More Than 100 Dogs And Cats Rescued In Missouri, Need Help

ST. LOUIS, MO — The Humane Society of Missouri has rescued 84 dogs and 17 cats from unsafe living conditions in Bates County in the western part of the state. The group's Animal Cruelty Task Force found the animals in a small, dilapidated house where many were confined to crates filled stacked one atop of another and filled with animal waste. Many of the animals were outdoors with no protection from the weather and did not have access to food or water. The property had no running water, officials said.

"These animals were forced to live in truly squalid conditions, the worst I have encountered in more than 40 years of rescuing animals from abuse and neglect," said Debbie Hill, the groups vice president of operations.

A concerned citizen tipped off the Humane Society and Sheriff's deputies about the animals and both organizations visited the property. They were only allowed to view a few animals and were not given access to the worst areas of the property, the Humane Society said. The Sheriff's Office later obtained a warrant to inspect the property and began removing the animals after requesting the Humane Society's help.

"With frigid weather coming very soon, it's imperative to bring these suffering animals to warmth and safety immediately," said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri. "As is typical in hoarding situations, persons allowed to continue to own animals often continue to collect them. We will provide an extensive report of our findings to the Bates County Prosecutor and recommend prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. The only way to protect animals from these horrific, dangerous conditions in the future is to prevent this person from possessing additional animals.”

The dogs are being brought to St. Louis where they will be cared for and put up for adoption. If you would like to help, the Humane Society says it needs donations of dog and cat toys, newspapers, towels, blankets and sheets, and a long-cut paper shredder. You can also make a monetary donation online or by calling 314-951-1542.

Donations may be dropped off at the Humane Society of Missouri’s Macklind Ave. Adoption Center, 1201 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63110.

Images courtesy of The Humane Society of Missouri