Rescue Update | 97 Rescued Labs Receiving Care, Some Adopted!

On the morning of Jan. 9, our Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) conducted a rescue of 97 Labrador retrievers from the facility of an unlicensed breeder in Phelps County, Missouri. The breeder, who had 83 dogs removed by the HSMO in late 2019 and early 2020, is included on the national “Horrible Hundred” list – a ranking of the worst dog breeders in the country. (Missed the initial news? Read the full story here.)

In the days following their rescue, these pups have received veterinary care and so much love from our dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Despite what they’ve been through, these Labs have greeted all of their new friends with wagging tails and hopeful spirits. Many of the pups needed dental work, while others were treated for sores on their paws from standing on the wire bottoms of their crates for countless days. Others have eye and ear issues that are being evaluated.

For some more fortunate, healthy pups, they were able to be spayed/neutered and made available for adoption quickly! Several have found their forever homes already, and more are being added to our website as they’re ready.

Thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your family?

Our website has a wealth of information on pet care and behavior to help you and your new family member acclimate. Click the links below to read about each subject:

• Is this the best time to adopt a pet?
• Introducing a new dog to your family dog
• Why you should crate train your dog
• Using enrichment, predictability and scheduling to train your dog
• House training your puppy
• Socialization and fear prevention
• Collar and harness options for dogs