The national animal‑welfare group Humane World for Animals has released its annual “Horrible Hundred” report, identifying 100 problem puppy mills and puppy sellers across the United States. Five Iowa breeders appear on this year’s list, including a repeat offender in Kiron.
The report highlights ongoing concerns at Mystical Cockers, operated by Ricky and Mary Brodersen of rural Kiron. This marks the third time the operation has been included in the Horrible Hundred, following a long history of violations and past criminal charges.
According to state inspection reports cited in the national review, inspectors visiting the Kiron facility in August 2025 found a buildup of hair, debris and feces beneath the kennels, along with dogs lacking solid resting surfaces. Inspectors also noted that only one caretaker was responsible for cleaning roughly 60 enclosures each day — a level of staffing the state said was not adequate to maintain sanitary conditions.
A follow‑up inspection in September 2025 indicated the owners were “working on decreasing” the number of dogs after being told they needed either additional staff or fewer animals. It’s unclear whether any further corrective actions were taken.
The Kiron facility has a documented history stretching back more than a decade. In 2012, Mary Brodersen was charged with 88 counts of animal neglect after authorities raided a previous property and seized 88 dogs, five of which were found dead. She was ultimately convicted on 44 counts and served 44 days in jail. The American Kennel Club later suspended her for 15 years. Despite that, the report notes that Ricky Brodersen has continued showing cocker spaniels at AKC‑linked events in recent years.
The Horrible Hundred report also references multiple inspection records from 2025 showing recurring sanitation and care issues at the Kiron operation. Mystical Cockers was previously listed in the 2021 and 2023 editions of the report.
Four other Iowa breeders appear in this year’s list, including operations in Afton, Toronto, Joice, and Farmington. Those cases involve issues such as inadequate veterinary records, flea infestations, unsanitary enclosures, missing puppies, and repeated refusals to allow inspectors access to facilities.
Humane World for Animals compiles the Horrible Hundred each year using inspection findings from state agencies and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The organization says the report is intended to highlight ongoing welfare concerns and gaps in enforcement at commercial dog‑breeding operations across the country.
The full 2026 report is available on the Humane World for Animals website at humaneworld.org.
