Lincoln County: 36 Animals Rescued from Neglect

Dogs, including newborn puppies, birds and a rabbit found with no food or water in filthy conditions

October 23, 2018

The Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force, in cooperation with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, rescued 32 dogs, 3 birds and one rabbit from a property near Truxton, Mo. in Lincoln County.

Among the dogs are nine newborn Chocolate Labrador puppies, five eight-week-old mixed-breed puppies, and at least three geriatric dogs.  The remaining adult dogs are of various breeds including Dachshund, Pug, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Labrador and other mixed breeds. Two parakeets, one Guinea hen, one pigeon and one rabbit also were removed from the property.

The animals were found inside a home heavily smelling of ammonia and outside on the trash-strewn property.  All animals were without visible food or water.  Several of the dogs are severely matted and some are underweight.  Injuries were found on several of the dogs.

HSMO animal cruelty investigators and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office have been working with the animals’ owner for several years to encourage proper care for the animals. When no progress was made, the sheriff’s office obtained a warrant for the inspection of the property and removal of animals in jeopardy. The investigation is ongoing to determine if criminal charges are warranted. A disposition to determine permanent custody of the animals will be held at 9 a.m. Tues, Nov. 20, 2018 at the Lincoln County Justice Center in Troy, Mo. HSMO also is pursuing information indicating the owner has been or is currently a dog groomer.