What is Animal Abuse or Neglect?

The following examples are just that – examples. When in doubt, always contact the Animal Cruelty Task Force, just to be safe.

WARNING: Images below may be disturbing for some. Please use discretion.

The number of pets in a hoarding situation doesn’t matter as much as the owner’s ability to care for the animals
Possible traits:excessive feces/urine/trash buildup
– animals unable to escape filth
– animals may have wounds from fighting in close conditions
– animals may have injuries or illness due to unhealthy environment
Owner may be unaware or unable to understand the degree of filth/overcrowding or how if affects the animals
Owner may make small attempts to appease authorities by releasing a few animals at a time, yet the overall problems persist
Dangerous for the owner living among the trash and debris, potentially dangerous for first responders coming to the property to help owners or others living at the property

If you witness a dog fight in progress, immediately call 911 and HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force – 314.647.4400

Dogs may be tied out on heavy chains with thick collars, just out of reach from one another
Dogs may also be kept in basements or warehouses
Dogs may have visible fight wounds or other injuries and old scars
Dogs are usually extremely friendly towards people
Equipment such as treadmills and medical supplies like injectible antibiotics and suture material may be present
A four-sided fight pit may also be present. Walls of the pit can be a few feet high and may be marked with blood from past fights

An animal’s food must be appropriate for the age and species of the animal (e.g. puppy food for puppies, kitten food for kittens)
Food must nutritionally sound for the animal to maintain it’s health and adequate weight
Food must be free from debris and bacteria/mold
Ribs and hips may be visible in animals lacking adequate food
Water must be within reach of the animal in a clean vessel
Water must be free from debris and algae
Rain/snow/ice is not an acceptable form of water

Although the Missouri state statute does not specifically define shelter, HSMO recommends regulations set by the USDA
Shelter must be large enough for the animal to stand, turn around and lie down
Shelter must be small enough for the animal to maintain it’s own body heat
Shelter must have a roof, floor, four walls with a doorway, and must protect from all weather elements
Plastic barrels and crates covered in tarps, etc. are not acceptable

Veterinary care must be provided to maintain the health of an animal. Any of the following may be indications veterinary care is needed.

Untreated, open or infected wounds
Limping – may indicate an old/untreated injury
Missing fur, reddened and/or thickened skin may indicate parasite infestation and/or skin infection
Severely matted fur could restrict an animal’s movement, cause urine scalding to the animal’s skin, or hide wounds and infection
Eye infections – squinting, redness, discharge, pawing at or rubbing the eye(s)
Ear infections – excessively shaking head or scratching
Overgrown or cracked hooves in equines
Inability or difficulty chewing food or food falling out of mouth (especially in equines) may indicate dental problems
Severe weight loss even when adequate food is present

Female dogs bred multiple times per year
Little to no veterinary records for the puppies or adults
Breeder won’t allow buyers to view the animal’s parents or facility
Selling animals before they’re weaned
Breeding animals kept in undersized kennels, possibly without adequate shelter from the elements
Breeding animals kept on wire-bottom cages with no solid surface available
Breeding animals with wounds, missing or matted fur, excessively long toenails
Lack of sanitation – built up feces under kennels or in kennel area