kennel conditions. State license and local permit provide no data to the public. Breeder, at one time, had a federal license; now cancelled. State license is required when business has ten or more adult intact animals and whose animals produce more than five litters of puppies per year. Breeder stated at the hearing that they sell directly to consumers, not to pet stores.
  • Location: 24690 County Road 15, Winona, MN
  • Parcel number: 06.000.2562
  • Winona County permit date: 06-04-2013. Local permit.
  • Local animal limit: unknown
  • USDA (federal) license: 41-A-0477; cancelled. Violations cited at that time:
    - 2/11/2015: 1 non-critical NCI - no inspection; unable to access records and property
    - 6/24/2015: 1 non-critical NCI - selling puppies younger than 8 weeks of age
    - 12/20/2016: 1 non-critical NCI - no inspection; unable to access records and property
  • MN license: Scharmer, Jenny and Tim is listed on the state breeder list.

OTHER CUPS
Other conditional use permits (CUPs) have been granted in Winona County for dog-related businesses, such as for boarding and training.

There may be additional dog breeders in Winona County not listed above. For instance, certificates below from past years (2013 and 2015) show two dog breeders (Utica and St. Charles) had sold puppies to brokers in Missouri and Iowa. Some breeders may no longer operate or perhaps have shifted their business to another family member or property owner. (Conditional use permits stay with the property, not the owner.) Examples:
  • Jake Yoder in St. Charles, bred and sold puppies to the broker Pinnacle Pets in 2015; it is unclear what permits or licenses he has or if he is still operating. See CVI below.
  • Daniel Schmucker in Utica, bred and sold puppies to the broker Will Yoder in Iowa in 2013; it is unclear what permits or licenses he has or if he is still operating. See CVI below.
All attempts have been made to present data in good faith. Animal Folks makes no representation or warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to the use or reuse of the data provided herewith (on this website), regardless of format or the means of transmission. Data provided "as is", with no guarantee or representation of accuracy, currency, suitability, performance, merchantability, reliability, or fitness for any particular purpose. Animal Folks shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, compensatory, or consequential damages or third-party claims that result from the use if this data, even if Animal Folks has been advised of the possibility of potential loss or damage. This data may not be used in states that do not allow this exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages.  
Proudly powered by Weebly