HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force Rescues 19 Mastiffs from Hickory County

Over the weekend, HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) conducted a rescue of 19 dogs and puppies, all mastiff breeds, including many puppies as young as 1 week old, from the facility of an unlicensed breeder in Urbana, Missouri. The rescue was coordinated in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Missouri Attorney General’s office.

This is not HSMO’s first encounter with this particular facility. In October of 2021, ACT rescued nearly 100 dogs from the formerly licensed breeder, operating as Cridder Creek Kennel, and later Little Miracles Kennel, in Hickory County. The facility was found in violation of the Animal Care Facilities Act in January of 2021 and currently has a permanent ban on acquiring a license to breed animals. The facility has continued to breed dogs in spite of being denied a license to do so and is subject to ongoing litigation by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.

“We will do everything in our power to ensure the rescued dogs and their puppies are given a second chance at a happier life,” said HSMO President Kathy Warnick. “We are grateful to the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Attorney General’s office for their persistent work on behalf of the animals trapped by this breeder’s relentless cycle of neglect and abuse. This is an important reminder of how vital effective animal welfare laws are in rescuing mistreated animals in Missouri.

A majority of the rescued puppies are very young and still dependent on their mothers. Those that are old enough are being evaluated and are expected to be made available for adoption on a case-by-case basis. If you are able to help support the care of these dogs and puppies, you can make a donation by clicking the link below.

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