HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force Recovers 29 Lakeland Terriers from Formerly Licensed Ozark County Breeder

On Jan. 4, 2023, the Humane Society of Missouri’s (HSMO) Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) recovered 29 Lakeland Terriers from the property of a formerly licensed breeder in Ozark County. Recovery efforts were conducted in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA), who placed the dogs in HSMO’s custody.

The individual whose property the dogs were recovered from is a formerly licensed breeder. It was recently discovered that this individual was continuing to breed dogs without the proper permissions and licenses required to do so. The recovered dogs are all Lakeland Terriers, mostly adult-aged, but with five younger than 7 months old.

The health and socialization of the recovered dogs varies, with one dog missing its entire ear, and several suffering from past injuries, minor lacerations, and tissue damage. HSMO expects to make them available for adoption after they have been rehabilitated. No adoption inquiries are being taken at this time.