Missouri
14 southwest Missouri breeders make list of Humane World for Animals’ ‘Horrible Hundred’
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For the 13th year in a row, Missouri tops the list as home of the most “problem” dog breeders, according to advocacy group Humane World for Animals — formerly the Humane Society of the United States. The list includes commercial breeding organizations in West Plains, Springfield, Bolivar and Cabool, with one being listed for a tenth time.
The list, called the “Horrible Hundred,” details violations or concerns at 100 commercial breeding operations across the country, based on inspection reports from state agencies and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Of the establishments included, 26 were in Missouri. The state with the next most is Ohio, with 16 operations listed. Missouri has topped the list since HWA began publishing it in 2010. The HWA notes that a state’s lack of inclusion on the list does not mean it does not have problematic breeding operations there, but that records or information were unavailable.
“It’s time to break this cycle of abuse that we continue to see year after year in Missouri puppy mills. Despite appalling conditions and suffering documented by inspectors, these operations continue to churn out puppies for profit,” said Cody Atkinson, Missouri state director for Humane World for Animals, in a press release. “We’re pleased with how well the Missouri Department of Agriculture is inspecting and documenting conditions at puppy mills, and we encourage the state Attorney General’s office to ensure that meaningful penalties are applied. In the meantime, we as consumers can take a stand against puppy mill cruelty by refusing to buy a puppy from a pet store or any breeder they haven’t personally visited and vetted.”
In addition to USDA and state violations, dog breeders are also included in the list if they sell puppies to Petland or affiliated pet stores, which is the only national chain of pet stores in the United States that continues to sell puppies, said the HWA.
The HWA defines puppy mills as dog breeding operations offering dogs for monetary compensation, in which the “physical, psychological and/or behavioral needs of all or some of the dogs are not being consistently fulfilled due to inadequate housing, shelter, staffing, nutrition, socialization, sanitation, exercise, veterinary care and/or inappropriate breeding.”
In Missouri, the Department of Agriculture requires an Animal Care Facilities Acts license for any person or organization that breeds dogs or cats or sells their offspring and harbors more than three intact females at a time. All licensed facilities are inspected at least once per year or upon complaint, according to the Missouri Animal Health Division website, and 18 field staff “ensure all covered facilities meet” Missouri’s standards for animal care and husbandry. The department also says that, in some instances, Missouri’s regulations on space, veterinary care and husbandry exceed that of the USDA.
The USDA requires anyone breeding pets for sale to be licensed, and inspects those licensees.
Which southwest Missouri breeders are listed?
The Horrible Hundred lists 26 Missouri breeders. Of those, 14 are based in southwest Missouri:
- B&H Kennels in Dora was listed for “dodging” state inspections. This is the second time the business has been listed in the report;
- PugPekinPoo-Tzu in West Plains was listed for repeated violations including lice and fleas on dogs, failure to remove a growing mass from a dog and a “decade-long history of sick and injured dogs.” This is the fifth time the business has been in the report;
- Culver Lane Kennel in Hartville was listed for not taking a French bulldog with “crusty bumps with yellow fluid” and hair loss to get care and for selling to Petland. This is the second time the business has been in the report;
- Indian Ridge Kennel LLC and I-R Kennels in Pleasant Hope was listed for not treating bulldogs with oozing eyes, not providing adequate veterinary care and for selling to Petland. Additionally, in October 2024, the USDA license under Indian Ridge Kennel was cancelled and a new license was issued at the same address. This is the first time the business has been in the report;
- C&J’s Happy Tails Kennel in Joplin was listed for repeated reports of poor conditions, revocation of USDA license and for being listed as a breeder for Petland. This is the first time the business has been in the report;
- Missouri White Tail Labradors in Springfield and Mount Vernon was listed for being an unlicensed facility; violations of dogs in the cold, without drinkable water, excessive fecal accumulation and more at a facility previously denied a license. The owner, Angela Kostron, was also found to be bringing pregnant dogs to a children’s daycare facility that she operates and having them give birth there. This is the first time the business has been in the report;
