Humane Society of Missouri - http://www.hsmo.org

Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force rescues 131 domestic rabbits and 26 other animals from deplorable, frigid conditions in Franklin County

Thursday, February 25, 2010-Working in cooperation with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force today is rescuing 157 animals from a property near St. Clair, Missouri. The animals include: 131 domestic rabbits, 3 dogs, 4 cats, 1 guinea pig, 3 baby goats, 5 doves, 7 chickens, 2 pigeons and 1 duck. All of the animals were living in filthy conditions. >>>

Humane Society of Missouri Teacher of the Year
Webster Groves School District teacher to be honored in surprise ceremony

Tuesday, February 16, 2010-Humane Society of Missouri announces Mary Ann Howard as the 2010 Humane Teacher of the Year in a surprise ceremony at her school. The Humane Society of Missouri will recognize and honor Mary Ann for her achievements incorporating humane, environmental and character education into her class curricula, and for leading an after-school community service club benefitting animals called Club HOPE (Helping Our Pets and Environment). Read full story.

Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force rescues 11 horses and 2 mules near death and discovers twelve deceased horses in Gasconade County

Update-February 10, 2010- Today, the Humane Society of Missouri received custody of 11 emaciated horses and 2 neglected mules. On January 26, 2010, the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force, working in cooperation with the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Department, rescued the 13 equine from a property near Rosebud, Missouri. Most of the animals were severely underweight with no access to food or fresh water. Many had teeth and hoof problems, external parasites and severe rain rot (a skin problem). Twelve deceased horses also were found on the property with one carcass in the only available water source. Read full story.

December 29, 2009- It is with great sadness we have learned of the death of Fay, a 5 year old, female pit bull terrier rescued in July with 407 other victims of the heinous blood sport of dog fighting. Fay was one of the fortunate dogs to have found a home with a rescue group who could provide the care and socialization she needed.

It is our understanding Fay had successfully undergone a third surgery to remake her lips and, shortly thereafter, despite significant efforts to revive her, she died of unrelated causes. We have been told the postmortem examination revealed extensive scarring within her abdomen, possibly resulting from the abuse Fay suffered before her rescue.

Fay’s lipless face and scarred body became a symbol of the horrors endured by all dogs forced to fight. Fay also became the face of dog fighting, bringing national awareness to this horrible, underground activity, and a symbol of hope that there can be a good life ahead for many rescued fighting dogs.

All of us who now are grieving her death also know that every day in the five months since her rescue, Fay has received expert

professional care and, most of all an unlimited supply of love and attention, from her rescuers, caretakers, and veterinarians. Fay’s

story, from the horror of her existence in the fighting pit, to the triumph of her recovery and rehabilitation, to the final tragedy of her

unexpected death, is one that lives on and serves as an enduring reminder that we must continue the struggle to end dog fighting

We at the Humane Society of Missouri are proud to have been able to rescue her and are grateful for every wet toothy kiss she

Missourians for the Protection of Dogs Launch Signature Drive to Prevent Puppy Mill Cruelty

December 14, 2009- A new state ballot initiative committee, Missourians for the Protection of Dogs, has officially kicked off its campaign to save tens of thousands of dogs from suffering in cruel conditions in puppy mills, the high-volume dog breeding facilities where dogs are inhumanely bred under harsh conditions with inadequate shelter and care. The group plans to gather the more than 100,000 valid signatures of registered Missouri voters to place a measure on the November 2010 statewide ballot, giving Missouri citizens the opportunity to end some of the worst abuses at puppy mills. Read full story.

Judge Sends Harsh Message to Dog Fighters: Dog Fighters Face Significant Prison Time

December 8, 2009- Noting the “torture” inflicted by people “who train dogs to maim other dogs because that’s where the money is,” today the Honorable Carol E. Jackson, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri, sentenced four of the defendants in the largest dog fighting case in U.S. history to terms in federal prison ranging from 12 months and one day to 18 months. Judge Jackson stated the crimes these defendants committed rose to the level of “extraordinary cruelty” warranting sentences which would be a “deterrence to the defendants and the community.” Read full story.

November 25, 2009- The Humane Society of Missouri will be featured in the December 2 issue of TIME Magazine. The issue will be on newstands Friday, November 27. The article and photo spread will discuss HSMO's leading efforts in the largest dog fighting rescue and sheltering in U.S. History. Read full story.

Rescued Pit Bulls Featured in National Story

November 11, 2009-The Humane Society of Missouri’s work in rescuing, sheltering and finding new homes for many of the pit bulls rescued on July 8 is described in a feature story and video produced by the Associated Press. Read/watch the AP story.

