The dogs will receive much needed veterinary attention and rehabilitation at the Humane Society of Missouri.
Today, the Humane Society of Missouri’s (HSMO) Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) removed 17 dogs from the residence of an unlicensed breeder and repeat offender in Oregon County, Missouri.
The dogs rescued from the property are mostly medium-to-large breeds, mainly Australian Shepherds, Australian Terriers and other designer mixes, that have been living in chronic substandard conditions for long periods of time. The dogs are being taken to HSMO’s Macklind Ave. location in St. Louis where they will receive professional and compassionate veterinary care and rehabilitation. As the animals recover and are deemed healthy, HSMO hopes to make as many as possible available for adoption.
“This is truly a horrendous case of animal cruelty, and the work that the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Attorney General’s office has done to help us secure these animals has been nothing short of outstanding,” said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri. “These putrid, inhumane conditions are a sad reality for many animals in the possession of an irresponsible breeder and we’ll continue to fight for, rescue and rehabilitate these abused animals, while promoting animal welfare legislation in our community.”
The unlicensed breeder was first brought to the attention of HSMO by the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA). According to court documents, the breeder agreed to give up custody of more than 80 dogs; however, shortly before MDA arrived to claim the dogs at the property, the breeder had already transferred 60 dogs to third parties and euthanized 21. Today’s rescue will leave the breeder with three dogs left in their possession.
To report an animal who may be in danger or is suffering from neglect or abuse, call your local law enforcement agency and the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Hotline at 314.647.4400.
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