Help save Karen's dogs

Karen Davis, a dedicated breeder of long-haired German Shepherds under the kennel name Von Skvely’ Haus, has passionately cared for her dogs for over 47 years. Her dogs have not only become beloved pets but have also served as support animals, PTSD companions, cadaver search dogs, drug detection dogs, and search and rescue partners, with several even joining police departments across various states.

Karen lives on 20 acres out in the country, where she’s built a top-notch kennel with heat, AC, and a special maternity area for mama dogs. Her dogs are house-trained, spend time indoors, and love going along with her on trips to pick up supplies and toys.

Despite adhering to Pottawattamie County’s barking ordinance, which restricts dog barking between 11 PM and 6 AM, Karen faces challenges due to complaints from distant neighbors. These complaints have led the county to revoke her grandfathered rights and agricultural exemptions, threatening her ability to continue her breeding program.

In August 2022, three individuals who don’t live near Karen filed a complaint, claiming her dogs were barking at 5:00 PM while she was feeding them—even though this was well within Pottawattamie County’s barking ordinance, which only restricts barking between 11 PM and 6 AM.

When the complaint didn’t hold up, the county shifted its focus to a zoning ordinance violation, revoking her grandfathered rights and agricultural exemptions, despite her compliance with regulations.

On January 21, 2025, Karen received a warning that county officials had obtained a search warrant to seize all of her dogs and paperwork, planning to send them to Des Moines for spaying, neutering, and rehoming at her expense—while also banning her from owning dogs on her property.

She is now fighting to regain her constitutional and agricultural rights and needs legal assistance. Donations will help cover attorney fees and temporary housing for her dogs during the legal battle.