Humane Society of Missouri issues urgent appeal for supplies to help care for rescued puppies

November 11, 2009-The Humane Society of Missouri is asking St. Louis-area residents to donate pet supplies to help the shelter continue to care for the more than 150 Pit Bull puppies rescued this summer in the largest dog fighting raid and rescue in U.S. history. Fifty puppies were among the 407 dogs rescued on July 8 and more than 100 puppies have been born since then.

Donations of rope toys, heavy rubber rings, Kong® toys, peanut butter and other toys to keep the puppies active are urgently needed.

Monetary donations to help the animals may also be made by calling 314-951-1542.

Humane Society of Missouri Receives Custody of Some Dogs from Largest Dog Fighting Rescue in U.S. History

October 14, 2009-By order of the Federal District Courts in Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois, the Humane Society of Missouri has received permanent custody of most of the dogs and subsequently born puppies rescued from those districts in the July 8 multi-state dog fighting raid. Following final veterinary examinations and spay/neuter surgery, dogs determined to be suitable for placement are beginning to be placed this week with qualified rescue groups and individuals. The Humane Society of Missouri continues to care for and awaits final forfeiture orders for the dogs rescued in the Western District of Missouri. Read full story.

SUMMER MEANS KITTEN SEASON AT THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF MISSOURI
PURRfect Adoption Specials on Cats/Kittens

June 11, 2009-Summer is kitten season and across the country, animal shelters are experiencing a serious boom in the kitten population. It’s the time of year when the most litters of kittens are born and shelters like the Humane Society of Missouri receive a huge influx of cats and kittens.

“At our three shelters and in foster care, we have nearly 500 hundred cats and kittens waiting to find new homes,” says Kathy Warnick, President of the Humane Society of Missouri. “We are fortunate we have the space, staff and volunteers to care for all the cats, but I know they’d be much happier with a family and a place to call home.” Read full story.

Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force rescuing 68 dogs from unlicensed, substandard puppy mill in Phelps County

April 28, 2009- Working in cooperation with the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force is rescuing 68 dogs living in filthy conditions on the site of an unlicensed, substandard dog breeding facility outside Rolla, Missouri. Read full story

Humane Society of Missouri receives custody of 102 dogs from Daviess County substandard puppy mill

April 17, 2009- In a disposition hearing Thursday in Jackson County, Missouri, the Humane Society of Missouri was awarded custody of 102 dogs from a substandard puppy mill in Daviess County. The dogs had been removed from the property before a warrant could be served in Daviess County. The dogs were surrendered to Jackson County authorities by persons who had received them from the Daviess County property.

Currently, the dogs are being evaluated, treated and cared for by Humane Society of Missouri veterinarians and staff. All will require spay or neuter surgery before they can be available for adoption.

These dogs will begin to be available for adoption the week of April 20, 2009. Persons interested in adopting one of these animals are encouraged to visit the Humane Society of Missouri website. As they become available, the dogs will be placed at one of the three Humane Society of Missouri Adoption Centers:

Rescue Dog Adopt-A-Thon
Saturday April 25

Featuring pets rescued from an unlicensed puppy mill in Daviess County.

They’re tall, they’re small. They’re playful and loving and really very sweet. And, they are all rescued.

They need you to give them a second chance for the love, comfort and care they deserve…in a home just like yours. Treats and door prizes for pet goodies on Saturday, April 25.

Take the family to the Humane Society of Missouri Center near you -- in the Westport area, St. Louis City or Chesterfield Valley.

We encourage you to read Are You Ready for a Rescue Dog?

Governor Nixon and Agriculture Director Hold Press Conference at Humane Society of Missouri to Promote ‘Operation Bark Alert’

April 8, 2009- Gov. Jay Nixon, and Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Jon Hagler will visit the Humane Society of Missouri to highlight the administration’s new Operation Bark Alert, a new effort to crackdown on unlicensed pet breeding facilities and an opportunity for Missouri’s reputable breeding operations and citizens across the state to report unlicensed breeders. Read full story.

April 3, 2009 5:00 pm- This morning, the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force received 102 missing dogs from Daviess County and transported them to the Humane Society of Missouri Headquarters in Saint Louis City. The animals received a veterinary examination and necessary vaccinations, deworming, nail trims and ear cleaning. They all received fresh food, clean water and a safe, comfortable place to spend the night.

These animals will not be available for adoption for several weeks. Please follow their progress on our website.

Read full story and help these dogs.

Humane Society of Missouri to receive dogs missing from Daviess County substandard puppy mill. Ninety-one dogs recovered as a result of tips from the public

April 3, 2009- Working in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Daviess County Sheriff’s Department, and with the help of information from Missouri citizens, today the Humane Society of Missouri is receiving 91 of the dogs believed to have been removed early this week from a Davies County substandard puppy mill. The Kansas City Animal Control agency has offered staff assistance and their parking lot to facilitate the transfer of the dogs. The dogs include a variety breeds: Yorkshire Terrier, Pekingese, Chihuahua, Maltese, Miniature Pinscher, and Miniature Poodle. Read full story.

