HSMO Rescues 26 Animals from Hoarding Situation in Hickory County

Tragically, owner passed away in home more than one week prior to discovery;
animals to be treated for severe neglect and malnourishment with the goal of finding loving homes

The Humane Society of Missouri’s (HSMO) Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) was called to rescue 25 small breed dogs and one cat from a long-term hoarding situation in Hickory County, MO in which the owner had been deceased for more than one week. Once the scene was evaluated and the human remains were removed by the local coroner’s office, HSMO’s ACT team made plans to safely remove the dogs. This required rescuers to wear respirators and hazmat suits in order to ensure safe entry and handling of the animals.

The small dogs are in varying stages of malnourishment and suffering from skin conditions and other illnesses common in long-term hoarding situations.

Jessica Crampton, ACT Investigator, was first on scene and lead investigator. “We are grateful to the Hickory County Sheriff’s Office for their prompt action in ensuring the surviving dogs could be rescued,” said Crampton. “We are thankful we were contacted by the Sheriff’s Office and pleased we could assist in bringing closure to this awful situation.”

Once the dogs have been fully treated, they will be available for adoption at the St. Louis City location. Anyone interested in adopting a pet can view the full roster of adoptable animals hsmo.org/adopt.

“This is an extremely unfortunate circumstance and it’s sad that it took the death of the owner to bring these horrendous living conditions to light,” said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri. “Everyone suffers when animals are hoarded and neglected. We urge anyone with knowledge of an animal hoarding situation to alert the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force or local authorities so we can provide assistance sooner rather than later.”

To report an animal who 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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