Clifford D. Johnson, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana
In a legal resolution reached by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, Vernon D. Miller, an exhibitor and dog breeder in Indiana, has agreed to refrain from any activities requiring a Department of Agriculture (USDA) license for two years. This decision follows allegations of multiple violations under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), as detailed in a complaint filed in October.
The complaint accused Miller, who operates Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park in Shipshewana, Indiana, of failing to provide necessary veterinary care and adequate living conditions for animals. These included inadequate enclosures, lack of proper enrichment and sanitation, insufficient food and water supplies, and failure to maintain required records. Over 300 animals, including deer, zebra, exotic birds, primates, dogs, and puppies were reportedly affected by these conditions.
Miller's facility received 90 citations over a year-long period from 2023 to 2024 — the highest number recorded for any USDA-licensed establishment during that timeframe. Violations included unsanitary conditions such as stalls filled with feces and unclean food dishes. Additionally, there were failures in providing adequate shelter and veterinary care for sick or injured animals.
Following these findings, Miller's USDA license was suspended for 21 days starting October 9th. A temporary restraining order issued on October 28th mandated compliance with AWA regulations and restricted Miller from buying or selling animals without court approval until December 2nd.
"The maltreatment of animals entrusted to Mr. Miller’s care is a despicable act that deserves just intervention," stated Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay. "We will continue to work with our federal partners to identify and hold accountable those exhibitors and dog breeders who provide inhumane care to animals in violation of the Animal Welfare Act."
Deputy Administrator Sarah Helming from USDA’s Animal Care program affirmed the department's commitment: "USDA is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of animals protected under the Animal Welfare Act."
The consent decree extends over five years; it allows limited access for USDA inspectors if Miller’s facility opens to the public again. Should he seek licensure later on, he must adhere strictly to AWA standards previously violated.
The case was investigated by USDA which also initiated a parallel administrative enforcement action. The prosecution team comprised Senior Trial Attorney Devon Flanagan along with Trial Attorneys Kamela Caschette, Angela Mo, Chris Carrara from the Justice Department’s Wildlife and Marine Resources Section — supported by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dirk DeLor alongside USDA’s Office of General Counsel and Animal Plant Health Inspection Service.