Rescue
| Humane Society of Missouri conducting largest animal rescue in organization’s history |
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More than 360 animals are in deplorable conditions in Polk County, Mo.
One of the hundreds of animals living in poor conditions on a property in Polk County, Mo.
 VIDEO FROM THE SCENE
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UPDATE-August 19, 2008-Some of the rabbits are being treated for upper respiratory problems, the donkeys and goats are getting a much needed hoof trim and one of the donkeys has already had a growth removed from around its eye. The fowl are also gaining weight and are slowly growing back their feathers.
Many of the dogs are significantly anemic due to severe flea infestations and internal hook and whipworms. Two severely malnourished dogs have died since being rescued. Their medical issues proved to be too much for their compromised immune systems. The remaining dogs have been dewormed and are being treated for severe mange which is a parasitic infection causing itching and hair loss.
Providing the proper nutrition and veterinary care in the coming weeks will rapidly improve the health of many of the animals rescued from such poor conditions. A disposition hearing will be held in Polk County on Sept. 2 to determine custody of the animals.
August 12, 2008-Working in cooperation with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, a 26-person team from the Humane Society of Missouri is rescuing more than 360 animals on an 80-acre property outside of Pleasant Hope, Mo. in Polk County in southwest Missouri.
Among the animals are 53 dogs, 43 rabbits, 11 cats, 26 ducks, 25 chickens, 21 guinea pigs, 10 goats, 7 donkeys, 2 kangaroo rats, 1 pig and more than 170 koi fish and goldfish. A disposition hearing to determine custody of the animals will be held at 9 a.m., September 2 at the Polk County Courthouse in Bolivar Mo.
According to Humane Society of Missouri humane investigators and representatives of the sheriff’s department, the animals are living in deplorable, filthy conditions with little to no access to appropriate or adequate food; no fresh, clean water; and no adequate shelter. Many are underweight and suffering from poor skin and coat conditions and other veterinary maladies. Numerous dead animals also were found throughout the property.
“To see this many animals in such horrible conditions is truly heartbreaking,” said Tim Rickey, director of Rescues and Investigations for the Humane Society of Missouri. “People who purchase animals from owners of operations like this are being deceived. These animals are not well cared for; many may have contagious diseases and have been living in filth with inadequate food, shelter and veterinary care for a long time. We will work closely with law enforcement to do everything in our power to ensure the owners will not be able to harm animals in this way again.”
Horses and farm animals will be taken to the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Missouri. Most of the other animals will be brought to the Humane Society’s Headquarters on Macklind Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. A Missouri fish hatchery is assisting Polk County law enforcement with the transport, housing and care for the exotic fish.
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