Animal Cruelty Task Force Rescues 27 Dogs, Some on the Brink of Starvation

This rescue resulted from a warrant obtained in cooperation with the Polk County Sheriff after the Task Force visited the property four times over the past 60 days.

On Nov. 8, 2024, our Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) – one of the nation’s largest animal-rescue and disaster-response teams – rescued 27 puppies and dogs from a property in Polk County, Missouri. The dogs are of various breeds and breed mixes, and were transported to HSMO’s Macklind headquarters in St. Louis to receive health evaluations and emergency veterinary treatment. Many of the dogs had only rainwater collected in trash in the yard to drink and are severely underweight. Several have injured legs, and one dog has an injury to its face. All were chained to random items on the property including furniture and trees. The ACT team also found several deceased dogs on the property.

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The emergency rescue was prompted when a member of the ACT visited the property several times, including just over 30 days ago, and was concerned with the conditions of the property and the health and wellbeing of the dogs. The ACT investigator repeatedly tried to work with the property owner to improve the care of the dogs and warned that the animals may be removed if their health and environment didn’t improve. Despite the warnings, when the ACT investigator returned to check on the welfare of the dogs, it was clear that their health, safety and wellbeing had continued to deteriorate, and a warrant was sought to remove the animals. The Polk County Sheriff removed the dogs under a warrant and placed them in the care of HSMO. Most of the dogs that were recovered are malnourished and experiencing a range of health issues that will need further treatment.

“These dogs lived in horrific conditions, and had we not intervened, many more may not have survived,” said HSMO President Kathy Warnick. “We are grateful for the cooperation of the Polk County Sheriff and their assistance in helping us rescue these animals from such dangerous neglect before their conditions worsened or they died. Now that they are safe, community support is critical to ensure these dogs receive the care and treatment they deserve and a new chance for a better life with a loving family.”

Donations to help support the care of these animals can be made here. We are asking the public for assistance through donations of blankets, newspapers, dog toys, dog beds or anything else that can make these animals’ recovery more comfortable. Needed items also are available to purchase directly from Amazon on our wish list.

A date for a disposition hearing to determine whether HSMO will assume legal custody of the dogs will take place on December 4, 2024. If awarded custody, HSMO will make the dogs available for adoption after they have been given a clean bill of health by the veterinarians and evaluated by the animal behavior team. As the animals recover – medically and behaviorally – they will be made available for adoption on a case-by-case basis. There is no current timeline for when these dogs will be ready for their forever homes, but interested adopters can check our adoptable animals page to see when they become available.

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To report an animal that may be in danger or is suffering from neglect or abuse, call the local police and the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Hotline at 314.647.4400.