Humane Society of Missouri Offers $3,000 reward for information leading to location and recovery of approximately 200 dogs removed from substandard puppy mill

April 1, 2009- The Humane Society of Missouri is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the location and recovery of dogs removed from an unlicensed, substandard puppy mill between Monday, March 30, and Tuesday, March 31. Read full story.

Humane Society of Missouri Disaster Response Team deploys to North Dakota to rescue animals affected by severe flooding

March 27, 2009- The Humane Society of Missouri Disaster Response Team has been deployed to North Dakota to rescue animals affected by severe flooding in the Fargo area. The four team members are all experienced in water and disaster rescue and animal sheltering. The team will take with them two trucks pulling a travel trailer and an equipment trailer with water and rope rescue equipment and a boat and an animal transport van. Read full story.

PARIS, Ark. (March 23, 2009) — In cooperation with the Logan Co. Sheriff Department and other animal welfare agencies including United Animal Nations, the Humane Society of the U.S. and local humane organizations this week a 10-person team from the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force directed field operations to rescue nearly 400 neglected animals from a Logan County, Arkansas substandard puppy mill. Read full story and see on scene photos.

March 25, 2009-The Humane Society of Missouri will hold an adoption preview of the puppies and dogs rescued from a Newton County substandard puppy mill last month. No adoptions will be completed at this event; participants will be allowed to view the available animals and select the ones in which they may be interested. This preview is open to the public.
Read full story.

Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force rescuing more than 90 dogs from unlicensed, substandard puppy mill in Greene County

Update-Wednesday, March 25, 2009- The Humane Society of Missouri staff has received thousands of adoption applications and are now starting to select adopters to take home a Yorkshire Terrier. Many of the dogs are expected to be placed into loving homes within the next month.
Read full story.

Humane Society of Missouri’s Disaster Response Team Returns Today from Relief Work in Southeast Missouri with Pets Surrendered After Devastating Ice Storm

Disaster Response Team aided more than 200 pets and 1000 families and distributed
more than 30,000 lbs. of pet food provided by Purina®, PetsMart, PETCO and Walmart

Thursday, February 5, 2009-The Humane Society of Missouri Disaster Response Team returns to St. Louis today after a week of coordinating animal rescue operations in New Madrid, Missouri. The Disaster Response Team provided food, water and emergency temporary shelter for pet owners with no water or electricity in New Madrid, Butler and Pemiscot counties hit hard by the ice storm on January 27. A rescue diary and on-the-scene photos are available at hsmo.org

Humane Society of Missouri issues urgent appeal for pet food and supplies for animal rescue efforts in Southeast Missouri

Monday, February 2, 2009-HSMO Disaster Response Team has aided more than 200 pets and 500 families and distributed more than 18,000 lbs. of pet food provided by Purina® and PetsMart to those adversely affected by last week’s ice storm; Pet food and supplies continue to be needed in hardest-hit counties. Read rescue diary.

Humane Society of Missouri Disaster Response Team Called to Southeast Missouri for Emergency Animal Rescue and Shelter

60 animals from Caruthersville shelter to arrive at Humane Society Headquarters this evening

Friday, January 30, 2009-At the request of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Humane Society of Missouri’s Disaster Response Team has set up animal rescue operations in New Madrid, Missouri, to assist with feeding, watering and setting up temporary shelter for pet owners with no water or electricity in New Madrid, Butler and Pemiscot counties hit hard by the ice storm earlier this week. Read full story.

In July of 2008, the State Auditor released its most recent audit of the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Animal Care Facilities Act program. In a news story aired on November 25, 2008, investigative reporter, Megan Lynch with KMOX, finds that despite three audits, (2001, 2004 and 2008), the Missouri Department of Agriculture continues to fall short of meeting the state's requirement of inspecting, on an annual basis, commercial pet breeders, pet stories, kennels and animal shelters.

Humane Society of Missouri Called to Rescue 49 Pekes, Poodles, Pugs and More from Oklahoma Puppy Mill

Humane Society of Missouri only shelter in the region with resources available to rescue large number of animals on short notice

The Humane Society of Missouri is assisting the Grove Humane Society in Delaware County, Oklahoma, with the rescue of 49 small-breed dogs and puppies from a defunct breeding operation. The dogs were kept in dilapidated, wooden and wire rabbit hutches without protection from freezing temperatures predicted for the area. The owner released custody of the dogs to the Humane Society of Missouri Rescue Team who is bringing them back to St. Louis for medical attention and adoption. See photos and read full story.

