Custody of dogs rescued from Dunklin County awarded to Humane Society of Missouri at disposition hearing
Nineteen Puppies Born Since Dogs Arrived at the Shelter

April 7, 2006 - A Dunklin County judge ruled this afternoon to award custody of 157 neglected dogs and puppies to the Humane Society of Missouri. Acting on a call from a local animal welfare organization and working in cooperation with the Dunklin County Sheriff’s Department, the Humane Society of Missouri rescued 138 dogs from a property outside Senath, Missouri on March 14. The dogs had had limited human contact and little veterinary care. Many of the animals suffered from mange; bloody, crusty sores; significant hair loss; low body weight and heartworms.

Donna, a blind, rescued dog from Dunklin County gave birth to ten puppies, five male and five female at the Humane Society of Missouri. Both mother and puppies are doing well.

Since the dogs arrived at the Humane Society of Missouri, two litters of puppies have been born. Last week, a black mixed-breed dog gave birth to ten puppies. Humane Society staff assisted in the difficult birth in order to keep the puppies alive. Wednesday, nine more golden retriever mix puppies were delivered. At this point, the puppies are doing well. The puppies will remain with their mothers and will be fostered and spayed or neutered before they are available for adoption in approximately 10-12 weeks.

According to Dr. Donald Bridges, Director of Veterinary Services at the Humane Society of Missouri, the other dogs are still being treated for the conditions listed above. “These dogs were very ill and still require a lot of treatment,” stated Dr. Bridges. “While many of them are improving, it will be some time before they are ready for adoption.”

These dogs will need special love and attention as they recover. Therefore, the Humane Society of Missouri is asking that persons interested in providing foster care for these animals contact the Humane Society today, Saturday or Sunday. Call 314-802-5712 or email.

Humane Society of Missouri Rescues 137 Dogs in Dunklin County

March 15, 2006 - Acting on a call from a local animal welfare organization and working in cooperation with the Dunklin County Sheriff’s Department, the Humane Society of Missouri rescued 137 dogs from a property outside Senath, Missouri. The Dunklin County Sheriff’s Department issued a warrant to remove the animals early Tuesday morning, March 14, 2006.

The Humane Society of Missouri rescue team found 137 dogs and one dead dog of a variety of breeds on the property. Many of the animals are suffering from mange; bloody, crusty sores; and significant hair loss. The dogs have had limited human contact and Humane Society officials believe they have had little veterinary care.

The rescue dogs were brough to the Humane Society of Missouri headquarters in St. Louis for treatment. At the shelter, the animals received expert veterinary medical care and attention from the Humane Society staff. The animals will remain in the custody of the Humane Society until a disposition hearing is scheduled in Dunklin County.

In 2001, the Humane Society of Missouri rescued more than 170 dogs from this same property. Subsequently, the owner agreed to leave this property and move into a situation in which this was less likely to occur. Apparently, that did not happen. “It’s heartbreaking and frustrating that so many animals are again in such jeopardy,” said Debbie Hill, Vice President of Operations, Humane Society of Missouri. “This appears to be a classic hoarding case in which an owner may be trying to do a good thing, but the situation has gotten out of control with many more animals than can be cared for by one person.”

 

How you can help:

Report animal abuse/neglect: Phone (314) 647-4400
or e-mail.

Apply for adoption of the rescued dogs once they are rehabilitated, which may take several weeks to several months: Phone (314) 802-5712 or e-mail.

Make a financial donation to help offset the rescue costs: Phone (314) 951-1542 or donate securely online.