- Monarch Kennel in Bolivar was listed for having issues during six different USDA inspections over 15 months, including dogs outside without shade, dogs in the cold and a dog’s outdoor shelter not being tall enough for the dog to stand up in. This is the third time the business has been in the report;
- Orchard Kennel in Cabool was cited for violations it had in previous years, such as not providing clean water, animals in enclosures that were too small and dirty conditions. This is the second time the business has been in the report;
- Ratepa Kennels in Bolivar was listed for “hiding dogs” at an unlicensed location, a repeat violation of a dog with untreated dental disease, performing procedures like tail docking without veterinary oversight and selling to Petland. This is the second time the business has been in the report;
- Rocky Top K-9s and Thunder River Pets in West Plains was listed for repeated issues with very thin nursing mother dogs; puppies being lethargic, thin or sickly; and dropping its USDA license and changing its name but continuing to offer puppies online. This is the 10th time the business has been in the report;
- Jet Kennels in Wasola was listed for the USDA finding more than a dozen dogs in need of treatment, the breeder euthanizing two dogs rather than treating them and giving away others, and at least a decade of severe, recurring violations. This is the fifth time the business has been in the report;
- Wynter Knights Kennel & Grooming in Stockton was listed due to state photographs showing “disturbing conditions,” dogs that were fed raw deer heads and the owner being referred to Attorney General’s office for potential legal action by the Missouri Department of Agriculture due in part to the fact that she only corrected nine of the 32 violations of the Animal Care Facilities Act the MDA says she accumulated. This is the first time the business has been in the report;
- Price’s Pets in Niangua was listed for repeated offenses, with the USDA finding thin puppies with scabs and “large areas of flaky skin” and thin animals found previously. This is the fourth time the business has been in the report;
- Weatherly Dachshunds in Hermitage was listed for having a dog with a two-inch open wound in the jaw/throat region due to a suspected snake bite but not taking the dog for veterinary care. This is the first time the business has been on the list.
What is being done to try to prevent puppy mill violations?
In 2010, Missouri voters passed a ballot measure called the Puppy Mill Cruelty and Prevention Act, which specified living conditions for breeding operations and capped the number of animals a business could use for breeding. However, in 2011, lawmakers passed a bill sponsored by then-state-senator Mike Parson that struck down parts of the law, including the cap on the number of breeding dogs.
A Missouri state representative has filed a bill in the 2025 legislative session that would regulate commercial animal breeders.
Rep. Doug Clemens, a Democrat from St. Ann, filed HB 185 in January. The bill has been read twice but is not scheduled on a House calendar, according to the Missouri Legislature’s site. He previously filed the bill in 2024, and tried to attach it as an amendment to legislation that would have forbidden municipalities from banning pet stores that sell dogs, according to reporting from the Missouri Independent.
Clemens’ bill requires commercial breeders to maintain healthy breeding practices on all animals used for breeding. They also must complete specific requirements prior to selling any animal.
The bill also forbids dealers and pet shops from obtaining animals from a commercial breeder that has violated any state or federal law or regulation relating to the care or keeping of animals for the previous three years, or that has been found guilty of animal abuse or neglect. It would also make knowingly purchasing animals from a breeder in violation of the requirements a class A misdemeanor, and if a pet shop or dealer has been found guilty of a third offense, it “will have its license revoked and be prohibited from selling animals.”
The bill would also require each animal purchased from a dealer or pet shop to be warranted as free from genetic or major medical conditions for one year from date of purchase.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — “It’s difficult to call the Battle Line Rivalry a true rivalry when Arkansas has won just twice since Missouri joined the SEC.”
Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz has made this one matter even more for the Tigers during his time in Columbia due to his Natural State roots.
The Alma native is 5-1 against his home-state with three victories coming by seven points or less.
Silverfield has watched the Razorbacks from just across the river in Memphis, and has noticed a pattern in most of the losses over the years. Turnovers have been a major issue in this series through the years.