October 27, 2008 - The Humane Society of Missouri is offering a $2,500 reward to each of the first three persons who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who severely abused an adult female domestic cat.

On Saturday afternoon, October 18, the Humane Society of Missouri responded to a call from the St. Louis City Police Department and a concerned citizen about an injured cat in north St. Louis City. The HSMO Animal Cruelty Investigator and St. Louis City Police Officers determined that the cat had been bound, beaten numerous times with a metal object and set on fire. Humane Society veterinarians who examined the cat found she was suffering from numerous abrasions and bruises, her lungs were irreparably damaged by inhaled smoke and her flesh was severely burned. To alleviate further suffering, the cat was humanely euthanized.

“The excruciating pain and agony this helpless victim suffered is unfathomable,” said Dr. Steve Schwartz, director of Veterinary Medical Centers for the Humane Society of Missouri. “Already battered and bruised, this poor creature’s suffering only intensified once she was set on fire.”

The Humane Society and the St. Louis City Police Department determined the incident occurred about midnight, Friday, Oct. 17 in the 3100 block of Brantner Place. Authorities believe there were numerous witnesses to this incident.

“The heinous nature of this blatant act of animal torture is frightening,” said Tim Rickey, director of Rescues and Investigations for the Humane Society of Missouri. “I implore anyone with information about this despicable act of cruelty to come forward and help us protect other animals from such a horrendous fate.”

Anyone with information about this crime should contact:
Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Abuse Hotline
314-647-4400

September 13, 2008- At the request of the Houston SPCA, a ten-member team from the Humane Society of Missouri's Disaster Response Unit will leave about 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 from Humane Society Headquarters, 1201 Macklind Avenue to travel to the Galveston, Texas area to aid in the rescue of pets in the aftermath Hurricane Ike in the hardest-hit coastal areas of Texas. Because of the Humane Society’s disaster and animal rescue and handling experience and expertise, the HSMO Disaster Response Team has been asked to be prepared for both water and land rescue operations. Read updates.

Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008- At the request of the Louisiana SPCA, an eight-member team from the Humane Society of Missouri's Disaster Response Unit has been in the New Orleans area since August 29 aiding in the evacuation and care of pets in the wake of Hurricane Gustav. Read full story.

Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008 – Yesterday, the rescue team safely waited out the hurricane north of Baton Rouge – lots of rain, wind, humidity and no electricity were reported.

Today, they are back in Baton Rouge helping to care for evacuee pets at the temporary shelter while an assessment is being made of the conditions in New Orleans. Authorities have informed our team that water rescue will not be necessary; therefore, several members will leave this afternoon to return to St. Louis. At the request of the Louisiana State Animal Rescue Team, the remaining Humane Society of Missouri team members are on standby to perform animal rescue in some of the hardest hit parishes over the next several days.

August 31, 2008 - Today the team resumed efforts to evacuate pets and people from New Orleans. The mayor of New Orleans has ordered that all persons, including first-responders, evacuate the City today. Therefore, this afternoon the HSMO team will relocate to Southern University in Baton Rouge to wait out the storm.

With the HSMO team will be the personal pets of first responders living in New Orleans. Those pets will be sheltered at Southern University in a temporary shelter set up by the Louisiana ASPCA.

A member of the HSMO team, Debbie Hill, also reported that our team was able to help two distraught pet owners who were concerned their pets would not be evacuated. Our team was able to help the owner of an agitated pit bull and the owner of a 200 lb. English Mastiff that also had been evacuated after Hurricane Katrina. The pit bull was successfully loaded into a crate and onto the air conditioned animal evacuation truck. The Mastiff required a crate larger than immediately available; however, due to the ingenuity of the HSMO team, a larger crate was found and the dog successfully evacuated. Both owners expressed relief that their pets could be taken to safety during the storm.

August 30, 2008 - The Humane Society Disaster Response Team arrived in New Orleans about 3 a.m. this morning. After a brief rest, they went into action at the Amtrak receiving center helping unload semi trucks full of crates and helping load the personal pets of people who were evacuating to Shreveport, LA. According to Debbie Hill, HSMO director of Operations, who's on the scene, hundreds of animals and thousands of people were bussed out of New Orleans from this location today.

Disaster Response Team Heads to New Orleans

August 29, 2008 - At the request of the Louisiana SPCA, an eight member team from the Humane Society of Missouri's Disaster Response Unit left today to aid in the possible evacuation and rescue of animals in the wake
of Hurricane Gust.

The call came to the Humane Society of Missouri as a result of a Memo of Understanding between the Louisiana ASPCA and the Humane Society of Missouri following Hurricane katrina in 2005. Both organizations have agreed to assist one another in times of disaster.

Rescue Dog Adopt-A-Thon Saturday April 25

Rescue Dog Adopt-A-Thon
Saturday April 25