UPDATE: The Humane Society of Missouri has received permanent custody of all
animals from this rescue.
01/17/12 - Working in cooperation with the Missouri Department of
Agriculture (MDA) and the Stone County Sheriff’s Office, the Humane
Society of Missouri (HSMO) Animal Cruelty Task Force is rescuing 44 Pugs,
Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Pit Bull mixes and other small breed adult dogs and
puppies and one cat from an unlicensed breeding facility near Crane, Mo. in Stone
County.
Many of
the dogs were living inside a trailer and in an outbuilding on the property.
Carpeting and flooring in the trailer and outbuilding
were soaked with urine and covered in feces. One of the dogs was tethered
outside and a couple of others were in a chain link kennel, also covered with
urine and feces. Rescuers were overwhelmed with the odor of ammonia when they
entered the buildings. Several of the
dogs appeared to be thin and some had coats covered with urine and feces. No water was available in the outbuilding.
Initially the
owner had agreed to surrender the dogs to the Missouri Department of
Agriculture; however, last night the owner changed her mind. Because the dogs
were in distress and immediate jeopardy, MDA and the Humane Society of Missouri
Animal Cruelty Task Force worked with the Stone County Sheriff’s Office to
obtain a warrant for removal of the animals. After the animals are seized, they
will be placed in the custody and care of the HSMO pending a disposition
hearing later this month.
The
rescued animals will arrive Tuesday evening at the Humane Society of Missouri’s
Headquarters on Macklind Avenue in St. Louis, Mo. A disposition hearing
to determine permanent custody of the dogs will be held January 27 in Galena,
Mo. If custody is awarded to the Humane
Society of Missouri, and as soon as they are healthy, as many of the dogs as
possible will be made available for adoption.
