HSMO Rescues 106 Dogs in Multiple Rescue Operations this Week

It’s been a sleepless week for our rescue teams, vets and staff. Over the past several days, our Animal Cruelty Task Force has rescued 106 dogs and puppies with more expected. Multiple rescue operations took place in several counties throughout the state of Missouri, including Pettis, Ripley, Perry and Harrison. The numbers and efforts highlight the vital safety net we provide to abused and neglected animals.

Two of the larger efforts this week took place in the last 48 hours. On Tuesday, we transported 33 dogs from commercial breeding facilities in the Midwest to our Macklind headquarters at the request of the National Mill Dog Rescue. This lifesaving transport was facilitated and funded by the BISSELL Pet Foundation. On Wednesday, in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA), we rescued 38 neglected dogs from an unlicensed puppy mill in Harrison County, Missouri. All of the animals are currently receiving emergency veterinary treatment and health evaluations.

The rescued dogs include Boston Terriers, Poodle mixes, West Highland Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, and Yorkies, among others. The conditions and ages of the animals vary, with some suffering from skin conditions and malnutrition.

“The heroic efforts of our Animal Cruelty Task Force this week were necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of so many helpless animals,” said HSMO President Kathy Warnick. “Our teams are always ready to respond to dire situations, and their life-saving work wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community. We’re hoping our friends and neighbors will once again step up during this extraordinary time and help us provide the care these animals so desperately need and deserve.”

Donations to help support the care of these dogs and puppies can be made by clicking here. To help care for the animals, we are also asking the public for assistance through donations of blankets, newspapers, dog toys, dog beds or anything else that can make these animals’ recovery more comfortable.

I Will Support these Puppies & Dogs

We expect to make the dogs available for adoption after they have been given a clean bill of health by the veterinarians and evaluated by the animal behavior team. As the animals recover, medically and behaviorally, they will be made available for adoption on a case-by-case basis. There is no current timeline for when these dogs will be ready for their forever home, but interested adopters can check hsmo.org/adopt to see when they become available.