Animal Cruelty Task Force Rescues 15 Dogs from Starvation in Another Polk County Case

This morning, the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) rescued 15 dogs from a property in Polk County, Missouri. The dogs, which are medium and large in size and of various breeds, are being transported to HSMO’s Macklind headquarters in St. Louis to receive health evaluations and emergency veterinary treatment. This is the second time in two weeks the ACT has visited Polk County to remove dozens of dogs from deplorable conditions.

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The rescue was prompted by a concerned neighbor, who contacted the Polk County Sheriff about the property. Law enforcement conducted a welfare check last week, and they found the property owner deceased. Several dogs were loose on the property with no access to food or water. After working with the ACT just days before, the Polk County Sheriff contacted HSMO’s team to help remove the dogs from the property under a warrant. Many of the dogs were roaming, with others tethered or confined to cramped cages. Most are malnourished and experiencing a range of health issues that will need further treatment. The ACT team also found the remains of several deceased dogs on the property.

“These dogs faced unimaginable hardship, and with freezing temperatures arriving later this week, it was critical that we get them to safety,” said HSMO President Kathy Warnick. “We are so appreciative of the Polk County Sheriff and their assistance in helping us rescue these animals before winter sets in. The dogs are receiving the care and love they deserve, and we are grateful to the HSMO community for their support and generosity in helping give them their second chance.”

Donations to help support the care of these animals can be made on the HSMO website at hsmo.org/rescue. The HSMO also is 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 HSMO’s wish list.

A date for a disposition hearing to determine whether HSMO will assume legal custody of the dogs will take place on Dec. 9. 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 the HSMO website at hsmo.org/adopt to see when they become available.

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.

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