Whether it was the Alex Collins fumble in 2014, a blown 24-7 halftime lead in 2016, a 48-45 shootout loss in 2017, allowing Missouri to drive 60 yards in 43 seconds for a walk-off field goal by Harrison Mevis in 2020, or letting Brady Cook sprint 30 yards untouched during the Snowmaggedon game in 2024, the Razorbacks have been allergic to holding onto fourth quarter leads against the Tigers.
The biggest curse of all was Arkansas’ game against Missouri was scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend, which effectively replaced the Battle of the Golden Boot against LSU. Despite not playing on an annual basis prior to joining the SEC, this game became quite the underrated rivalry not only in the SEC, but nationally with eight games coming down to the final possession from 2005-2013.
Talent Advantage: Missouri
When it comes to talent on the field, this might be Drinkwitz’s deepest team since his arrival at Missouri in 2020. The Tigers have a total of 43 former 4-star prospects and 25 who were rated as 3-stars during their recruitment, according to the Razorbacks on SI offseason Tracker.
Between Austin Simmons at quarterback, Ahmad Hardy in the backfield, Ben Norfleet at tight end and wide receiver Donovan Olugbode there is plenty of firepower to create mismatches in space. Then, Missouri’s defense is fairly deep with linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez, safety Santana Banner and defensive lineman Darris Smith.
The Tigers can bring the heat to opposing backfields, field a standout secondary and always seem to have instinctive, hard hitting linebackers. Drinkwitz’s best year came in 2023 with an 11-3 overall record but have yet to officially breakthrough in the SEC.
And with this roster, it’s either time for the Tigers to solidify its place among SEC brethren in 2026 season, or continue its slow path back to mediocrity within the league.
A talent advantage alone won’t always win teams ball games, but one that plays disciplined and understands how to control momentum throughout a game can find ways to win.
The Razorbacks have held the talent edge several times over the years, but still suffered defeat in 2016, 2017 and 2022. Since Missouri joined the SEC, their teams have played with confidence that kept them in games they had no business winning.
Former National Championship winning coach Urban Meyer once said, “Leave no doubt” when it comes to winning at the Power Conference level. Maybe it’s Arkansas’ turn to have a coach whose players are ready to run through a wall for in Silverfield this fall.
The Silverfield Mindset
There’s something to be said about a coach who can motivate his team for the biggest of challenges and overcoming talent deficiencies.
Any team can have the Jimmys and Joes but it all comes down to execution, and that’s something that Arkansas has struggled with over the past several years. Silverfield believes a lot of Arkansas’ struggles came down to a culture of losing, which is something he’ll have to cleanse it of this offseason.
“We’ve had one Power Four win at home the last three years,” Silverfield said in an appearance on McElroy And Cubelic In The Morning radio show earlier this spring. “We have to play more disciplined football. Arkansas has not done a great job with penalties, pre-snap, post-snap, dead ball. Taking care of the football, ball security. That’s been part of some of the failures here.”
Silverfield understands Arkansas’ quickest path to improvement begins with eliminating self-inflicted mistakes. After all, the program is just 17-49 in one possession games since 2012.
Arkansas was close last season to being a very good team last year, but weren’t able to do the small things needed to win games.
The Razorbacks finished last season ranked No. 125 in turnover margin (-11), No. 121 in third down defense (45%), No. 99 in sacks allowed, No. 126 in penalties (7.8 per game) and No. 112 in total penalties showed that a change in leadership was sorely needed.
And the truth is, the Razorbacks might’ve found the right man for the job going into 2026. Arkansas has been close time and time again.
With this game being played on Halloween this fall, it’s possible Arkansas can practice its Houdini act and put the struggles against Missouri behind them once and for all.
Hogs on SI Season Preview Series
North Alabama: Why Week One Matters More Than It Should
Utah: Silverfield Doesn’t Know What Razorbacks Are, Utes Will Provide Answers
Georgia: Razorbacks Might Not Beat Georgia, But Offer Test Kirby Smart Didn’t Expect
Texas A&M: Can Hogs’ Rebuilt Defense Slow Down Marcel Reed?
