HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force rescues 100-plus animals from Lawrence County

On September 29, the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT), in coordination with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department and Missouri Department of Agriculture, rescued more than 100 animals from a property in Lawrence County, Missouri. The total number of animals recovered will not be known for many hours and will involve multiple transports.

HSMO was contacted by a private individual with concerns about the number of animals kept on the property and the condition of the property. Video taken by another individual and subsequently posted on social media appears to show numerous animals being kept in small wire cages. The video has been widely viewed and shared.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture also agreed to investigate the property to determine whether the owner is breeding animals without a license.

Upon arriving at the property on Sept. 29, HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force observed what our VP of operations described as the worst hoard she’d experienced in her more than 40 years in the animal welfare industry, including 30 with HSMO. The animals are being found within mountains of trash and overgrown vegetation. Members of our rescue team are also encountering multiple dilapidated vehicles, including a school bus. The only water available is from a single well and what appears to be catch areas for rainwater.

This is the third time HSMO has responded to animal welfare concerns at this property. In 2000, HSMO removed 31 dogs under a warrant. In 2021, following negotiations with the property owner, 27 animals were voluntarily surrendered to HSMO.

“Returning to a property where we have previously removed animals is deeply concerning, particularly when we are once again faced with animals who appeared to be living in dangerous conditions,” said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri. “We are grateful to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department and Missouri Department of Agriculture for their partnership and commitment to protecting animals in need.”

The rescued animals will be transported to HSMO facilities, where veterinary teams will conduct comprehensive medical examinations and provide treatment, food, clean water, and other necessary care. Their conditions and individual treatment needs will be determined following those examinations.

A disposition hearing to determine permanent custody of the recovered animals is scheduled for October 26, 2026. Until custody is determined through the legal process, the animals will remain in HSMO’s care and will not be available for adoption.

Because this is an active case and legal proceedings are pending, additional details may be limited. HSMO will provide updates about the conditions of the animals and their recovery as appropriate.

Members of the public who would like to help HSMO provide medical treatment, food, shelter, and ongoing care for rescued animals can donate at hsmo.org/rescue.

Anyone who suspects animal abuse or neglect should contact local law enforcement and the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Hotline at 314-647-4400.