In the News

Governor Nixon and Agriculture Director Hold Press Conference at Humane Society of Missouri to Promote ‘Operation Bark Alert’

Nixon to announce crackdown on unlicensed dog breeders

Video of press conference

April 8, 2009- Gov. Jay Nixon, and Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Jon Hagler will visit the Humane Society of Missouri to highlight the administration’s new Operation Bark Alert, a new effort to crackdown on unlicensed pet breeding facilities and an opportunity for Missouri’s reputable breeding operations and citizens across the state to report unlicensed breeders.

• Governor Nixon will make an announcement about the initiative.
• Also speaking will be Director Hagler and Humane Society of Missouri President Kathy Warnick.

First Lady Georganne Wheeler will accompany the Governor.

Since taking office in January, Gov. Nixon’s administration has successfully transferred more than 1,300 abused and neglected dogs from unlicensed breeding facilities to shelters such as the Humane Society of Missouri. In the coming weeks and months, Gov. Nixon and Director Hagler will continue the administration’s efforts to crack down on illegal operations and promote groups and organizations that comply with state regulations regarding animal breeding.

The Humane Society of Missouri’s Animals Cruelty Task Force is a dedicated team of animal rescue experts that works full time to educate pet owners, investigate allegations of abuse and neglect and, when necessary, work with law enforcement to remove animals from deplorable situations. Over the last year, the Animal Cruelty Task Force has been responsible for the rescue of more than 2,500 animals from substandard puppy mills.

WHEN: Thursday, April 9 at 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Humane Society of Missouri Headquarters
1201 Macklind Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110