Rescue

Humane Society of Missouri Responds to Urgent Request for Animal Rescue at an Indiana Substandard Puppy Mill

Thursday, October 9, 2008 - At the urgent requestof the Indiana State Police;the Sullivan County, Indiana Sheriff’s Department and theHumane Society of the United States, the Humane Society of Missouri Rescue Team removed 66 dogs, horses, cats and a goat yesterday morning from a property in Sullivan County, Indiana, south of Terre Haute.

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Indiana law enforcement and animal welfare officials had been monitoring this situation for some time. Early this week, they felt conditions had deteriorated and the animals were in immediate jeopardy. As the most experienced and capable animal rescue group in the Midwest, the Humane Society of Missouri was requested to immediately respond. Within 24 hours of the request, the Humane Society of Missouri had a six-person rescue team on the scene. As the only field team present, the Humane Society of Missouri led field operations, evidence collection, and animal transport and handling operations.

Indiana law enforcement and animal welfare officials believe more than 350 animals had been on the property early this week. However, upon arrival Wednesday, only 150 were found on the property. Although law enforcement officials had warrants authorizing seizure of the animals, the owner voluntarily surrendered 66 of them. The owner has agreed to work with state and animal welfare authorities who will oversee the appropriate care of the animals remaining on the property.

The team returned today from Indiana with 26 dogs

and 4 cats. They will remain in the care of the staff of the Humane Society of Missouri until they are healthy and ready to be adopted.