Legal Action Against USDA Over Animal Welfare Violations
Animal protection organizations have raised concerns about ongoing illegal dog sales by a previously licensed breeder in Iowa. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has taken legal action against federal regulators for allegedly permitting continued violations of animal welfare laws.
Court Proceedings and Regulatory Failures
In September 2024, the ASPCA initiated a seven-count civil complaint against the United States Department of Agriculture, the federal agency responsible for overseeing animal breeders nationwide. The lawsuit centers on claims that the USDA knowingly allowed unlawful practices to continue by maintaining licenses for individuals involved in puppy laundering operations.
The case saw minimal activity until October 8, 2025, when U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb noted that significant time had passed, resulting in the expiration of the primary defendant's three-year USDA license. The judge requested both parties to submit briefs regarding whether this expiration affected the case's validity.
"It appears that Mr. Kruse continues to engage in regulated activities, despite the cancellation of his license, and continues his scheme to launder puppies," stated the ASPCA in its civil lawsuit against the USDA.
Continued Operations Despite License Cancellation
Evidence presented in court documents indicates that shortly after Steve Kruse's license was canceled in August 2025, the USDA approved Christine A. Snakenberg for a license to conduct business at the same West Point address where Kruse had operated a large-scale kennel for years. USDA inspection records show 142 adult dogs were present at the property when Snakenberg's license was granted.
The ASPCA contends that Kruse maintains ownership of the property where the kennel operates, while Snakenberg resides approximately 19 miles away in Danville. Additionally, an Illinois Bureau of Animal Welfare inspection report from November 26, 2025, reveals that Kruse continues supplying dogs to an Illinois-licensed breeder operating as Racore Inc.
Regulatory Oversight Concerns
Legal filings suggest the USDA has historically failed to take action even when inspectors confirm previously licensed individuals remain engaged in breeding or brokering activities. The ASPCA argues that the USDA's response to the court has not claimed the alleged illegal activity has ceased, only noting that Kruse no longer holds a license.
"There is nothing preventing Mr. Kruse from reapplying, and nothing suggesting that the agency would not relicense him if he did," the ASPCA argues in its legal brief. "Thus, it is entirely likely, and expected, that the wrongful behavior by the defendants will continue."
The organization notes that the USDA contacted Kruse in 2016, informing him that federal regulations required him and his associates to operate under a single license. When corrective measures weren't implemented, the agency continued renewing his license without revoking those of his associates.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, seeks judicial intervention to compel the USDA to invalidate all current licenses issued to Kruse and his associates.