Tennessee: Razorbacks Must Reclaim Homefield Advantage Against Tennessee
Vanderbilt: Arkansas Might Be Catching Vanderbilt at Right Time in 2026
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One person was killed and five others were wounded in a shooting in Kansas City, Missouri, Friday night, according to police.
Officers heard gunfire just before 10:30 p.m. and responded to the area of East 19th Street between The Paseo and Vine Street, police said. They located two adult women who were “conscious and alert,” along with an adult man who was unresponsive, the Kansas City Police Department said in a statement.
The man, identified as David E. Beck III, 29, was pronounced dead at the scene. The two women were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Three additional victims — a man and a woman in stable condition and another man in critical condition — arrived at the hospital in a private vehicle, police said.
Preliminary information indicates the victims were gathered along 19th Street when multiple people opened fire. “All of the victims appear to have been standing in this vicinity when they were struck,” police said. Detectives are processing evidence and interviewing witnesses. No suspects are in custody.
The shooting took place roughly 7 miles from Arrowhead Stadium, which is hosting World Cup matches this summer under the name Kansas City Stadium. Ecuador and Curaçao are scheduled to play there Saturday night. Kansas City is touted as the “Soccer Capital of America.”
The city already has a large law enforcement presence to assist with World Cup security, including officers from all over the Midwest, Kansas City Police Capt. Jake Becchina told NBC News.
“We have the largest police presence we have ever had in our city for an event,” Becchina said.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact their anonymous tips hotline. A reward of up to $25,000 is available for information leading to an arrest.
Here’s a clearer, tighter version suitable for a news feature or community-interest article:
Opening June 18 at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, “From These Lands: Sharing Our Natural and Cultural Heritage” is a major new exhibition commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The exhibition features more than 600 rare specimens and cultural objects representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories.
Drawn from the museum’s collection of more than 148 million artifacts and specimens, the 5,000-square-foot exhibition explores the people, landscapes, discoveries, traditions and stories that have shaped the nation throughout millions of years of natural and cultural history. Many of the featured items have rarely, if ever, been displayed publicly.
Missouri is represented by an American paddlefish, one of seven objects from the state included in the exhibition. The American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) is the last surviving member of an ancient fish family and one of the largest fish species found in North America’s rivers. Scientists estimate paddlefish diverged from other fish lineages more than 310 million years ago and have changed little since.
Once found throughout the Great Lakes region, the species is now limited to the Mississippi River watershed. Its distinctive paddle-shaped snout contains sensors that detect electrical signals in the water, helping the fish locate food and navigate its environment. The paddlefish serves as a living link to the distant past, illustrating how some ancient species have survived through hundreds of millions of years of evolutionary change.
The exhibition highlights natural, cultural, scientific and historical connections from across the United States, including Missouri, and is expected to be viewed by millions of visitors during its run in Washington, D.C., through December 2029.
“This exhibition brings the entire country into one gallery,” said Kirk Johnson, Sant Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. “As the country marks its 250th anniversary, ‘From These Lands’ presents an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our landscapes, the depth of our history and the connections that link people and the natural world across borders.”
The exhibition includes fossils, minerals, scientific specimens, cultural artifacts and interactive displays designed to help visitors explore the connections between people, places and the natural world. Featured objects range from a rare blue gemstone from California and a Northern bobwhite collected by a young Theodore Roosevelt to Indigenous cultural objects and specimens tied to major scientific discoveries and conservation efforts.
Organized around themes such as biodiversity, geology, state symbols, Indigenous traditions, environmental change and ecosystem restoration, the exhibition also features animated maps and digital interactives that allow visitors to explore shared natural features and state symbols from across the nation.
“From These Lands” is part of the Smithsonian-wide initiative “Our Shared Future: 250,” which commemorates the nation’s semiquincentennial. Related programming will include lectures, family activities, hands-on events, a companion book and an online version of the exhibition.
Opened in 1910, the National Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s most visited natural history museums and offers free admission to the public.
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